Supportive elements / circumstances / factors in the origin and development of liberalism: 

The following are the supporting factors or circumstances in the origin and development of liberalism:

(1) Religious Reformation Movement: 

The movement initiated under the leadership of Martin Luther against the autocracy of religion and Pope in 16th century paved the way for spiritual and intellectual freedom of an individual. This movement established the ‘Protestant Religion’ in Europe. This movement made a person’s outlook broad and generous and this gave rise to the development of liberalism. 

(2) Industrial Revolution: 

Industrial revolution of Europe in the 18th century gave rise to new industrialists who opposed the restrictions imposed by the state in political and economic life, in order to gain maximum profits and thus paved the way for liberalism. 

(3) Reaction against autocracy: 

The main reason of advent of liberalism was the reaction against autocratic governments. In 16th and 17th century, Europe had autocratic monarchy. In this situation, John Locke, J.S. Mill, Herbert Spencer and T.H. Green, etc. propagated the concept of rights and liberty of an individual, and because of this, liberalism came into existence.