# Lord Acton and the History of Liberty, Part 3

**URL:** <https://www.libertarianism.org/podcasts/excursions/lord-acton-and-the-history-of-liberty-part-3>

**By** George H. Smith

**Published:** November 11, 2015

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George H. Smith discusses Acton’s thesis that the conflict between church and state in medieval Europe was vital to the progress of freedom.

[Originally published in essay form on March 19, 2013.](https://www.libertarianism.org/essays/excursions/lord-acton-history-liberty-part-3)

_Narrated by James Foster._