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Use Cases
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500 BC - 322 BC
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Athens was thought to be the first democracy. It was a system based on direct democracy where participating citizens voted directly on legislation and exclusive bills. voting was not opened to everyone, voters had to be adult, males who owned their own land and were not slaves. Before the first attempt of democracy Athens was ruled by a handful of chief magistrates and ex magistrates. The members were mostly aristocrats and ruled the Polis to their own advantage. Contributions to classical liberalism: exercised the idea that "regular" citizens had a voice and power, creating a method that a loud people to have power in government. it was an important step to Liberalism that a loud citizens to protect their rights, freedoms, interests in voting and allowing people they trusted into power
1215 CE - present
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Magna Carta was written in Latin and was the first written constitution in European history. It established that everyone was subject to law, even the king, it guarantees the rights of individuals, the right to justice and the right to fair trial. King agreed to the signing of the Magna Carta following the uprising of rebel barons in England. the barons captured London in May and forced the King to agree with the group. the Magna Carta was signed as a peace treaty between the king and the rebels. King John wrote to the Pope to get it annulled, who agreed despite the strain between the king and the church. the Pope called out on the Magna Carta was " illegal, harmful to royal rights and shameful to the English people." he also declared it "void of all validity for ever." this caused another civil war but ended after King Johns death in 1216. A second version was created by Henry III in 1225 which was granted explicitly in the return of tax payment from the whole kingdom. the Magna Carta is considered one of the first steps in England toward establishing Parliamentary Democracy. The century after Henry's version parliament interpreted the message as a right to fair trial for everyone. the Magna Carta has played a big role and influenced the American Bill of Rights, written in 1791. contributions to classical liberalism: lead to the rule of constitutional law, a model for colonies that were attempting to develop a legal system, a profound system that questioned the "divine rights of the Kings", presented Great Britain as one of the first countries in Europe to give rights to citizens, aided in the development if the rule of law principles.
1300 - 1600
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The rebirth of the European civilization immediately after the middle ages. There was a surge of interest in classical scholarship and values. Classical literature, learning and art gave a new culture to Europe. the Renaissance has witnessed the discovery and exploration of new continents, the substitution of the Copernican for the Ptolemaic system to Astrology. It was a time of change in Europe that bridged the middle ages and modern times. Contributions to classical liberalism: philosophers from the age of the Enlightenment were inspired by the original ideas from the Renaissance period, Humanists faith in humans gave away to more rights and freedoms.
1400 - 1776
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the confederacy was formed when six nations came together and created and agreed to abide by an oral constitution known as the Great Law of Peace. there was originally five nations inhabiting the northern part of New York State. the Haudenosaunee consisted of Seneca, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, and the Mohawk. in the 18th century the Tuscarora joined the confederacy. the confederacy is united by the Great Law of Peace, which is considered both a political constitution and a basis for Haudenosaunee society in general. the Great Law was given to Hiawatha by a Prophet Peacemaker and they bother created the confederacy. it was one of the longest participatory democracies, each leaders were elected on merit and each tribe was given a role in the government. contributions to classical liberalism: constitution of the United States, the standard of freedom and liberalism in modern society, was based on the oral constitution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. it set the U.S. on a path which promoted the individual rights and freedom principle of liberalism by giving men and women equally important roles in society and granted the freedom of speech. this principles led to further development of principles of liberalism as people could voice their opinions and have some effects as to what happened in the government and rules. Modern Liberalism had its roots in Haudenosaunee confederacy as they brought this to a country that became a world power.
1517 - 1648
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the Protestant Reformation that was religious, political, intellectual, and cultural upheaval that splintered Catholic Europe, resulting in structures and beliefs that would define the country in the modern era. In Northern and Central Europe, reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Henry VIII challenged papal authority and questioned the Catholic Church's ability to define the Christian practice. They argued for a religious and political redistribution of power into the hands of Bible and pamphlet reading pastors and princes. The disruption triggered wars, persecution and the counter- reformation( the Catholic Church's response to the Protestants.) Contributions to classical liberalism: less ties to the Church, more emphasis on self-interest, personal freedoms, and equality. Reformers broke away from the established Roman Catholic Church and constructed new denomination according to various ideas, people were capable of making their own decisions based on reason. the power of the church waned and the power of the people grew and the faith in the rational nature of human beings grew
1685 - 1815
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Enlightenment thinkers in Britain, in France and throughout Europe questioned traditional authority and embraced the notion that humanity could be improved through rational change. the enlightenment produced numerous books, essays, inventions, scientific discoveries, laws, wars, and revolutions. the American and French revolutions were inspired by the enlightenment ideas and respectively marked the peak of its influence and the beginning of its decline. contributions to classical liberalism: growing acceptance of science, rational thoughts and trust in human nature led to the industrial revolution. people trusted in logic rather than just faith, witch called for rights and freedoms, people were enlightened by the various philosophies and demanded that they have rights which called for a less dictatorial government.
