Development of Liberalism

By Makare Lee
  • 550

    Ancient Greek Democracy: 550 BC

    One of the first democracies started in the city of Athens, Greece. It is well-known for being stable and effective. Without the Ancient Greek democracy, the foundation of our democracy today would be very different and it might not be as advanced.
  • Jan 1, 1215

    Magna Carta: 1215

    The Magna Carta is a document that forced King John, the king of England, which stated that the king would not have absolute power and rights were given to individuals. This allowed people who are to be arrested to have a fair trial and be judged not only by the King of England but by England's laws also.
  • Jan 1, 1400

    The Renaissance: 1400-1600

    The Renaissance was a cultural movement that started in Italy and moved across Europe. At this time, the landowners and business men started to have more power than the kings and nobles which led to a unstable political environment. The replublic of Florence was established and territories where separated into states.
  • Jan 1, 1500

    The Haudenosaunee Confederacy: 1500-1776

    The Haudenosaudee Confederacy is the representative government for the Six Nations. It is the oldest democracy whre people participate in selection of council and is the model for the American Consitiution. The symbol of the Great Law, the seal of the United States, the operations of the US Congress and the Grand Council are some of the similarties the two share.
  • Jan 1, 1517

    The Reformation: 1517-1648

    At this time, people believed that anyone was able to go to heaven by good deeds. However, Martin Luther was against this belief so he published the 95 Theses where Catholicism and Protestanism fought for power. Henry VIII established the Church of England and allowed the Bible to be known throughout the country. Elizabeth I was a Protestant and was crowned the Queen in 1558. The Parliament passed the Religious Settlement Act and they had a majority of Protestants.

  • American Revolution: 1776

    During this time the colonies in North America wanted to become independnt from the British Empire. THe Amercians preferred a replublic state which was based on liberalism. The result of the Revolution was the democratic government which was responsible for the American people.

  • French Revolution: 1789

    The French wanted to destroy the feudal system in France since King Louis XVI ignored the issues of the nation. During this time, the TEnnis Court Oth, Sorming of the Bastille, eclaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, and the Women's March on Versaille allowed the political system to collapse and because of this, the ideology of the liberal democracy was created buased on the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

  • The Enlightenment: 1800

    The Enlightenment started in Europe when people wanted the society to be based on reason and science instead of faith and tratidtion. The people believed that individuals should be able to think and reason for themselves. Jean-Jacques Rosseau questioned if the king's power was from God or from the people. This started the spread of classical liberalism.

  • Industrial Revolution:1800-1900

    The Industrial Revolution introducted the world to the steam engine and huge factories emerged. Manufacturing was more efficient however, living conditions worsened. Many people where foced to leave their homes and moved into the city to find a job in a manufacturing factory.

  • Changes to Class System: 1900

    At this time, classical liberalism gave people a change to break free of their social class and having more conomic opportuinty to move up the class system. Even though the class system was not totally abolished, it allowed people from a lower class more opportunities.