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Jan 1, 1000
Ancient Greek Democracy
Fifth Century BC
Often considered the first democracy. Athens short lived direct democracy allowed citizens to vote directly on government policy. Ancient Greek democracy was very similar to the first classical liberal democracy in France. -
Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
Signed in Great Britain, one of the earliest documents to support rule of law. It limited the King's powers and established fundemental rights for citizens. Classical liberalism has a heavy emphasis on the rights of the indiviual. -
Jan 11, 1401
Renaissance
14-15th Century
The Renissance was a bridge between the middle ages and modern times. Humanism emerged based on the idea that humans are essentially rational and have inherent dignity. Classical liberalism was based on the same ideas. -
Jan 1, 1517
Refomation
1517-1648
Inspired by humanism, reformers left established church and created new demoninations according to various ideas. Especially that poeple are capable of making their own decisions based on reason, an idea that greatly influenced classical liberalism. -
Enlightenment
17-18th Century
As ideas from Renaissance and Reformation became more and more popular, European philosophers helped promote ideas about human nature that eventually led to the development of classical liberalism. -
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
15th Century-1776
Nations had been at war for centuries until they decided to come together and abide by the Great Law of Peace. It was an oral constitution in which key principles included equal participation by citizens, even women. They also established rights and freedoms such as freedom of speech, and rights of the individual. The Great Law Of Peace inspired and impressed the men who helped right the constitution of the United States. -
American Revolution
Each of the colonies of Great Britain has its own name as well as their own government. Settlers decided they no longer desired to be ruled by a government abroad and declared themselves independent with the Declaration of Independence and formed a republican government in which authority to rule came from citizens. The declaration stated "all men are born and created equal" which was a main idea in classical liberalism. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was an attempt to transform society using liberal principles. Leaders of the revolution depended on the peoples support but it quickly degenerated into a Reign of Terror. August 26th,1789 the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen which was a foundational document for individual rights and freedoms as well as liberalism. -
Industrial Revolution
18-19th Century
Expanding and wealthier population demanded more and better goods, the use of many different inventions made large scale production possible. Mercantalism was discredited in favour of free trade. Classical liberal ideology provided the foundation. -
Changes To Class System
19th Century
Social Classes died away and a new class structure based on wealth emerged. The nouveau riche gained substantial wealth and challenged aristocratic classes for power and position. A major feature of classical liberalism was a change in class structure so you could not be born into a better position in life, and had economic freedom.
