What was a key feature of 19th century liberalism?

A key feature of 19th century liberalism was the promotion of individual freedoms and civil rights. This political ideology emerged in the context of Enlightenment ideas and focused on the importance of personal liberties, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial. Liberals advocated for constitutional government and sought to limit the powers of government to protect individual rights against oppression.

During this period, liberalism also championed the idea of equal rights for all citizens, regardless of class or background, and emphasized the importance of representative democracy. The struggle for civil rights was integral to liberal movements, influencing various social reforms and political changes throughout Europe and the Americas.

In contrast to this, other options do not align with the principles of 19th century liberalism. Support for monarchy or concentrated power would align more closely with conservative ideals. Emphasis on collective ownership relates more to socialist or communist ideologies rather than liberalism, which values private property rights. Lastly, while nationalism can be complex and varied in its relationship to liberalism, outright rejection of nationalism is not a characteristic of the liberal movement during this time, as many liberals sought national self-determination alongside individual rights.