What was a common criticism of Classical Liberalism during its development?

During the development of Classical Liberalism, a prevalent criticism was that it overlooked the needs of the broader society. Classical Liberalism focused heavily on individual rights, personal freedoms, and economic liberties, often emphasizing the role of the free market and limited government intervention. This individualistic approach sometimes led critics to argue that it failed to adequately address social inequality and the welfare of disadvantaged groups. The emphasis on personal freedom and property rights would frequently sideline collective societal needs, which critics contended could exacerbate social divisions and fail to provide a safety net for the less fortunate. Thus, this critique highlighted a perceived imbalance where the individual was prioritized over communal or societal responsibilities, revealing potential shortcomings in addressing broader societal issues.