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500 BCE
Ancient Greece (800 BC-500 BC)
Athens is thought to have the first democracy. The word itself is derived from the Ancient Greek word demos kratra, which means "the people rule". This is the first time ever when citizens had the right to vote, a step forward in the long battle for individual rights and freedoms, which is a crucial principle in Classic Liberalism. -
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The was a binding document signed in Great Britain in 1215 establishing limits on the rights of the Monarch. The document gave rights to citizens such as the freedom from unlawful imprisonment. Even though many aspects of this document weren't enforced at the time, it was still a major factor in the development of the Rule of Law. -
Jan 1, 1300
Renaissance (14th-16th Century)
This was a time when Europe brought greater interest in the individual. It is consider the bridge from the middle ages and modern times. Humanist believed in individual worth and dignity. Starts to put great emphasis on the individual, not unlike classical liberalism. -
Jan 1, 1400
Haudenosaunee Confederacy (15th Century to 1776)
The confederacy is said by the Haudenosaunee to have been in existence since the beginning of time. It consisted of division of powers between government, explanation of the equal role of citizens, and an establishment of rights and freedoms. It was a strong and powerful association known as the six nations. This confederacy was far ahead of its time as it included equal rights for all including women, as well as religion. Both stepping stones toward Liberalism. -
Jan 1, 1517
Reformation (1517-1648)
A time in Europe when the Church underwent significant restructuring. A German Pastor by the name of Martin Luther decided that the Church had become corrupt and held too much power. Influenced by Humanism, Luther and the other reformers broke away from the Church, believing that humans were in fact capable of making their own decisions. These events are crucial in classic liberalism, as individuals were given the right to make their own decisions, rather than a higher power or authority. -
The Enlightenment
This is a critical movement that took place in the 18th Century. This philosophy changed the thinking process of humans in Europe and across the world, as it advocated reason as the primary basis of authority. This was a big change as people started using scientific reason to make decisions in social, religious, and political situations. It led to individuals thinking critically, also thinking for themselves and making their own decisions. This is a important component in Classical Liberalism. -
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was an amazing feat at it changed the way society had operated for 1000s of years. The whole process took about 150 years. This revolution laid change to the way people worked, lived and how goods were manufactured. As major changes were made to the farming and industry, it pushed farmers into the towns and cities for work. Less workers were needed as the new technology allowed for goods to be mass produced. Citizens were now allowed to own property. -
American Revolution
A time when a group of settlers got frustrated with paying taxes to a foreign Monarch. Thus breaking away from Great Britain and declaring their independence. This is imperative in the evolution of liberalism, as it is an example of citizens not happy with the treatment they are receiving from their government and choosing to revolt. -
French Revolution
A very significant time in World History.Prior to the revolution France was living in a society where the citizens were divided by class. Nobility and the Church had more rights than the citizens. This revolution took 10 years and phased out practices that were 100 years old. This propelled society towards Liberalism as people were breaking away from the Church and establishing their own rights and freedoms. -
Changes to the Class System
Prior to the changes in the class system, people were born into a high status social class and that was the only way you could get there. As classes of clergy and monarchy faded away, the new class of wealth came forward. People still could be fortunate enough to be born into wealth, but if you were born poor you now had the opportunity to try and move up in the social order. Although the distance between wealth and poverty was large, this economic freedom that existed is crucial to Liberalism.
