The Development of Liberalism

  • Period: 594 BCE to 443 BCE

    Ancient Greek Democracy

    Athens had the first gov't ruled by the people. All adults were forced to take place in voting and participating in this gov't. The start of democracy separated people into classes, and this created tension between them.
  • 1215

    Magna Carta

    A peace treaty between the rebels of England and King John. This treaty inspired the United States to start seeking independence from Britain.
  • Period: 1400 to

    Haudenosaunee Confederacy

    The Haudenosaunee had the oldest continuous democracy in all of North America. During this, the Haudenosaunee had made an enemy of France, leading them to be more dependant on the British in Albany.
  • Period: 1400 to 1500

    Renaissance

    The French Rebirth, the discovery of new continents, and the invention of new technology and ideas. The philosophers of this era saw this as a time of classical learning and wisdom.
  • Period: 1517 to

    The Reformation

    The people of Europe began to question the power and the ideas of the Catholic Church. This lead to the upheaval of religion, politics, intellects, and culture.
  • Period: to

    The Enlightenment

    Philosophers and scientists began to spread their thoughts and ideas worldwide. This lead to separation from the church, and more education being provided to the people.
  • Period: to

    Industrial Revolution

    The people's lives in Europe and the United States had shifted from rural living to urban living. The industrial revolution created more technology, allowed people to privately own property, and introduced economic and individual freedom and competition.
  • Period: to

    The American Revolution

    13 of the colonies from Great Britain left to form America. While this was happening, everyone had to leave their jobs, homes, and families to fight in their war for independence.
  • Period: to

    The French Revolution

    The people of France wanted lower taxes while in great famine, while the regime was unaffected by everything going on. The people started killing each other in rage and planned to kill their leaders as well.
  • Period: to

    The Class System Changes

    Classic Liberalism and the idea of economic and individual freedom began to take over. This diminished the social classes while developing a class system based on economic wealth.