Liberalism Took on Its Modern Meaning During the New Deal

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The Answer is Before the New Deal, liberalism referred to a political and economic philosophy that emphasized individual rights, limited government intervention in the economy, and free market capitalism. It was associated with classical liberalism, which prioritized personal freedom and the protection of property rights.

During the New Deal, liberalism took on a new meaning as the government implemented a series of social and economic reforms to address the Great Depression. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt, liberalism came to be associated with the expansion of government programs and the idea that the state had a responsibility to provide a social safety net for its citizens. This new form of liberalism, often referred to as modern liberalism or social liberalism, emphasized the role of government in regulating the economy, providing social welfare programs, and promoting greater equality and social justice.

The New Deal marked a shift in the understanding of liberalism, as it expanded the role of government in the economy and society, and laid the groundwork for the modern welfare state. This redefined liberalism as a philosophy that sought to balance individual freedom with the collective responsibility of the state to ensure the well-being of its citizens.

Liberalism Took on Its Modern Meaning During the New Deal

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