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800 BCE
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece was the first country to have a democracy of sorts. They allowed 12% of the population to have a political say and only allowed men to come to the meetings. While this is very different from modern democracies they were groundbreaking in their decision to allow any civilians to have say. Allowing individuals within a society to have a voice makes it possible for people to pursue self-interest, a key part of modern liberalism. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was one of the first documents establishing rule of law and individual right and freedoms. It was signed in Great Britain and limited the power of kings and gave more power to citizens. It was crucial in the development of individuals gaining rights. It also was the first big step in compelling people of any class to adhere to the same set of laws. It wad the first action of making laws, in writing, that supported individual rights and rule of law. -
1300
Renaissance
The Renaissance was a time when society morphed from the dark ages into a new era of humanism. It was a time when people's unique differences and traits began to be celebrated. People were encouraged to pursue the liberalist idea of self-interest. During the Renaissance the concept of man being at the center of his own universe began to gain traction. This made the belief that people have individual rights and ideas flourish. -
1400
Huadenosaunee Confederacy
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy was an agreement between six First Nation groups. It was built on a desire, for division of power through the government, to encourage both men and woman to have a voice, and the establishment of rights and freedoms. It was a point of reference that was used by Americans when creating the Constitution. The constitution allows for the execution of modern liberalism as we know it, creating a guide for society's rules showing the Haudenoseunee's effect on liberalism. -
1517
Reformation
The reformation was caused by German pastor Martin Luther rebelling against the current state of the Catholic church and the power that they held over the people. Over the next century, people began to break away from the traditional Catholic church and form their own denomination based on their personal views. This was huge in the emerging of modern liberalism because people were beginning to have a say in their political and personal affairs. Leading to a greater rise of individualistic values -
The Enlightenment
The enlightenment was a time when people challenged the traditional perspectives of individuality and human nature. During this time people began to embrace human rational and reason. They began to understand how individuals could improve their own condition. This allowed for the growth of values that are key to modern liberalism. The pursuit of freedom and happiness began to gain popularity further reinforcing the beliefs of liberalism. The enlightenment allowed people to pursue self interest. -
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution describes the turning period form Britain being an agriculture and mercantile society to a modern industrial one. At this point, liberalistic values began to be put into practice. Economic freedom, individual freedom, private property, self-interest and competition all began to play a huge role in modern society. The exaction of these values truly was monumental in establishing the liberal values that had been being honed for hundreds of years beforehand. -
American Revolution
The American Revolution was a revolt in which 13 colonies fought for political and economic independence from Great Britain. The outcome from this revolt was essentially the United States of America. The fight of these men went on to become one of the core principle of modern liberalism, economic freedom. The Revolution caused individuals to have the power of how to money came in and out of their account. This was a crucial step in the emergence of the liberal value of economic freedom. -
French Revolution
The leaders of the French revolution believed in the principles of liberalism and fought to make them a reality. They revolted against the leadership of the Louis XVI. Which though it eventually led to mob mentality a few important documents were made. They promoted many liberal principles such as self-interest, democracy, rule of law, and individual rights and freedoms. The recognition of these would go on hugely impact the beliefs and laws of individuals. -
Changes to the Class System
During this time Classic Liberalism really began to take over society. Social classes diminished and class structure emerged. These changes allowed independent business owners to make large amounts of money. However, this at times had a dismal effect on the working class. Overall though this period of life truly showcased the idea of self-interest, each person worked to better their situation as much as possible. It was a time that was necessary to the finalization of liberal views.
