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400 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
It was started in the fifth century BC in Athens. Citizens could vote directly on legislation and government. Although you had to be adult male native citizen in order to vote. It first introduced the idea of participation in government to the world, eventually leading to classical liberalism as we know it. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was one of the first documents to guarantee rights for people. It was originally meant to be a solution to a problem King John was having. it was meant to make peace between the unpopular king and a group of Rebel barons. Nonetheless it has influenced modern constitutions all across the world as it was used as a sort of blueprint for building a constitution. -
Period: 1300 to
Renaissance
The period known as the renaissance was believed to have originated in Italy around the 14th century. It led to an enormous amount of political, educational and cultural reform. The ideas spread throughout Europe and influenced the way society continued to develop. It contributed to the development of the idea of individual importance in society, which plays a big part in classical liberal thought. -
Period: 1400 to
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
It was a confederacy of six tribes that were at war than decided to come together and make peace with one another. They abide by the Great Law of Peace that was their oral constitution The key elements of the constitution are equality between all members, clearly stated rights and freedoms and division of power. These elements of the Great Law of Peace later influenced the American constitution, therefore demonstrating the influence of the Confederacy on classical liberal ideology. -
Period: 1517 to
Reformation
The Protestant Reformation was was a successful attempt to reform the Catholic Church. Much like the Renaissance the Reformation Drew its inspiration from the ancient world. It attempted to restore the spiritual purity of early Christianity before the growth of a powerful clergy. By strengthening monarchs at the expense of the church it led to the growth of the modern secular and centralized state. It also led to the formation of individualism as Protestants are able to interpret the scripture. -
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated Europe during the 18th century. The ideas that came out of the enlightened came to advance many of the ideals that eventually evolved into Classical liberalism, such as individual liberty and constitutional government. -
American Revolution
The American Revolution was a colonial revolt by the American Patriots in the 13 colonies to gain independence from Great Britain, later becoming the United States of America. The Revolution was heavily influenced by John Locke's ideas on liberty. The citizens of the 13 colonies or upset that Great Britain was taxing them when they had no members of their own colonies in the governing body. The American Revolution helped influence the evolution of the democratic process throughout history. -
French Revolution
French Revolution was a social and political revolution in France in the late 18th century. the revolution overthrew the monarchy at the time and established a republic in France. It triggered global decline on absolute monarchies and replace them with republics and liberal democracies. It led to the development of guaranteed rights for all people and the equality of all people.Led to the end of royal rule instead the people being governed by the rule of law under a constitutional order. -
Changes to class system
As classical liberalism ideals began to take hold in the 19th century society began to change. People began to value the individual and that encourage economic opportunities. The increased economic freedom led to the growth of the middle class and the in the shrinking of the wealth Gap. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a change in manufacturing processes in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Manufacturing processes change from hand production to using machines powered by steam. lack of economic regulations at the time workers were being exploited. They were paid very little and the working conditions in the factories were very dangerous. The exploitation of workers during the Industrial Revolution led to the eventual installation of economic regulations to protect the worker.