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594 BCE
Ancient Greeek Democracy
One of the first democracies ever created, and it gave the right to vote to adult, male citizens who weren't slaves. It contributed the idea of democracy to liberalism because it was the first example of a government system where people could vote. Also, it was an important step to the creation of liberalism because it gave citizens rights and freedoms by voting, and it let them protect their interests by electing someone to power. -
1215
Magna Carta
A document limiting the powers of the monarch in Great Britain, and increasing the rights for all citizens. Contributions to the development of classical liberalism:
-protected individuals by creating a standard for fundamental freedoms, which then ensured individuals rights and freedoms
-lead to the development of the rule of law, where no free man can be convicted unless under the laws in place in Great Britain
-movement that questioned the treatment of individuals -
Period: 1350 to
Renaissance
Meaning "Rebirth", it lead to the reform in art, science, literature, and philosophy. People began to put reason over faith, and moved away from the belief that their fate was created by a higher power. This contributed to the development of classical liberalism by increasing an individuals idea of human worth, and it paved the way for more rights and freedoms. -
Period: 1400 to
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
The confederacy was formed when six nations decided to end their war and come together to compose an oral constitution, known as the Great Law of Peace. Canada adapted many of the conference's contributions to the development of classical liberalism.
-was a base for the constitution
-paved the path for equal rights among men and women, and established rights and freedoms (ex, speech, religion)
-citizens had a voice in the government; they established divisions of power, which let them be heard -
Period: 1517 to
Reformation
Martin Luther initiated the restructuring of the church in Europe, because he believed it strayed away from its purpose and grew rich from payments. His ideas initiated the development of classical liberalism by
-emphasizing self-interest, equality and religious freedoms with less ties to the church
-let people make their own decisions
-his theses expressed the idea of "Rule of Law", in the idea that the pope shouldn't act as a god figure -
Period: to
The Enlightenment
New ideologies began to emerge as philosophers communicated ideas in regards to individualism, given rights, human dignity, and equality. Contributions to the development of classical liberalism include:
-the movement away from the blind following of the church, to the trust in logic, science and reason
-the ideas presented by philosophers resounded within citizens and they began to demand more rights and freedoms, which led to a less government involvment -
Period: to
American Revolution
Thirteen British colonies rebelled against the dictative British government. They won the war in 1776 which led to them eventually writing the Declaration of Independence. This contributed to the development of classical liberalism by:
-fighting to protect their own self-interest
-created independence; any man owned land was a citizen, and all men were created equal
-once independent from Britain, they formed a Democracy with their own rights and freedoms, and had their own property -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
A time where technological advancements(like machines) led to the improved production of goods and foods. This lead to many advancements in the development of classical liberalism such as:
-the gain of private property(by wealthy landowners under the Enclosure Acts)
-increased economic freedom(demanding of more freedom and political power)
-the pursuement of their own individual rights and freedoms
-increased completion between individuals with self-interest, which opened doors for new companies -
Period: to
French Revolution
French society was split into strict and evident social classes where the lower class had little to no rights, lived in poor conditions, had almost no power and government representation. They rebelled, & their ideas led to the development of classical liberalism:
-higher classes came before the law, lead to lower classes demanding rule of law
-the declaration of the rights of man was signed, which stated rights and freedoms protected by the government which promotes liberalism -
Period: to
Changes to the Class System
During the 19th century, distinct classes diminished and classes were now based on ones wealth and working status. This contributed to the development of classical liberalism by:
-allowing for greater equality because one could move up in their class, not just stay in the one they were born into
-based off wealth, it presented competition due to self-interest
-gave the working class freedom to buy and sell as they wish
-could purchase and sell private property (land)
