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507 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
Commonly known as the first democracy. The aim was to establish the idea that “the people rule” and is in many ways similar to modern democracy. One of the most evident examples in the way that classical liberalism developed from the Greek’s democracy is in the idea of ‘rule of law’. Herodotus, a Greek historian wrote, "... that most splendid of virtues, equality before the law.” Although discrimination was still very present in Athens, Greece introduced practice of equality before the law. -
1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta, signed in Great Britain in 1215, is arguably the largest contributor to today’s rule of law. Originally, the document was a peace treaty between the King and the rebel barons, but had foundations of classical liberalism. It stated that everybody, including royalty, was equal under and subject to the law. Although many of the original purposes of the document were ‘failures’, Magna Carta worked to eliminate the unfair values outlined by proposals such as the divine right of kings. -
1301
The Renaissance
The Renaissance occurred between the 14th and 16th centuries and was a period of great change in European civilization. The Renaissance led to the fall of the feudal system, as well as the development of humanism. Humanism introduced the idea that individuals hold their own worth and value, and that humans had the capability to make their own choices rationally. The ideas of the renaissance inspired the theories of enlightenment thinkers which later became the basis for classical liberalism. -
1401
Haudenosaunee Confederency
1401 - 1776: Formed when 6 nations previously at war created the constitution 'The Great Law of Peace'. Leaders were elected on merit, and everyone who wished to participate in government decisions could have a role or a voice. Individual rights and freedoms were introduced in this constitution, and laid the basis for much of the USA constitution. Principles of classical liberalism were present in the ability to participate in government despite gender or status, as well as freedom of opinion. -
1517
Reformation
1517 - 1648: The restructuring of the Church in Europe began with Martin Luther who believed the Church had become too powerful and therefor corrupt. Luther felt the Church had strayed from its true purpose and insisted on change. This reformation helped develop the classical liberalism principles of individual freedoms and self-interest as it allowed citizens to have more lenience in their decisions regarding religion and personal values. -
The Enlightenment
Beginning in the 18th Century, many philosophers began to explore ideas of science, rational thought, and human nature that had been previously unaccepted due to religious beliefs. With the growing acceptance of these ideologies, people began to demand the rights and freedoms they didn't previously know they deserved. Likewise, a wealthy middle-class emerged due to the spread and acceptance of these new ideals. -
The Industrial Revolution
Lasting from the 18th - 19th Centuries, the Industrial Revolution was a time of technological innovations that greatly improved the production of food and goods. Previous to, the working class was controlled by the Church and royalty. New wealthy land owners and middle class men resulted in the emergence of private property, economic freedom, and self-interest. Under the Enclosure Acts, land owners began buying property for their private use. -
The American Revolution
1776 - 1783: Frustrated by taxes and tariffs implemented by Britain, America went to war against Great Britain in an attempt to break free from the monopolies placed on them. The Declaration of Independence officially broke the ties between Britain and the US, and was essentially a fight for the ability to act in self-interest. Principles of liberalism such as equality for all, self-interest, and personal freedoms were written into the declaration. -
The French Revolution
1789 - 1799: Previous to the Revolution, France maintained a strict class system wherein the working class lacked rights, representation, or any power. Heavy taxation and poverty led to rebellion against the monarch and absolute government. The Revolution affirmed individual rights and freedoms as well as introduced the idea of a democratic government and the ways in which government intervention should be limited. This war to promote liberalism inspired many constitutions. -
Changes to Class System
18th - 19th Centuries: Previously, people lived in a rigid class system that was nearly impossible to move up. Beginning to demand the rights and freedoms they deserved, people rebelled against social hierarchy and absolute power, and instead favoured a system that was based off self-interest, competition, and hard work rather than birth status or family history.
