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Description:
In ancient Athens, people started one of the first democracies where citizens could actually vote and take part in decisions.
Connection to Classical Liberalism:
It introduced the idea that regular people should have a say in government and that power shouldn’t just belong to one ruler.
Citation:
“Ancient Greek Democracy.” Britannica, 2024. -
Description:
The Magna Carta was a document King John was forced to sign that limited his power and gave some basic rights to nobles.
Connection to Classical Liberalism:
It was an early step toward the idea that everyone, even leaders, has to follow the law a key part of protecting individual rights.
Citation:
“Magna Carta.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024. -
Description:
The Renaissance was a time in Europe when people started focusing more on art, learning, and human potential instead of just religion.
Connection to Classical Liberalism:
It encouraged personal expression and individual achievement, which helped spread the idea that people should think for themselves.
Citation:
“Renaissance.” World History Encyclopedia, 2024. -
Description:
A religious reform movement led by Martin Luther that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church.
Contribution to Classical Liberalism:
Encouraged individuals to interpret the Bible for themselves and think independently promoting freedom of conscience and belief.
Citation:
“Reformation.” History.com, 2024. -
Description:
A union of Indigenous nations in North America that followed the Great Law of Peace, emphasizing unity, equality, and democracy.
Contribution to Classical Liberalism:
Showed how democratic governance and consensus could protect individual voices influencing Enlightenment and American political thinkers.
Citation:
“Haudenosaunee Confederacy.” Canadian Encyclopedia, 2024. -
Description:
The thirteen American colonies fought for independence from Britain and established a democratic republic.
Contribution to Classical Liberalism:
Applied Enlightenment ideas by creating a government based on consent, freedom, and equality before the law.
Citation:
“American Revolution.” History.com, 2024. -
Description:
A revolt against absolute monarchy and social inequality in France. Citizens demanded liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Contribution to Classical Liberalism:
Expanded the call for individual rights and social equality, spreading liberal and democratic ideas throughout Europe.
Citation:
“French Revolution.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024. -
Description:
An intellectual movement focused on reason, science, and the rights of individuals. Thinkers like Locke, Montesquieu, and Rousseau questioned monarchy and divine authority.
Contribution to Classical Liberalism:
Introduced key liberal principles such as natural rights, liberty, equality, and limited government.
Citation:
“Enlightenment.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2024. -
A time when new inventions and industries changed how people worked and lived, leading to big shifts in society and the economy.
Connection to Classical Liberalism:
Encouraged ideas of working hard, being independent, and having the freedom to build your own success through capitalism.
Citation:
“Industrial Revolution.” Britannica, 2024. -
Description:
As society changed, a stronger middle class started to form, and people weren’t as limited by birth or social rank.
Connection to Classical Liberalism:
Helped spread the belief that everyone should have a fair chance to move up in life based on effort and ability, not family status.
Citation:
Field, John, et al. Perspectives on Ideology. Oxford University Press, 2009. -
“American Revolution.” History.com, 2024.
Field, John, Perspectives on Ideology. Oxford University Press, 2009.
“French Revolution.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024.
“Haudenosaunee Confederacy.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, 2024.
“Industrial Revolution.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024.
“Magna Carta.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2024.
“Reformation.” History.com, 2024.
“Renaissance.” World History Encyclopedia, 2024.
“The Enlightenment.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2024.