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900
The creation of the Feudal system in Europe
The Feudal system is invented and introduced and the Middle Ages continue. This prevents any lower-class uprisings and elitism among the rich, monarchies, and religious figures becomes the norm while citizens suffer with little to no personal freedom. The seeds of Liberalism are sewn. -
Period: 900 to
The Foundation and Evolution of Liberalism
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Period: 1300 to
The Renaissance
The "civilized" world (mainly Europe) awakens from the Dark Ages and enters one of the first new periods of enlightenment. The Middle Ages officially end. The Renaissance reintroduces ideas of freedom and knowledge; that the Church might not be right about everything- the sparks of Liberalism are smouldering. -
Period: to
The Formal Beginnings of Liberalism as an Expression
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Period: to
The Industrial Revolution
The 1st Industrial Revolution, was the transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the United States, in the period from about 1760 to sometime between 1820 and 1840. This transition included going from hand production methods to machines, new production processes, the increasing use of steam power and water power, the development of machine tools and the rise of the mechanized factory system. The Industrial Revolution also led to an unprecedented rise in population growth. -
The American Revolution
"Give me liberty or give me death!" Tensions between Britain and the 13 Colonies in the New World boil over as American freedom from a sovereign power overseas is sought, and eventually won. The Founding Fathers make a Constitution decreeing social and economic liberty for all. A first for Britain, and is the beginning of their slow decline as a major Empire, which would end in the fire and ash of the First World War in 1914-18. -
The French Revolution
Ideas of Liberalism and equality for all among the populace come to a violent head in France after centuries of power abuse and privileges among the wealthy and royal. In France, the Revolutionary and Napoleonic governments pursue liberal goals in their abolition of feudal privileges and their modernization of the decrepit institutions inherited from the "ancien régime". The actual Revolution is short-lived (as was the Napoleonic government), but its ramifications will change humanity forever. -
Unification of Italy
The Italian Unification was the political and social movement that consolidated different states of the Italian peninsula into the single state of the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. The process began in 1815 with the Congress of Vienna and was completed in 1871 when Rome became the capital of the Kingdom of Italy. The term, recalls the nationalistic ideals of an Italian renaissance through the conquest of a unified political identity. -
Revolutions of 1848
The Revolutions of 1848, were a series of republican revolts against European monarchies, beginning in Sicily, and spreading to France, Germany, Italy, and the Austrian Empire. They all ended in failure and repression, and were followed by widespread disillusionment among liberals. In Great Britain it amounted to little more than a Chartist demonstration and a republican agitation in Ireland. -
Period: to
Modern Liberalism- 1900 Onward
Modern Liberalism decreed society acting through government was to establish public schools and hospitals, aid the needy, and regulate working conditions to promote workers’ health and well-being, for only through public support could the poor and powerless members of society truly become free. Although most liberals eventually adopted this new course, there were some dissenters, notably the influential social Darwinists Herbert Spencer in England and William Graham Sumner in the United States. -
Period: to
The First World War
With WWI, people realized that although the excessive powers of government may have constituted the greatest obstacles to freedom before, by the middle of the 19th century these powers had been greatly mitigated. The time had come to recognize other hindrances-such as poverty, disease, discrimination, and ignorance- which individuals could overcome only with the positive assistance of government. The new liberal cause was thus to enlist the powers of government for cases of individual freedom. -
The Vietnam War
A change occurred with Liberalism during the Vietnam War, shifting the idea of the government as an entirely positive tool for individual freedom. The Vietnam War was almost unanimously declared a disaster, and Liberalists changed their stance on government to one of still positivity- but with slightly more cynicism towards them. The War ended in 1975, but the ramifications are still felt today by the world and especially the USA, including the Cold War and current, modern-day politics. -
Period: to
The Future of Liberalism
Liberalism has certainly changed over the last 1000 years; going from a mere thought by peasants under the heels of their lord to a Cultural Expression with a title and many followers, however they follow- be it indirectly or otherwise. The future of Liberalism is uncertain, with the rise of technology and the dangers of falling into dictatorships and police states such as in China, Russia, or North Korea. However, if individual freedom is always a value, there will always be Liberalism.
