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507 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
Beginning in 507 BC, Cleisthenes began making political reforms that would result in the people to rule themselves, of demokratia. This would become what is known as one of the earliest forms of democracy. This contributed to the development of classic liberalism by allowing for self-interest to play a large role in society as everyone who was eligible to vote, did so in their own self interest. They also valued the "protection of civil liberties" by listening to court cases by a random jury. -
1215
Magna Carta
King John agreed to this charter to settle disputes with his subjects and that would place no one above the law, it also protected basic English freedoms and also used to help design the current constitution used today in England. It helped early English citizens achieve principles of liberalism that they would be able to hold for hundreds of years later.. -
Period: 1400 to
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Also one of the oldest democracies, began as a way to unify the different nations and allow to peaceful decision making. It was a democracy that valued law, society and nature in all equal aspects and it contributed to classic liberalism by being a model for other democracies to be built on. It also advocated for all the principles of liberalism as they knew the rational decisions individuals could make and knew the importance of their rights. -
Period: 1400 to
Renaissance
Reforms across all aspects of society were taking place, and this caused great growth financially, culturally and literally in all aspects of society. Such reforms allowed for greater optimism in visions towards the future. It allowed for the future to be filled with hope to what it would bring. -
Period: 1517 to
Reformation
The reformation of Christianity caused a religious revolution all throughout Europe. Started by Martin Luther and John Calvin, it began the branches of differing types of Christianity to occur, including the Protestant branch of the faith, in response to the corruption that was occurring the the Roman Catholic Church. -
American Revolution
By rejecting the British authority over them, the Thirteen colonies were paving their way to creating their own unique nation. They also formed and signed the Declaration of Independence which would share and align with all the values that classical liberalism held. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was one of the most significant events in history as it allowed for the lowest class in French society to break free from the Third Estate and break free from the injustices and inequality they faced. They rose up and took the power from the nobles, clergy and royals into their hands and signed the Declaration on the Rights of Man in 1779 and by doing this they were the embodiment of classic liberalism by creating a society in which there is no one above the law. -
Enlightenment
This was a time in history when great changes began taking place, scientific advancements were made and was the birth place of classic liberalism. This was one of the greatest achievements to come, as it set the stage for the many governments to base their ideas off of this and for great societal change to take place. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
The rapid change from small, rural communities becoming urbanized and industrialized through the use of new technologies. This century brought rapid change to the area and caused new revenues to be established. Classic Liberalism was afoot due to the role that self-interest had and the way that individuals were able to become successful by placing a greater importance on their own self-interest. -
Changes to Class System
The systems of class that dictated society before the Revolutions took place no longer had a significant value in modern times, rather it was up to the wealth and income that dictated your place in society. This shift has caused an individuals socio-economic class to play a large role in the future they attain as it plays a role in the quality of services you will be able to afford to have in your life.