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487 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy (487 BC - 593 BC)
It developed in around the fourth or fifth century in the city-state Athens. It is the first known form practicing democracy. Only eligible male citizens were granted the right to vote. Approximately only 12% percent of the Athens had the right to participate in political decisions. It was the first place to practice idea that the common citizen had the right to participate in political decisions that affected them. -
1215
Magna Carta
It is a documents that limited the power of the King and established fundamental rights for citizens. It is significant in the development of the rule of law, and individuals rights and freedoms. -
1300
Renaissance (4th-5th Century)
The period that followed the Middle Ages that is known as the rebirth. This was a time of political, cultural, and religious reform. Humanists started to believe that the Church should not dictate human life, and that one should lead their life with question and reason. The renaissance gave way for individual rights and freedom for the common people, by allowing them to question the Church. -
1400
Haudenosaunee Confederacy (15th century-1776)
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy consists of six nations who were at war with each other, but came together and created an oral constitution the "Great Law of Peace". The main principles that the Great Peace of Law formed upon are equality, division of powers in the government, and rights and freedoms. -
1517
Reformation (1517-1648)
Reformation is the reconstructing of the Roman Catholic Church. It began with a pastor Martin Luther who believe too much power was in the hands of the Church. Diverging away from the Church lead to building self-interest, individual freedom, and equality. -
The Enlightenment
Also known as the Age of Reason; it is a period where using scientific reason to determine values was being accepted. There was a greater belief in the importance of an individual and the power of reason. The ideas presented about human nature by philosophers lead to construction of classical liberalism. -
Industrial Revolution (18th-19th century)
The industrial revolution is the transition form a mercantile system to an industrial one. The principles of liberalism such as economic freedom, individual freedom, private property, self-interest, and competition began to arise during this time. The technological advancements lead to a more industrial way of agriculture and farming. -
American Revolution (1776-1783)
The settlers in what became America, did not agree with the taxes and the high prices they had to pay, so the declared a war of independence. The Thirteen Colonies won independence from Great Britain, which later became the United States of America.
The war was significant in such that the voices of the citizens were starting to be considered in political decisions. Citizens began to considers things in their self-interest. -
French Revolution (1789-1799)
The citizens of France became angry with the extravagant spendings of the King, that lead to high taxes on the common people. The high taxes lead to much poverty, and many died from starvation. The common people lead a revolution to overthrow the King and replace it with a proper government that valued equality. This is significant because the revolution occurred on the basis of equality for all citizens regardless of status. The new government abolished the class system, to have equal voices. -
Changes to Class System
The structure of society began to change as ideas of liberalism became more common. With the wealth middle class emerging, the social class began to fade. Classical liberalism valued the equality, the worth, and status of an individual. The change is social structure, private property and economic freedom became more popular within the common people. People had a greater opportunities to move on the wealth spectrum. Wealth began to be based on hard work, rather than the culture of merit.
