Notions of Liberty

Paper Summary:

This papers considers the shift in the concept of liberty since the founding of the United States to contemporary times. Several issues that did not directly impact our founding fathers are evaluated from the perspective of liberty. These include women's rights, equality among the races, and rights of the handicapped. The author also cites the unique spirit of individualism that is associated with American society.

From the Paper:

"Liberty, equality and opportunity are rights that people recognize and treasure daily. Since the birth of the Republic the notion of liberty, equality and opportunity has expanded and been limited in American society. Liberty is ones right, to be your own individual. During the Revolution, liberty was ones right but also involved the society's rights as well. Your right was considered a duty in the eighteenth century. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Brinkley, Alan. The Unfinished Nation: A Concise History of the American People. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993.
• Handlin, Oscar, and Lilian Handlin. Liberty in Expansion, 1760-1850. New York: Harper & Row, 1989.
• Zinn, Howard. A People's History of the United States, 1492-Present. New York: Perennial Classics/HarperCollins, 2001.

More papers on Notions of Liberty:

• Book Review # 146524 : "Summary of Part III "A Land of Contrasts: The Boisterous Sea of Liberty"
• Analytical Essay # 88747 : "The Core of Liberalism: An Analysis of Liberty"
• Analytical Essay # 148427 : "The Authentic and Inauthentic Selves: What They Do to Freedom and Self-Liberty"

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