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Period: 500 BCE to 400 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
During the ancient Greek Democracy, all male citizens had equal political rights, freedom of speech, and the opportunity to participate directly in the political arena. The citizens also participated in a direct democracy where they themselves controlled everything and shared in the responsibilities.
The Ancient Greek Democracy contributed greatly to classical liberalism, as it was one of the first democracies we have recorded. It showed us how easy it can be to liberal and equal. -
Period: Jun 15, 1215 to
Magna Carta
Magna Carta (aka "The Great Charter") was a law King John of England signed stating that everyone, including royalty, was subjected to the law instead of being above it. The Great Charter was a practical solution to a political crisis that he faced. It was used as a peace treaty between the king and rebel barons, even though it did not work as a peace treaty in the slightest.
Magna Carta was a big step for classical liberalism, as it allowed for justice and rights to a fair trial. -
Period: 1400 to
Renaissance
The renaissance was a time of change in Europe where things were reborn. The political, cultural, social, economical, and many other areas experienced this rebirth and changed many things about them. The Renaissance was the 'golden age' of the arts and architecture. It inspired new ideas, cultures, religions, and ways to live by. The Renaissance was also a time of realization for individual worth and importance. Individual awareness grew under the influence of renaissance philosophers. -
Period: 1500 to
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
The Haudenosaunee consists of 5 (later 6) different nations who's main goal is peace while being able to keep their own beliefs and values. Their government is called the 'Grand Council of Chiefs,' which is composed of 50 chiefs, representing the 5 (later 6) nations. They use a Republican democracy approach and use methods of civic problem solving to work towards all forms of peace.
The Haudenosaunee showed an understanding of the importance of individual rights and freedoms and equalities. -
Period: 1517 to
Reformation
The Reformation was a time in which religion was called to be purified and to have the bible as the sole source of spiritual authority. Contrary to popular belief, the reformation was not a time in which new religions were created, it was instead the separation of one religion because of their different point of views; christianity.
The reformation contributed directly to classical liberalism, as it encouraged individuals to think and act for themselves and follow the paths they choose. -
Period: to
The Enlightenment
The enlightenment was a movement in the 'Long 18th Century' that paved the way for 19th century romanticism. During the Enlightenment, reason, individualism and skepticism were all emphasized. There were many great philosophers that helped our understandings. Many people ended up steering away from traditional religion and began to make their own beliefs and assumptions.
The enlightenment aided in the development of classical liberalism by bringing to light how rational and reasonable we can be. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was one of the most influencial and relevant revolutions as of today. It was responsible for the creation of many mechanical things, as well as machinery and allowing us to rely more on machines in order to do the work we do not want to do.
There were many new ideas about individual worth and human potential during this time, which led to many more liberalist ideologies. The classical liberalism shown in this time has had a lasting effect and is still very much around. -
Period: to
American Revolution
After the French and Indian war, the British government was trying to get the American colonies to pay a large share of the war debt. They also tried getting the colonies to pay many other taxes and eventually the american colonies were very unhappy and began to revolt. This created the want to no longer be controlled by a foreign government, which made them declare independence.
This revolution contributed to classical liberalism by defending their rights and their freedoms from the british. -
Period: to
French Revolution
The French Revolution was a time in which the French people overthrew the monarchy and took control of the government. The Revolution really started when revolutionaries stormed the Bastille Prison. The reason of the Revolution was to address the financial issues of the regime. In 1793, King Louis XVI was executed and things settled down when Napoleon Bonaparte took power in 1799. The French revolution gave the people the power to control many things in which they previously had no power. -
Period: to
Changes to class system
There were 5 main social classes in the 19th century; Royalty, upper class/ gentry, middle class, working class, and lower class. They were all divided according to their wealth and what they were born into. Within each class, they were each separated more within, based on their sex and their race. In the 19th century, changes to the class systems began. Changes to the classes allowed more doors to open for lower classes and allowed them to pursue the things they pleased.