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510
Ancient Greek Democracy
-Orginating in Athens, it was one of the first democracies to exist. All Greek men were given the right to vote for their leader, which abolished the distinction between upper and lower classes.
-Ancient Greek democracy is the foundation of all modern democracies today -
Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
-A charter signed by King John of England, that outlined the rights of the people and put restrictions on the rights of the British Monarchy. The Magna Carta was the first time limits had been placed on a royal and paved the way for many other constitutional documents to come. -
Jan 1, 1300
Renaissance (14th Century - 15th Century)
-A period of cultural, social, intellectual and artistic reform in Europe. It moved people away from the status quo and was a shift from God to rational thought and worth of the individual. Humanist ideologies began to spread it was thought that humans were essentially rational. -
Period: Jan 1, 1300 to Dec 31, 1500
Renaissance
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Period: Jan 1, 1500 to
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
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Oct 31, 1517
Reformation (1517-1648)
-A period of religious and spiritual change in Europe. German pastor Martin Luther believed the Church had become corrupt and held too much influence due to it's wealth, he pushed for a reformation of the Church. This resulted in the separation of the Roman Catholic and Protestant divisions of the Christian faith. Humanism spread and influenced many countries stray from the Roman Church as people began to believe in reason rather than a divine being. -
Haudenosaunee Confederacy (1500-1776)
Founded by the prophet known as the Peace Maker; the Haudenosaunee Confederacy is the union of the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga and Seneca nations who are share the common goal of living in peace. Believed to be one of the first and longest lasting democracies, it was intended as a way to unite the nations and create a peaceful means of decision making. As per aboriginal tradition, the confederacy had oral constitutions that guaranteed the division of powers as well as equal rights and freedoms. -
American Revolution
-The American people revolted against the British crown; it was the first time a country fought for ndependence and constitutional rights and rule of law. Thomas Jefferson wrote The Declaration of Independence that freed the American colonies from British rule and the colonies became 13 sovereign states. Americans were now granted religious freedom, a more progressive taxation system as well as a larger and more powerful legislature. -
French Revolution
-Absolute monarchy, corrupt leadership, rigid Social Class structure and the spread of Enlightenment ideas all led to a revolution in France. It was a battle to achieve equality and be freed of oppression.The revolution resulted in a new taxation system freeing them from the tithe system. Surrounding nations saw the effects people could have on their governments and were empowered by this. The French Revolution was a considerable step towards the end of oppression in Europe. -
Industrial Revolution (1800-1900)
-The Industrial Revolution was fuelled by the creation of a modern capitalist economic system. An increase in the working class was followed by a shift in technology, hand tools were replaced by machinery. Adam Smith's ideas about capitalism and self-interest were being embraced by society; everyone pursuing their own self interest would maximize the nation's utility. The Industrial Revolution gave Britain a head start in manufacturing and they would dominate the industry for the 19th century. -
The Enlightenment
A period of intellectual and spiritual change and growth, often called the Age of Reason. The ideas of European philopsophers helped to support the ideas about human nature that resulted in the development of classical liberalism. Literature had become available to everyone due to the invention of the printing press, and societies everywhere were exposed to politics, social order, science and law. This more informed society began to question their governments and Churches. -
Changes to the Class System
-Throughout history people were born into a certain class and remained there for the entiriry of their lives, but classical liberalism put value on the power of the individual and economic opportunity. In modern times, people have the opportunity to rise above where they come from and are able to work their way up. Tdoay, we are able to be defined by our choices, rather than where we come from. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
