Freedom is the most important basic political value. However, it is also essential in personal-social life and in the economy. The demand for freedom played a central role in all revolutions, its guarantee is an essential element of all constitutions. Freedom is also closely linked to the basic values of equality and security. Three variants of the concept of freedom can be distinguished: the democratic concept of freedom based on moral autonomy according to Kant, the economic-liberal and the socialist concept of freedom. All three have historically played an important role; however, also the limitations of the economic-liberal and socialist concepts are discussed. Furthermore, it is argued that personal, social and economic freedom often represent a significant aspect of political freedom; the lack of freedom in these aspects is a frequently overlooked cause of refugee and migration movements. This chapter also identifies and discusses the most important forces that are hostile to and promote freedom. The former included or include feudal lords, capitalist entrepreneurs, fascist and authoritarian leaders. Breakthroughs to more freedom occurred in the course of revolutions, as a consequence of deep economic crises and major wars; enlightened political personalities were often decisive. Finally, new forms of threats to freedom, such as new media, but also questionable proposals for controlling civilizational threats through authoritarian measures from above, are discussed.