Classical Liberalism Timeline

  • 5 BCE

    Ancient Greek Democracy

    Ancient Greek Democracy
    Greek democracy was first created in the city of Athens, and is the first known democracy in the world. It was created by Cleisthenes, who made a system of political reforms that he called demokratia, or “rule by the people.”
  • Jun 15, 1215

    The Magna Carta

    The Magna Carta
    The Magna Carta is a charter written by King John of England. It states that everyone, including the King, is subject to the law. It guarantees right to justice, right to individuals and right to a fair trial.
  • 1300

    Renaissance

    Renaissance
    The Renaissance is a period of great enlightenment and artistic splendor. It is also a time where people questioned their leaders and what was given to them, hence philosophy and science took a greater hold on the society. People wanted to have a say, which resulted in the concept of humanism.
  • 1400

    Haudenosaunee Confederacy

    Haudenosaunee Confederacy
    A confederacy known as "People of the Longhouse". They are united by the Great Law of Peace =, which is considered a constitution and a basis for Haudenosaunee society. It is a political and cultural document.
  • 1517

    Reformation

    Reformation
    The Protestant Reformation is the split from the Roman Catholic Church by Martin Luther. Significant attempts to reform the Catholic Church had happened beforehand, but it wasn't until this final push of "The Ninety-Five Theses" that caused the Reformation. The impact of the Renaissance thinking and humanism played a great role.
  • The Enlightenment

    The Enlightenment
    A period in western thinking that caused revolutions in science, philosophy, science and politics. It was referred to as the "Age of Reason" . This was also a time for religious innovation. This age directly inspired revolutions, liberalism, classicism and romanticism.
  • Industrial Revolution

    Industrial Revolution
    The change in production and manufacturing processes. This caused rapid urbanization, and better transportation, communication and banking. However, for the working class, there was little employment opportunities, starvation and poverty.
  • American Revolution

    American Revolution
    The American Revolution is when the members of the thirteen colonies of the Americas refused to submit to the laws of the British mother-country. It is also called the War of Independence.
  • French Revolution

    French Revolution
    A revolution that caused the political and social reform of France. This revolutionary moment rid France of the ancient regime, feudalism and an absolute monarchy.
  • Changes to the Class System

    Changes to the Class System
    Due to new economic opportunities, longer life expectancy and better quality of life, a middle class was formed. This class included doctors, lawyers, teachers, skilled experts in technology, clerks, etc.