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509 BCE
Rome
Rome was declared a Republic when the King had been sent away. The rich families took over and were called Patricians. They controlled the poorer families that were called Plebs. The Plebs fought for more rights and won but did not have as many rights as Athenians. -
350 BCE
Athenian Democracy
In Athens, between 700 and 350 BCE, all citizens were to take a role in the city's affairs. Only men born in Athens could be recognized as citizens. Women and slaves were excluded. -
1215
Monarchy
Most European countries had a Monarchy during the middle ages. They ruled France, Russia and England. The Monarch felt that they had been chosen by God to rule their country and anyone who questioned their authority questioned God. This ended up being called "the Devine Right of Kings". In 1215, the King was forced by the British nobility to give up his Devine Right and had to make a Parliament. -
1215
Magna Carta
King John had to sign this document which helped protect citizens. It was stated in this document that the King could not force widows to remarry, could not force villagers to build bridges over rivers, etc. This document was the first step in the beginning of or Parliamentary Democracy. -
The American Revolution
From 1775-1781, this revolution helped create the first democracy. Americans could vote and there were three levels of government so officials could not abuse their power. Women and slaves were excluded from this development until later dates. -
The French Revolution
This revolution began as a step towards democracy but ended up creating dictators who wanted to get their way. They used the famous Guillotine to eliminate any opposition. The military leader, Napoleon, ended up becoming the head of power and tried to take over Europe.