Question

What did liberalism mean to the middle class in Europe?
(A) End of aristocracy
(B) End of conservatism
(C) Freedom of the individual and equality of all before law
(D) Universal adult franchise

Answer 1

Hint: Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy which is based on liberty, equality before the law and consent of the governed. The establishment of social liberalism became a key component in Europe and North America in the expansion of the welfare state.

Complete step-by-step answer:
A wide range of array views is espoused by the Liberals depending on their understanding of the principles. They generally support free trade, free markets, individual rights (including civil rights and human rights), limited government, democracy, capitalism, gender equality, secularism, and internationalism, freedom of speech, racial equality, freedom of the press and freedom of religion. The most common political colour associated with liberalism is yellow. Liberal parties continue to wield power these days and influence the world. The fundamental elements of contemporary society also have liberal roots. The early waves of liberalism popularized economic individualism and expanded the constitutional government and parliamentary authority. Liberals sought and established a constitutional order which prized important individual freedoms such as freedom of association and freedom of speech; public trial by jury and an independent judiciary; and the abolition of aristocratic privileges. Later waves of modern liberal thought and the struggle was strongly influenced by the need to expand civil rights. In Europe, liberalism means freedom of the individual and equality of all before the law to the middle class.

Thus, option (C) is correct.

Note: Liberals have advocated racial and gender equality in their drive to promote civil rights and in the 20th century, a global civil rights movement achieved several objectives towards both the goals. Other goals were often accepted by the liberals and these include universal suffrage and universal access to education.