In the first half of the 1800s, which group was most likely to be a political liberal?

In the first half of the 1800s, the middle-class merchant was most likely to be a political liberal due to their economic interests and social position. As the Industrial Revolution progressed, the rise of capitalism and a market economy facilitated the growth of the middle class, which included merchants and business owners who began to seek greater political power and influence.

Political liberalism during this period was characterized by ideas such as individual rights, democracy, and the protection of personal freedoms. The middle class often advocated for reforms that would limit the power of the aristocracy and promote a more equitable society through legislation that favored economic opportunity and the rights of citizens. This group was typically well-educated, had a vested interest in promoting free trade, and supported the expansion of civil liberties. Such values aligned closely with the principles of liberalism, making them the primary proponents of political change during this era.

In contrast, landowning aristocrats generally sought to maintain their traditional privileges and power structures, while factory workers were often focused more on labor rights and working conditions than on broader liberal political reforms. Rural peasants, on the other hand, were usually concerned with local agrarian issues and may have been less engaged in the political liberal movements of the time. Therefore, the