-
500 BCE
Greek Democracy
Athens and the surrounding territory of Attica was the first known democracy in the world. Other Greek cities organized democracies, most following the way the Athenians did it, but none as well documented as Athens. The democratic system only allowed 12% of people in Athens to vote. They also exercised an idea that regular citizens had power and a voice in society. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is a document which limited the power of monarchs in Great Britain. Peasants and citizen of Britain had no rights before until Magna Carta gave them rights. It also lead to the constitutional law and created a fundamental basis for fundamental freedom of citizens/ -
1300
Renaissance "Period of Rebirth"
The Renaissance was a time when cultural and artistic rebirth occurred in Europe.At that time Greek and Roman literature was rediscovered and the power of human reason came first as it was "reason over faith". This has contributed to the development of classical liberalism as it the people got more rights and freedom as the worth of the individual has been realized. -
1517
Reformation
The Reformation was initiated when Martin Luther published the "Ninety-Five Theses" and when he believed that the Church has become corrupted by power and had to much power and control towards the people and the monarchy.This contributed to the development of classical liberalism as The Reformation gave emphasis to personal freedom, equality and self-interest. -
Industrial Revolution
This period of time was the transition of human manufacturing to machinery. Though at the beginning workers were placed in dangerous situations but was later on given health benefits, safe working conditions, legal services and job protection. The principles of classical liberalism played a huge role in freeing up enterprising individuals and in giving rights and freedoms later on. -
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Travelling from community to community, the Haudenosaunee succeeded in persuading the chiefs of each nation to join in on the Great League of Peace. This confederacy contributed to classical liberalism by expressing their cultures and freedom and respect to each other. -
The American Revolution
The American Revolution was a colonial revolt to overthrow the British Colonies and to win independence. The American Revolution has contributed to the development of classical liberalism through the use philosophies of liberalism and republicanism to reject monarchy and aristocracy and the proclamation that all men are created equal.This is also the time period when the philosopher John Locke was active and when he published the "Social Contract". -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was an attempt to transform the society using the principles of Liberalism. This time period overthrew the monarchs of France and replaced them with Liberal democracies with the slogan " liberty, equality fraternity" which also connects to the principles of classical liberalism. It also proclaims the equality of man before the law and the freedom of thought and faith. After this time period, classical liberalism rapidly progressed and spread throughout the world. -
The Age Enlightenment
The Enlightenment helped promote the beliefs of classical liberalism that congealed into the liberal ideology. This was the beginning of interpretations of history and beliefs about human nature, the structure of society, the purpose of life, and did not base on religion as reason was placed first. The Enlightenment is part of classical liberalism because it led to the progressive acceptance of human nature. -
Changes to the Class system
This time period came about the reduction of distinct/specific classes in society. Back then when you were born to a specific class, you are supposed to stay in that class forever. But when classical liberalism came to be, the radical ideas resulted in social distinction being declined.
