The advent of liberalism is the result of renaissance and religious reform movements. John Locke is regarded as the father of liberalism. Adam Smith and Jeremy Bentham were the supporters of liberalism. 

Liberalism kept changing with time, but still following are general principles of liberalism :

• Support to capitalism : 

The doctrine of liberalism, directly or indirectly, supports capitalism. But at the time of being reacted upon by Marxism, it talks about the welfare of poor folk. In beginning this doctrine seems to be synonymous to capitalism. 

• Support to personal wealth : 

The doctrine of liberalism supports for personal (individual) property which is the main cause of social division. It generates a situation of social disparities by way of class struggle, In order to contain the effect of Marxism, modern liberalism subscribes to restriction on individual property. 

• Support for public welfare state : 

In the beginning, liberalism regarded the state as a necessary evil, but gradually in due course, it started regarding the state as positive goodness. Summarily, it supports the public welfare form of the state. As per the doctrine of liberalism, the advent of the state has been only for protection of rights of individual and it is done in accordance with the agreement. Mutual relationship between the state and the individual are based on this agreement and in case, the state denies the agreement, (then) an individual shall have not only right but also the responsibility to revolt against the state. 

• Personal freedom : 

Liberalism supports freedom of an individual. Because of granting importance to an individual, the traditional form of liberalism is known as individualism. As per the doctrine of liberalism, an individual should be granted liberty in political, economic, social and religious spheres. 

• Support of free trade : 

Liberalism supports free trade in economic area.