-
510
• Ancient Greek Democracy
510 BC - Ancient Athenians created what is referred to as the first democracy. There were many differences between that first democracy and modern democracy. For example only 12% of people were eligible to participate in the democratic process. Women, slaves, and children were not considered citizens and therefore unable to vote.While primitive and not representative of liberalism, it was an influence on the evolution of democracy. -
Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
Before liberal democracy, most nations were ruled according to the "divine rights of kings." The Magna Carta was a document created and signed in Great Britain with the purpose of limiting the powers of the King and ensuring it's citizens fundamental rights. This document contributed to classical liberalism by establishing rule of law and individual rights and freedoms -
Jan 1, 1450
Renaissance
14-16th century- The Renaissance was characterized by a belief in potential and ability of reason within individuals. Increased awareness of individualism, growth of secularism, and humanism all served to promote the rise of the Enlightenment later on in the 17th century. -
Jan 1, 1500
Haudenosaunee Confederacy (15th C to 1776)
The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) are considered to be one of the longest continuously existing participatory democracies in the world. Many of their principles influenced the writing of the constitution of the United States. Key influencing beliefs included; division of powers, equal participation by citizens (including women) and establishment of rights and freedoms. -
Jan 1, 1517
Reformation
1517-1648- The protestant reformation followed the Renaissance's movement on the potential of the individual. The reformation sparked the belief that reason was as significant as faith, resulting in the challenge of authority of the Roman Catholic church. Humanist beliefs changed the political, economic, and social landscape of Europe during this time. -
Enlightenment
Influenced by the ideas developed during the Renaissance and Reformation, the Enlightenment period was known as the "Age of Reason". Increased value and belief in worth of the individual, natural and inalienable rights, and democratic values all contributed to the development of classical liberalism. -
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was a time of transition in Britain from an agricultural and mercantile society to a modern industrial one. Value of the individual, desire for minimal government control, and self- interest and competition, were classical liberal principals that spread to the rest of the world. -
American Revolution
American colonists did not want to be ruled by the British crown and wanted to establish a republican form of government resulting in the "Declaration of Independence." Authority to rule was then within the control of the citizens instead of a foreign monarch. -
French Revolution
Following the American Revolution (which the French helped fund) the French people fought for their own equality rights. Prior to the revolution, French society was organized by a rigid class structure where the church had more rights than the citizens. The Revolution became a Reign of Terror in which many lives were lost; however in 1789 an important document called The Declaration of the Rights of Man was signed. Individual freedoms and other liberal principles were established in the society. -
Changes to the class system
19th century- People were born into a social class and had no opportunity to change their position in society. As classical liberalism emerged, the values of private property and economic freedom shifted the class system in a way that made economic opportunities available for any citizen. The original class system of birth no longer existed, however a new class sytem of wealth became apparent. Under this new system advancing one's position in life was now possible.