Liberalism is a legacy of European history and philosophy. In fact, it is the dividend of renaissance. John Locke is regarded as the father of liberalism. The use of the word liberalism was first made in England in 1815, but as a philosophy, liberalism came into being in the 16th century. 

The developmental phases of liberalism can be understood in the following steps :

First phase of development : 

Before the 14th century, rulers like-kings, pope, knights, etc. had a rampant sway in the state. This period is called a dark era. Liberalism came into existence against the medieval rulers. The references of the initial form of liberalism are found in the works of John Locke, Bentham and Adam Smith. At the beginning, its form was negative and it was known as individualism or classical liberalism.

Second phase of development : 

The second phase of development of change in liberalism started in 14th century when john Stuart Mill gave it a positive form. Previously, the state was thought to be a necessary evil but now it started to have positive goodness. Simultaneously, certain mandatory restrictions were imposed on it against the backdrop of fear in the system of uncontrolled freedom of an individual.

Third phase of development : 

In 20th century, Laski and Mclver presented a new form of liberalism. Now the state was regarded as a good and necessary institution. Besides, laws were thought to be a saviour of an individual.

Fourth phase of development : 

During the later part of 20th century, liberalism got bent in support of autonomy to an individual under the fear of increasing popularity of Marxism. Because of this reason, there was a support to restrict works of the state. In this way, liberalism got its present form after undergoing several developmental changes. This doctrine regards an individual as accomplishment and state as means.