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507 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
507 BCE - 322 BCE
Citizens (free, adult males) had the freedom to participate in democratic institutions and live as one pleased. They had equality before the law, and the right to speak in the legislative assembly. The Athenians invented the idea of democracy, and though it only lasted about 200 years, the idea spread to other regions and became what it is today. -
1215
Magna Carta
A charter of English liberties granted by King John to solve the conflict between him and his men over taxes and disputes with the pope. Simply, the Magna Carta was a redesigning of power where he granted that as the King, he was not more above the law than a commoner. And such before the law, they are all equal. The Magna Carta led to the constitutional rule of today and also influenced the American Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as well as clearly establishes the right to privacy. -
1330
Renaissance
14-16th C
Renaissance, meaning "rebirth" was a time of change in Europe which bridged the middle ages and modern times. It was a time of cultural, social, intellectual, political, and artistic reform. The Renaissance was the time in which people realized that they had control over their own nature. Philosophers from the Age of Enlightenment were inspired by the ideas of the original Renaissance. -
1517
Reformation
1517-1648
The Reformation was the reconstructing of the Church in Europe. It began with Martin Luther who believed the Chuch had become corrupt and had too much power. This gave power to the people. They broke away from the Church (not completely, but are now less tied to it) and constructed new ways of life. People were now capable of building their lives off of individual purpose and reason, rather than religion. -
The Enlightenment (Age of Reason)
18th C
The Renaissance and Reformation led to the greater belief in individual power and power of reason. As these ideas became more popular, European philosophers communicated their ideas about human nature. Ultimately, the Enlightenment promoted the belief in principles of Classical Liberalism. People began to trust logic over Faith. -
Industrial Revolution
The transition of Britain from an agricultural and mercantile society to a modern industrial one. It was during this time that capitalism became the dominant economic force in Europe. These liberal ideas drove industrialization largely in Europe and North America in the 19th Century. -
American Revolution
An American-won war for independence by the American colonies against Great Britain. American colonies declared independence from Great Britain and created a government controlled by its own citizens. No longer controlled by another country's government, America was able to do what is best for their people. -
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
15th C - 1776
The Haudenosaunee (people of the longhouse) is a group of SIx Nations that live together as families in the same "house" under the same rules. They are considered one of the longest continuously existing participatory democracies in the world. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was an attempt to transform a society using liberal principles, but they depended on the support of ordinary people which quickly developed into mob mentality. If nothing else, the French Revolution produced some important documents such as the National Assembly (1789) and the Declaration of the rights of Man and of the CItizen (1789). -
Changes to Class System
19th C
The period during which the distinct class system was diminished and power now came from wealth and ownership of property. Classical liberalism encouraged economic ventures in self-interest and individualism. If an individual was willing, they could compete for the wealth and thus gain economic power. People were now in charge of their lives, and not held back by previous family status.
