Classical Liberalism

Ancient Greek Democracy was essentially the start of individualistic ideas among a society to a certain extent. Ancient Greek Democracy would have a draw in where one name out of five hundred would be drawn to have the individual demolish and propose new laws to the male citizens of Athens. Through this the male citizens would vote on laws and the majority of the citizens votes would decide what happens with the laws. This was the start of classical liberalism, as citizens had their own voice on laws in which they thought could benefit society and themselves. Through individualistic ideology and equal say among citizens different opinions were said in order for the betterment of society, relating to current classical liberalism.

The Magna Carta is a document in history in where the applies to everybody, which guarantees individual rights, the right to justice and right to fair trial. It all started with King John and his conflicts against rebellions. In attempts to overcome the rebellion a the Magna Carta was created. It relates to classical liberalism as it shows that equality, the personal well being of individuals and the rule of law among all people is more important than the promotion of one human being over another.

The Renaissance was the rebirth of European civilization which resulted in a development in artistic, economic and cultural values. Individuals started to break boundaries, experiment and overall increase the well being of European civilization. The term Humanism was created during this time period which stresses the ideas and wants of the individual, and how ideas can benefit society. This led to the development of classical liberalism as individualism was expressed through individuals new ideas as well as opinions which is a great part of classical liberalism. Humanism was the start of society starting to put more emphasis on the person and how they can benefit themselves.

The Haudenosaunee or the Iroquois was a native tribe who have 6 different tribes within the nation. Once at war, these tribes wanted to make peace with each other, resulting in them all living under The Great Law of Peace, which is based off equality and respect. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is one of the most early as well as historical democracies in history. The Haudenosaunee Confederacy led to the development of Classical Liberalism through their policies on men and women being treated as equals and their ability to vote on situations regarding their nation. Also the Haudenosaunee all lived under one rule of law which protected their personal rights and freedoms.

In the time when humanism started to thrive and people started to make decisions on reason, individuals realized that the Catholic Church had to much power. Through this different individuals rebelled against the Catholic Church questioning their ways as well as the power they held. What came of this rebellion was individuals being able to think through reason creating their own values which has now resulted in the Protestant Church. The Reformation led to the development of Classical Liberalism, through individuals ability to think for themselves and have their own ideas and thoughts through reason. Classical Liberalism is an example of this as it requires the individual to think and defend themselves.

The Enlightenment era was a point in time in where classical liberalism really started to take place. Through humanism people started to develop an idea of individualism which led many new theories and peoples ability to question traditional ways. It was flourishing time of history where individuals started to strive for excellence and begin to develop self interest. The Enlightenment era was the foundation for classical liberalism as the ideas private property, self interest and competition had started to arise. Humans started to believe in reason and develop an idea of what a human mind can truly accomplish.

The Industrial Revolution was a point in time in where the making of handcrafted goods turned into a economy dominated by industry and machinery goods. The Industrial Revolution started in Britain and reached parts around the world, changing the way of life for many people. Economies started to change economic freedom, started to promote competition, and ownership to private property. The Industrial revolution led to and had very many policies similar to classical liberalism. Self interest and competition led to many capitalistic principles in a supply and demand type economy. Competition lowered prices of goods and individuals started to become more profit oriented.

The American Revolution is a part history where The 13 British Colonies declared their own independence from Britain. They would soon turn it The United States of America. The American citizens did not want to be under the laws of a foreign government and from not being treated well by the British government The 13 Colonies wanted to declare their own independence. This decision was influenced through humanism as people started making decisions for their colonies through reason. The American Revolution led to the development of Classical Liberalism as The United States came up with their own rights and laws and different policies which is an example of individualism. The citizens i this situation had control over government, becoming a Classical Liberalism economy.

The French Revolution was revolution caused by the gap between the rich and poor in society. The less wealthy started to realize this gap and started overthrow monarchies and destroy the social class system. The less wealthy wanted equal rights and freedoms and to get rid of old historical monarchies, which would translate to a society that individuals have today. They replaced these monarchies with liberal economic policies which allowed fir better opportunities among individuals. The French Revolution is a very similar example of classical liberalism today. The French Revolution showed many characteristics such individuals rights and freedoms, the protection of their liberties and an idea of self interest, as individuals started to address their desires and needs before others.

The Changes to Class System were a result of the liberalistic ideology among certain nations and especially in European monarchy. Rather than being divided into classes based on birth individuals were given more of a fair chance to be a successful human being. Through all the events on the timeline classical liberalism ideology is used in our present day and has a great impact on our economic policies.