Classical Liberalism Analysis

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There are many characteristics or factors that contributed greatly to the transition from classical liberalism to modern liberalism. Each factor changed the face of how liberalism was seen or practiced throughout history. Some, however, made a greater impact than others. The three most important characteristics of the transition were equal opportunities, labor standards, and voting rights.

The first selection I choose that was most important to the transition from classical to modern liberalism was equal opportunities. Equal opportunities are basically policies and practices used in employment or other areas that do not discriminate against individuals on the basis of race, age, gender, nationality, religion, or mental/physical disabilities. Back in classical liberalism, people of an “undesired” race or gender (other than rich white men) were discriminated against solely on their background. Now in modern liberalism, certain rights that were taken away from people who had been treated unfairly against are being given to them by the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the Committee on Equal Employment
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While equal opportunities helped give people give everybody the chance to participate in educational institutions or workplace regardless of their background, labor standards made governments ensure that companies were following certain rules in their workplaces so that their employees can work in safe conditions. As giving voting rights to the downtrodden as well allowed everyone to participate in helping their government in making political decisions that will benefit not just the wealthy, but other groups of people (ethnic minorities, lower and middle-class people, and women). As you can see, equal opportunities, labor standards, and voting rights are very important when discussing factors that helped the transition from classical liberalism to modern