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1215
Magna Carta
Established the principle that everyone is subject to law and the right to justice and the right to a fair trial. (One of England’s first steps toward establishing parliamentary democracy.) -
1514
Nicolaus Copernicus
Attributes to astronomy-the sun is the center of our universe. His knowledge set the scene for more advancement in science and started a science revolution in astronomy. -
Oct 31, 1517
Martin Luther: 95 Thesis
Sparked the Protestant Reform and “changed the course of religious and cultural history in the west.” -
Mayflower Compact
First document governing the Plymouth Colony, written by the men who traveled to the New World on the Mayflower, to ensure a functioning social structure. -
Peace of Westphalia
Marked the end of the Thirty Years War, one of the most destructive conflicts in the history of Europe. -
Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Believed that humankind is corrupted by the artificiality of the society in which they live and growth of social independency. He believed that humankind was “good” before civilization when man was in nature. -
Committees of Correspondence
American colonies’ way of maintaining communication lines before the Revolutionary War. Boston formed to encourage opposition to Britain’s toughening customs enforcement and prohibition of the American paper money. -
Inclosure Acts (Enclosure Acts)
A series of Acts by Parliament that allowed for the enclosure of open fields and common lands in England and Wales, creating legal property rights to land that was originally held in common. -
Declaration of Independence
Led to our independence from Britain. Gave Americans the right to go to war with England and listed what the colonists thought was wrong with England. -
Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations
Scottish economist and moral philosopher. In the book, The Wealth of Nations, he explains why we use money and how free trade can create an efficient market. -
Karl Marx
Originated the political theory, communism. Wrote for a liberal democratic newspaper which was banned because it was considered too radical. -
Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions
Seneca Falls Convention marked the start of the women’s rights movement in the US and declared equality -
Sojourner Truth: Ain’t I a Women
She spoke for the rights of women and African Americans. Her famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman” was delivered at a convention -
Abraham Lincoln: Gettysburg Address
One of the most important speeches in American history. Recited during the official dedication ceremony for the National Cemetery of Gettysburg on the site of one of the bloodiest battles -
Port Huron Statement
Democratic ideals written by 60 students which were a part of The Students for a Democratic Society. They wanted a Participatory Democracy. Meaning citizens would have direct individual involvement in the decisions that affected their lives. -
Derrick Bell
Civil rights activist. Original founder of the critical race theory. -
Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw
Civil rights advocate who developed the intersectional theory which was based on race and gender.