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508 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
From 508-322 BCE, Athens was democratic. The people were self governed, & they individually voted & discussed issues. This only applied to Athenian males older than 18 who weren't slaves. This democracy provided an origin for the development of modern democracy. It contributes to the idea of classical liberalism by supporting limit on government power.It gave citizens the right to vote, which supports the idea of individual rights & that humans can make decisions to benefit themselves & society. -
1215
Magna Carta
England’s King John implemented a charter of liberties that placed him and all future sovereigns, and was celebrated as a symbol of freedom. It is said to be the first constitution in European history, and impacted the American constitution. It contributed to the development of classical liberalism in implementing the rule of law, which ensured limits on government power, and protecting individual rights and freedoms for the english people. -
1300
Renaissance (14-16th C)
The Renaissance was a sudden advancement of intellectual, social, and political ideas. People began to value logic over religious beliefs. A leading ideology, humanism, stressed the idea of individual right and freedoms which led the way for classical liberalism. -
1400
Haudenosaunee Confederacy (15th C to 1776)
After centuries of war, the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, & Tuscarora agreed to abide by a constitution, the Great Law of Peace. Their constitution may have inspired the American Constitution. This contributed to the development of classical liberalism in any ways. Their division of power ensured limits on government, citizens were granted the right to equal participation, & individual freedoms (ie religious, speech). These ideas contributed to future societies. -
1517
Reformation (1517-1648)
The Protestant Reformation refers to the religious revolution that limited the power of the church,which Martin Luther believed was corrupted and that the Bible should be the only guidance of morality. It contributed to the development of classical liberalism through supporting individual rights & freedoms in religion and that people could make their own decisions, encouraging self-interest & equality, & putting limits on the power of the church, which acted similarly to the government at times. -
The Enlightenment (18th C)
During this era, enlightenment thinkers proposed ideas that humanity could be improved upon using logic and reason. It questioned the authority of the time and resulted in many scientific discoveries, books, and revolutions. It supported the idea that humans are rational, and these ideas about human nature contributed to classical liberalism. In addition, citizens began to demand more rights and freedoms, which spread across the world. -
Industrial Revolution (18-19th C)
This was a period in Europe and America became industrial and urban due developments such as steam engines, factories, and mass production. It resulted in improved living conditions for some, but also poor working conditions for many. This contributed to classical liberalism because individuals were granted more economic freedom, thus leading to competition between individuals. Private property also became used for agriculture under the Enclosure Acts. -
American Revolution
13 North American colonies rebelled against Great Britain in order to gain their independence & form the United States of America. France, Spain, & the Netherlands all fought on the side of the colonies. They afterwards wrote the Declaration of Independence. This helped develop classical liberalism by providing these citizens with the right to political power. They received economic &individual freedom from Britain, &were able to protect their own civil liberties. -
French Revolution
Due to violent and massive uprising from citizens, France's political system, such as an absolute monarchy, was abolished. Their government was reconstructed with the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of Man, which supported the protection of rights and freedoms. Their ideas also led to the development of classical liberalism through supporting limits on the government and the protection of civil liberties. -
Changes to class system (19th C)
The 19th century allowed for class mobility. Though social classes diminished, classes based on wealth began to emerge. This development of classical liberalism allowed for greater opportunities, and encouraged economic freedom as well as private property. This mobility also resulted in a more equal society. Though not everyone was born equal, chances of moving up in class were greater and encouraged self-interest and competition.
