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Ancient Greek Democracy
Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced a political reform called demokratia, which was a government that was ruled by the people and also gave them equality before the law. Although this government didn't last in Ancient Greece, it did shape politics and governments ever since. -
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
Was introduced to bring peace between the Royals and the Rebels. It was revolutionary for people to fight for their liberalist ideals and set the foundation for liberal thinkers and even today is an important symbol of liberty. People fought for rule of law and liberty and set the stage for others to follow. -
Jan 1, 1400
Renaissance
14th-16th Century
During this time people began to believe in individual human worth and dignity. They also believed in reason over faith and thought people chose their own nature. These key points are main factors in classical liberalism and support that ideology. -
Jan 1, 1500
Haudenosaunee
15thC-1776
The conferderacy brought together mulitple nations to bring about peace. During this time many new rights and freedoms were given to the people including women. These ideas helped to influence liberal thought in North America -
Jan 1, 1517
Reformation
1517-1648
During this period, people challenged the religious leaders of the Roman Catholic Church. The Church had been corrupt and abusing its powers for an extened period of time and people like Martin Luthur began to prove and question their antics. The people fought for balance of power and began to hold those accountable who were abusing it. -
Industrial Revolution
Britain transitioned from an agricultural and a mercantile society to a modern industrial one. One of the biggest changes that happened was the class structure, because people were no longer born into their class, they were able to have the freedom to be able to change their social standing. Having the freedom and ability to change your class structure was a large principal of liberalism, that still exists today. -
American Revolution
The United States wanted their independance from the British Crown to which they won. They formed a 'republican' form of government and were no longer being ruled and taxed by the British Crown. The United States Declaration of Independance was enacted which was largly based on liberalist principles. They were given rights to life, liberty and pursuit of Happiness, which contributed to the spread and development of liberalism. -
French Revolution
The third estate led a revolt against the monarch and counted on ordinary people to fight for and bring in the principles of liberalism. As the people revolted their voices were being heard. August 26, 1789 the Declaration of The Rights of Man and of Citizen was passed. This was ground breaking and gave people individual freedoms. The revolution and its principles of liberalism came to influence French society and the rest of the world as well. -
The Enlightenment
18th Century
Was the Age of Reason where European philoshophers promoted human nature. This helped to develop classical liberalism. People were also given individual rights and authority in how they were governed. -
Changes to the Class System
19th Century
Prior to the changes in the class system, people were born into a certain social class and it remained there for their entire life. As liberalism became more prominent, the class structure began to change and people were valued more and given more freedoms. With their new freedoms, people were able to pursue economic oppotunities that could better their social status.
