The Development of Classic Liberalism

This time period was developed between 500 B.C. and 300 B.C. and is described as the first known democracy in the world. Under this system of government, only male citizens were granted political rights as well as freedom of speech. These citizens were eligible to participate in the government that they choose and make decisions for how they choose to governed.

The early invention of this form of democracy eventually led into the basic principals of classic liberalism. Classic liberalism strongly emphasizes on individual rights and freedoms well as the participation and input that they have in a democracy. Ancient Greek Democracy gives these similar freedoms to their male citizens so that their government is represented by the citizens rather than one person making the decisions. Because Ancient Greek Democracy was ran under a similar government style as today, it is evident that this democracy contributed to the development of classic liberalism.

Magna Carta, which means 'The Great Charter', is a famous charter that was issued by King John, as a means of solving his political crises with his subjects. Magna Carta established a principal that states that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law.

Magna Carta contributed greatly to the development of classic liberalism in that this principal known as the Magna Carta, is one of the first known charters that outlines the rule of law, as well as the rights and freedoms granted to the citizens of that period. Magna Carta is also known as the cornerstone for English liberties and still remains a large foundation used in todays democracy for individuals rights and freedoms and there equality before the law.

The Renaissance was a period in European culture known as the political, artistic and economic "rebirth" following the Middle Ages. This period was highly influential in stepping out of the dark middle ages and discovering philosophy, literature and art. The Renaissance is known as a time of spreading new ideas and allowing cultures to thrive. The movement of humanism also began during this time which promoted that people should embrace human achievements.

The renaissance greatly contributed to an individuals importance in society in how more humanist views were spreading the idea that individuals should have rights and freedoms. This contributes to the development of classical liberalism in a way that brought individual importance and a lot of self-interest, which is a valuable principal in classical liberalism.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is a confederacy made up of six First Nations tribes that all came together to sign a peace agreement known as the Great Law of Peace. Main principals of the Great Law of Peace were, divisions of power, equal participation by citizens, and rights and freedoms. These nations came together to form the group known as the Six Nations. This confederacy is known as one of the most ancient existing democracies in the world.

This period of time contributes to the development of classical liberalism through a strong policy of individual rights and freedoms as well as equality among all of its members in society. As of todays democracy, there has been connections made between the Great Law of Peace and the American Constitution which have many liberalistic views influenced from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

Reformation is a period of time when a religious 'revolution' took place when certain individuals such as Martin Luther, and Henry VIII began to question the church, and fought for redistribution of power within the church. Protestants rebelled against the church, forming many battles, resulting in a large number of protestant religions today.

The Reformation contributed to developing classical liberalism because it was a period of time where individuals were encouraged to think for themselves and create their own values and beliefs. individuals created their own opinions towards things rather than the church controlling majority of their life. These influences led into individuals fighting and speaking up for their rights and freedoms that society has in today's democracy.

The American Revolution was a period of time where nobody wanted to be ruled by a foreign government or abide by a foreign queen. This led to the creation of the "Declaration of Independence" as an independent republican government that is ruled by the citizens rather than the government.

This led to the development of classical liberalism as ideas of individual rights and freedoms which are main liberalistic views, established a citizen controlled government.

The French Revolution is known as a time where a feudal class system was creating a division between the rich and poor. The lower class citizens began questioning the system and resisting the King and social hierarchy that oppressed them.

The French Revolution led into the development of classical liberalism because it encouraged the citizens to fight for their freedoms and equal rights which is a main foundation of classical liberalism.

The Industrial Revolution was a period of time when societies in Europe and America became industrial and urban. The Industrial Revolution was the upbringing of powered machinery, factories, and mass production. This led to improved transportation and communication. These technological advancements were not exactly all great for everyone, as the employment and living conditions were horrible for most of the poor and working class.

The Industrial revolution contributed to classical liberalism because it was the start of technological advancements, the increase in sense of self-interest and competition. Although working conditions were bad, there wasn't any fight for social equality. The Industrial Revolution began views that started a need for a free-market economy, as well as influence a capitalist society that is in place in our current democracy.

The Enlightenment was a time of politics, philosophy, science and communications. Enlightenment thinkers believe that humanity can be improved. Philosophers challenged society by questioning traditional authority.

The Enlightenment was a major aspect in the development of classical liberalism as it influenced ideas such as individual rights and freedoms, private property, and acting through self- interest. These changes are important policies in classical liberalism that we have today.

Changes to the class system began to emerge when wealth became clear. private property, economic freedom and self-interest all allowed for improved economy, and higher quality of life.

The principals of classical liberalism continued to be used throughout a free-market, and spreads equality, coming from the individual rights and freedoms that society upheld.