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507 BCE
Athens and the birth of democracy
In Athens all citizens were required to take part in the government. If they didn't take part they would be fined. In Athens the definition of "citizens" was only free men. Therefore women and children could not vote. -
133 BCE
The Roman Empire and bureaucracy
Rome created a government that was ruled by the people. Even though Rome was a republic not a democracy they established framework for future democratic governments. Slaves were not considered citizens in Rome so they didn't have a say in anything. -
1215
Constitutionalism and The Magna Carta
The signing of the Magna Carta was extremely important. It established that everyone was subject to law and guarantees the rights of individuals. The Magna Carta formed English democracy and influenced constitutionalism in America. -
The Divine Right of Kings
The Divine Right of Kings was too powerful. It was said the kings received their authority from God so they could not be held accountable for their actions. The Divine Right of Kings spread through Europe and democracy was in danger. -
John Locke’s Two Treatises on Government and the Glorious Revolution
In this treaty John Locke claimed that all men are by nature free and equal. It also rejected the Divine Right of Kings idea and started The Glorious Revolution. He identified a basis for a legitimate government. -
The American Revolution
The Revolutionary War was The American against Britain who influenced political ideas and revolution around the world. The Americans then won and got their freedom from the greatest military force of its time. America then declared independence and made America safe for democracy. -
The French Revolution
The French Revolution was when the people overthrew the Monarchy and took control of the government. This completely changed the social and political structure of France. It brought new ideas to Europe such as liberty and freedom and the abolishment and slavery and women's rights. These ideas helped shape many of Europe's modern day governments. -
Latin American Wars of Revolution
These revolutions caused a number of countries in Latin America to become independent. The spanish democracy and government was free. -
Greek War of Independence
This war that the Greek's won sealed their independence from the multi-ethnic and multi-religious Ottoman Empire. -
The Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution brought brought great innovation as people started using machine manufacturing. However this did bring poverty and not all Americans were profiting equally so democracy wasn't thriving. -
The Suffrage Movement in Canada
The Women's Suffrage Movement in Canada was decades long fight for basic human rights such as voting. By 1900 women were allowed to vote and that changed the face of democracy by finally giving women rights. -
The Great Depression
The Great Depression caused about 25% of people to lose there jobs. The President Robert Hoover said there was nothing the Government could have done and did not portray the democracy the nation was known for. -
The Civil Rights Movement
The Civil Right Movement in the USA ended black segregation. This movement reinforces American democracy because black people have freedom and equality. -
The end of Communism
The end of communism was a relief In Europe due to the collapse of the Berlin Wall. There was more freedom in democracy and the government. -
The LGBTQ2 Movements
This movement helped changed the way democracy looked at lgbtq people. People didn't respect them so they started a movement and recognized pride month. -
Idle No More
Idle No More was a movement started by indigenous people in Canada. Canada's government was dismantling environmental protection laws and endangering First Nations. This shows how cruel Canada's government was -
Black Lives Matter
Racism once again impacted democracy. Black lives being lost for no reason caused riots and people going crazy. Many protests happened throughout America.
