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A History of Classical Liberalism in the Netherlands

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  • Edwin van de Haar

Abstract

The Dutch contributed in several ways to the development of classical liberalism and many of these contributions are still visible in current Dutch society. Main examples are found in the development of capitalism, including free trade and stable institutions, and pleas for freedom of conscience and other personal liberties. Some of these ideas have roots in the writings of great Dutch writers, such as Erasmus, Grotius, Spinoza, Pieter and Johan de la Court, or Bernard Mandeville. Into the 18th century, however, Dutch classical liberalism lost its vitality and ascendance. From the mid-19th century onwards, social liberalism started to take over as the dominant liberal variant in Dutch politics. Generally, classical liberal influence waned, persisting with the odd exception now and then, for example through the work of thinker-politician Frits Bolkestein in the 1990s.

Suggested Citation

  • Edwin van de Haar, 2023. "A History of Classical Liberalism in the Netherlands," Econ Journal Watch, Econ Journal Watch, vol. 20(2), pages 368–401-3, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:ejw:journl:v:20:y:2023:i:2:p:368-401
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jan Luiten van Zanden & Arthur van Riel, 2004. "Introduction to The Strictures of Inheritance: The Dutch Economy in the Nineteenth Century," Introductory Chapters, in: The Strictures of Inheritance: The Dutch Economy in the Nineteenth Century, Princeton University Press.
    2. Ross, Ian Simpson, 2010. "The Life of Adam Smith," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, edition 2, number 9780199550036.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Grotius; Pieter de la Court; Spinoza; Mandeville; Thorbecke; Bolkestein;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • A11 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Role of Economics; Role of Economists
    • A13 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Social Values
    • B2 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925
    • B13 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925 - - - Neoclassical through 1925 (Austrian, Marshallian, Walrasian, Wicksellian)
    • B53 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - Current Heterodox Approaches - - - Austrian
    • O54 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Latin America; Caribbean

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