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403 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
A political system that gave individuals a voice and also a government ruled by the people. Ancient Greek Democracy led to the development of classical liberalism because classical liberalism states less government intervention and choice of the people and Ancient Greek Democracy is where all of those ideas came from. -
1215
Magna Carta
A document that established the principle that everyone is subject to the law. Magna Carta led to the development of classical liberalism because it gave birth to a classical liberalism principle rule of the law which states that everyone is subject to the law. -
1400
Renaissance
A period in European history that renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. The Renaissance contributed to the development of classical liberalism because the European culture had become very individualistic and classical liberalism is an ideology that embraces the principles of individualism. -
1517
Reformation
The religious revolution that took place in the Western church lead by Martin Luther and John Calvin. This lead to the development of classical liberalism because people started to question churches religious power and corruption. After Reformation people started to discard the ideas of the church more and more and people started to use the newly found ideas of the individual and the use of logic and reason. -
American Revolution
The revolt against the British to gain independence and attempt by Americans to implement liberal ideas. The American Revolution contributed to the development of classical liberalism because the American people wanted a country that gave citizens rights, have a voice in their elections and the spirit of resistance to government. -
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
The Confederacy was founded by the prophet "Peacemaker". The Confederacy was made up of five first nation tribes and were a way to unite the nations and create a peaceful means of decision making. Haudenosaunee Confederacy contributed to the development of classical liberalism because they guaranteed certain right and freedoms, including the freedom of speech and the rights of individuals which also core values of classical liberalism. -
French Revolution
French Revolution was an attempt to transform society using liberal principles. The French Revolution contributed to the development of classical liberalism through the creation of The Declaration Of The Right Of Man of the Citizen which was the foundational document for individual freedoms. -
The Enlightenment
The revival of Greek and Roman thinking. Humanists during the times believed that life was based on reason, not religion. All the ideas brought up by the Humanists became core principles of classical liberalism. -
Industrial Revolution
The transition of Britain from an agricultural and mercantile society to a modern industrial society. The Industrial Revolution contributed to the development of classical liberalism by causing the rise of classic liberalism principles such as self-interest, private property, individual freedom, competition and, economic freedom. -
Changes to class system
When social classes began to decrease and class structure increased. Changes to the class system lead to the development of classical liberalism because the class structure valued individuals as unique and encouraged more economic opportunities, allowing anyone to become wealthy and be part of a higher economic class.