For instance, 19th century autocracies often abolished feudal institutions like serfdom, guilds, privileges for the nobility and inequality before the law, but freedom of speech and freedom of association were at best limited. As such, liberal autocracy often preceded various forms of electoral democracy in the evolution of these nations, being much more open than feudal monarchies, but less free than modern liberal democracies.
For example, 19th century regimes that were not entirely tyrannical often eliminated feudal institutions such as serfdom and guilds, as well as social advantages for the nobility and inequality in the law. However, freedom of speech and association were only partially restricted. This led to liberal authoritarianism preceding various forms of democratic governance in these countries, which was more open than feudal monarchies but less free than modern liberal democracies.