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507 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
A political reform in Greece known as " rule by the people", which was ruled by a council of representatives. These council members write laws, and manage foreign policy. This helped to create the rule of law where everyday citiens coud argue points infront of a lottery appointed jurors. -
1215
Magna Carta
In 1215 the English monarch King John agreed to a charter of liberties due to possible rebellion of the most powerful Barons and his subjects, which would place future sovereigns within the rules of law. The document was used to establish the English system of basic laws. Though the document was meant to protect the Kings subjects, such as property rights, the document only protected the elite and wealthy. -
1300
The Renaissance
A period of European history from the 14th to 17th century, it saw a golden age of art, politics, architecture, science and literature. It saw the advancement of education, and the belief in the genius of man and the extraordinary ability of the human mind. -
1500
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Known as the "Five Nations" and later "Six Nations", was the absorption of different tribes and cultures into the Iroquois tribe. They were brought together by warfare and the adoption of displaced members of different bands. Represented and governed by the Grand Council made up of chiefs, in response to increase of European settlements. -
1517
The Reformation
A religious, intellectual, and political upheaval that divided catholic Europe, this helped religion and its beliefs to transition to modern era. Martin Luther and other prominent figures challenged the authority of the Pope and the Catholic church to define Christian practises. They argued the political and religious power should be held by the pastors, the bible and not the Vatican. -
The Enlightenment
Also known as the "Age of Reasoning" was the questioning of traditional authority, and the notion that man can change through rational thinking through the period of 1685 - 1815. This led to the eventual prominence if liberalism, by throwing out traditional ideal and building society on rational lines. Thus giving more power to each man, enabling them to think for themselves and create their own destiny. -
American Revolution
The people of the thirteen colonies rebelled against the English powers, because of high taxes and unfair representation. The revolutionary government succeeds in their cause, and the American Constitution is created. The constitution was created to protect the rights and freedoms of American citizens. -
French Revoltution
In France the Third Estate (peasants, merchants, and professionals), rebelled against the aristocratic rulers. The cause of the rebellion was from social, political and economic inequalities. The result of the revolution saw the beheading of the French Monarchy, and the establishment of an unstable liberal government. The government known as the National Assembly would approve the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, the foundation of freedoms for all individuals. -
Industrial Revolution
Beginning in Britain, it saw the economy which was traditionally dominated by hand production methods, to industries dominated by the development of machines. This allowed for an abundance of employment for citizens, and an increase in the standard of living as families and individuals saved and increased their wealth. -
Class System Changes
The industrial age separated work from home, which created more precise roles for men and women. Men being the breadwinner and women stayed home to care for their children. The times also put more emphasis on family to save money for their children's education, because prominent jobs required such. This influenced more people to focus on self-interest and advancing themselves and their families economic and social class.
