who were liberals

Liberals were historically a group of people and political thinkers who advocated for individual freedoms, constitutional government, free markets, and limited government intervention. The ideology of liberalism, which they championed, emerged primarily in the 17th and 18th centuries with key figures like John Locke. Liberals sought to establish a political order that prized freedoms such as speech, association, and property rights, and promoted ideas such as consent of the governed and rule of law. Over time, liberalism evolved, producing classical liberals who emphasized free markets and limited government, and social liberals who supported government intervention to promote welfare and social justice. The Liberal Party in Britain, founded in 1859, was a political coalition of Whigs, radicals, and former Conservatives who supported free trade and opposed conservative policies. Notable leaders like William Gladstone played a central role in advancing liberal reforms such as education, religious freedom, and political accountability. In summary, liberals were advocates for political and economic freedoms, challenging absolute monarchy and advocating constitutional governance and individual rights, with their ideas foundational to many modern democratic systems and political movements.