1750 - 1850
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Prior to the Industrial Revolution, manufacturing was mostly manufactured in homes, using hand tools or basic machines. Industrialization marked a shift to powered, special-purpose machinery, factories and mass productions The iron and textiles industries, along with the development of the steam engine, played central roles in the revolution. There was also an improvement in transportation, communication, and banking. Although the revolution brought good tidings, it has resulted in grim employment and living conditions for the poor and working class. Before the revolution people lived in small rural communities, where life was hard, incomes were meager, and malnutrition and disease were common. However over time Britain has successfully turned their small factories into a large working industry. Contribution to classical liberalism: Laws and ideas, such as private property, individual and economic freedom, and self interest began to immerge and gain popularity. Wealthy land owners began to buy property for their private use under the enclosure acts. Higher class individuals began to demand for more freedom and political power. The wealthy middle class began making demands as well. New freedoms opened the doors for new companies and businesses.
1775 - 1783
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the American Revolution insurrection by which 13 of Great Britain's North American colonies won political independence and went on to form the United States of America. The war followed more than a decade of growing estrangement between the British crown and a large and influential segment of its North American colonies that was caused by British attempts to assert greater control over colonial after having a long adhered to a policy of salutary neglect. until early 1778 the conflict was a civil war within the British Empire, but afterward it became an international war as Spain, France, and the Netherlands joined against Britain. Settlers in America were taxed by Britain and forced to pay high tariffs on imports. contributions to classical liberalism: the war against Britain symbolized a fight for insurance of self-interest which would ensure the freedom of future Americans. when Great Britain lost the war, the leaders of the revolution promoted ideas such as everyone was created equal, and self-interest were principles of Liberalism. These principles were written into the declaration of independence and became part of the constitution of America.
1789 - 1799
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the French society split into strict social classes where the working class had no rights, poor representation in the government, not much power. At the time France was in a financial problems due to the Kings investment in the American Revolution and excessive spending. Two decades of poor cereal harvests, drought, cattle diseases and sky rocketing costs on bread has kindled unrest among peasants and the urban poor. Many expressed their desperation and resentment toward a regime that imposed heavy taxes yet failed to provide relief by rioting, looting and striking. thousands died of hunger, over 17 000 people were tried and executed the Reign of Terror, and an unknown number of of others died in prison or without trial. contributions to classical liberalism: civil revolt occurred due to the suppression of basic rights for the common citizen. the revolution was a war to promote liberalism and the rights of an individual. the declaration of the Rights of Man and of the citizen was produced in response after the revolution. this document promoted liberal ideas and concepts, it outlined that the role of the government was the preservation of the rights and freedoms of its citizens
1800 - 1900
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The social classes began to feel a shift when the Industrial Revolution plowed a way to make people equal by separating the home from the workplace. This encouraged a more precise role for men and women. Men were to work and provide for the family, whilst the women would tend and care for the home and children, they were not meant to work outside the home. The new industrial age brought new job opportunities, most which required more education and/or training. the family became more stable, Father worked outside, Mother provided children with the skills and knowledge, females, to maintain a healthy and acceptable life style;whereas the sons would follow the fathers' footsteps. The hierarchy of social class began to diminish, peasants, slaves and the wealthy began to become one through society, although royalty still remained on top, the other classes began to crumble and fall into unison. contributions to classical liberalism: people through history were placed in different social classes, peasants, slaves, wealth, but then changes started to happen. If one was willing to work and compete for property, then they moved to the top of their class. This a loud equality to everyone, driving out the concern of where one was born. As classical liberalism began to take hold of modern society the radical ideas presented resulted in social distinction diminishing.