-
500 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
Often regarded to as the first democracy. One of the main contributions was the right to vote. Despite the rights only covering some people, it was still was a very unique society in that it recognized some individual rights and freedoms. -
1215
Magna Carta
To this day, the magna carta serves as a symbol of freedom from oppression and liberty. The charter served as the foundation for the English system of common law and introduced basic individual rights. It was obtained from King John who was under the threat of civil war as a result of his heavy taxation and other horrible practices he took part in. Establishing most importantly the rule of law and private property, it is the backbone of many of the world's constitutions. -
1300
Renaissance 1300s-1500s
The Renaissance was a time of social, intellectual, and political change. As a result of Constantinople falling to the Ottoman empire, many scholars fled with ancient Greek manuscripts. This, among other things, renewed an interest in the principles among classical Greek and Roman ideas. Main belief of the renaissance was humanism--placing value and meaning into oneself--and the introduction of reason rather than traditional fate. It was a bridge to modern times symbolizing a rebirth. -
1400
Haudenosaunee Confederacy 1400s-1776
The confederacy is considered to be one of the best and longest running democracies. After the six nations had been at war for centuries they decided to come together under the Great Law of Peace, which was constituted orally. The Great Law of Peace included both women and men and layed out many principles of liberalism which insipired the American revolutionaries. They established individual rights and freedoms like freedom of speech and religion, and branches of government. -
1517
Reformation 1517-1648
The Protestant Reformation followed head on the heels of the renaissance and humanism especially. By challenging the dominance and power of the Roman Catholic Church, the Reformation contributed to the growth of individualism. It began with Martin Luther who believed that the Church had become corrupt. Ultimately, it further led to less of an emphasis on faith and more of an emphasis on the rational nature of human beings. -
The Enlightenment 1700s
Also called the age of reason, it was an intellectual and philosophical movement that led to the development of classical liberalism. It was influenced by philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, John Locke. baron de Montesquieu, and Adam Smith. It strayed away from tradition, and instead emphasized reason, individual rights, and freedoms. -
Industrial Revolution 1700s-1800s
A period of time of transformation in Britain mainly applying to liberal principles around the economy. Britain switched from an agricultural and mercantilist society to a more modern industrial society. Beginning in the textile industry, capitalism was the main driving force, and at the same time as creating great wealth, also, consequentially, created great poverty. Overall, it brought value to the individual through self-interest, competition, and economic freedom. -
American Revolution
Majorly Influence by Haudenosaunee's Great Law of Peace and John Locke. In a violent revolution, American revolutionaries gained independence from the British with now the people holding the power of the government. The nation would end up incorporating many aspects of individualism like individual rights and freedoms, and economic freedom. Most importantly it laid the groundwork for other revolutions, like the French Revolution. -
French Revolution
One of the most deadly revolutions that attempted to transform society using principles of liberalism. The state of France was very low with the government being bankrupt, a corrupt taxation system, and Louis XVI's frivolous spending. As a result, the Declaration of Right of Man and of Citizen was created and provided a basis for individual rights and freedoms for men. -
Changes to Class System 1800s
After the fall of the Roman Empire, chaos was only restored with structure, and this came with a class/estate system. As industrialization progressed, the rise of the middle class or the noveau riche happened with it including factory owners, bankers, retailers, etc. This created great wealth and poverty, but it meant that the original class system was abolished.
