[The Pack Knight]

I'm actually trying to figure out what he means by "19th-century liberalism." I'm assuming he's referring to the liberal movement of in early 19th century Europe which was largely a reaction to the Napoleonic Wars and their aftermath.

I usually think of it as "18th century liberalism", though, particularly in the American context. The traditions that informed liberalism in the 19th century were largely set forth by 17th and 18th century thinkers like Locke, Smith, and Kant. The United States had, of course, adopted this tradition in the late 18th century, and it continues to serve as its first and greatest expression in the world.

I'm hoping he isn't talking about late 19th century Progressivism, which is where modern American "liberalism" has its roots. I'm pretty sure he isn't, though - Hanson is pretty Euro-centric in his history and knows the difference between liberalism and progressivism, so I'm pretty sure he was referring to the 18th-early 19th century thought that forms one of the foundations of modern American conservatism.

[rockrr]

Unfortunately I took his meaning to be the latter. It is uncharacteristic of VDH to be so imprecise in his verbiage and is the reason for my unease. Either way (and thank you for defining them so well) it presents a troubling (mis)characterization of players and events.

Classic Liberalism hasn’t devolved into a mess and there is nothing noble about Progressivism.

[wintertime]

“19th-century liberalism.”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Personally, I call these people the “19th century Utopian Progressives”.