Classical Liberalism Timeline

Ancient Greek Democracy developed around 507 B.C. In their democracy, of the 100,000 citizens (not including foreigners and slaves, who were not considered citizens) only 40,000 men over 18 could vote. Their democracy was not very focused on liberal views. They were more focused on individualism and not on the group of people as a whole. Despite this, the idea was a very strong one, and helped form our idea of democracy today.

The document provided the outline for our modern democracy and fundamental rights. Written by King John in the year of 1215, it was meant to re balance power between the king and his subjects. The document was written to lessen the power of the monarchs and keep them from taking complete control.The document provided the outline for our modern democracy and fundamental rights. Written by King John in the year of 1215, it was meant to re balance power between the king and his subjects. The document was written to lessen the power of the monarchs and keep them from taking all power.

The renaissance was a time for new thinking and growth. There were many new inventions in this time period that enabled an easier way of life in many ways. People developed new ways of thinking and began to stray away from their original way of thinking. Due to this, classical liberalism was most likely becoming a more common perspective.

The five nations: Mohawk (Kanienkahagen), Oneida (Onayotekaono), Onondaga (Onundagaono), Cayuga (Guyohkohnyoh), Seneca (Onondowahgah), Tuscarora (Ska-Ruh-Reh), all came together to form the Haudenousaunee Confederation. The purpose of doing this was to maintain peace throughout the 5 nations. This relates to classical liberalism in wanting to maintain the rule of law and liberty.

The reformation was the movement started by Martin Luther intending to move away from the church. He believed the church held too much power. His influence grew, and the belief in humans to be able to make rational decision increased.

The enlightenment was a period of scientific change and awakening. Many believe that John Locke's book 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding' really was the starting point of the enlightenment. Religion was highly questioned during this time, as well as reasoning, many enlightenment thinkers pondered the way that people thought and approached problems. Individualism was a very factor during this time.

Many inventions were being made during this time such as engines, the telegraph, which made communication much easier and faster, vaccinations and medicines, the "spinning jenny" which sped up the process of making cloth, etc. The industrial revolution also brought the production of war machinery. People's views of the world were also changing, and people were demanding different laws and political and economic changes, furthering the liberal way of life.

The American Revolution resulted in a problem between Britain and it's 13 colonies. Britain was taxing the colonies without their consultation, resulting in the well-known chant, "no taxation without representation". Eventually, after several wars, America won the battle, and became it's own country. They created the Declaration of Independence. They were finally able to create their own government with their own laws and rules.

The French Revolution began with high influence from the American revolution. The French people were tired of being treated poorly by the King. The King had financial issues, and the class system was unfair. The King gave a 1% vote to the 3rd estate (peasants, etc) and the rest of the vote was up to the nobility and the clergy. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was formed eventually, preventing this problem from ever arising again.

Social classes began to fade away as people began to modernize their way of thinking. Currently, there is hardly a class system, however in the 1800's and early 1900's there was definitely still a system. It was very clear, even on the trains and ships, there were different areas for those with more money. Classical Liberalism is an idea in which class systems are not supported