Rights liberalism was prominent in the Civil Rights movements that began in the second half of the 20th century in the USA. Rights liberalism focused on acquiring equal political and social rights (such as voting, access to jobs and public facilities, etc) by persons of color and by women, who were not being afforded equal rights at the time. Welfare liberalism of the 1930s and 1940s aimed at providing for the basic needs of all citizens, preventing people from languishing in poverty, offering work opportunities and Social Security for all. The intent was to build a more socially responsible society to help any members of society that would be in need.
The liberal tradition had John Stuart Mill as one of its founding fathers. Mill, a 19th century philosopher, is famous for his writing <em>On Liberty</em> as well as <em>Utilitarianism.</em> In promoting liberty (liberalism), he advocated the rights of all individuals. In his utilitarian theory, he worked with the principle that securing the greatest well-being of the greatest number of persons is the best, most ethical path to follow. The welfare liberalism tradition aligns especially with this utilitarian principle advocated by Mill. Rights liberalism aligns especially with the principles he set forth in his writing <em>On Liberty.</em>
