Assignment 2.2 Classical Liberalism Timeline LRoker

In the year 507 B.C., an Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced a system of political reforms that he called demokratia, or “rule by the people” It was the first known democracy in the world. This new system of democracy was enforced, where citizens could vote directly on bills, legislation, and motion. However, only approximately 10% - 20% of the population in Greece were actually considered citizens, meaning only that small percentage had a say. Those that were unable to vote were children, women, foreigners, and slaves. While this event, unfortunately, did not include everyone, it was a step forward to creating an individualistic society.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism:
Ancient Greek Democracy isn't quite an accurate representation of Classical Liberalism. However, this was a significant time as some people - specifically "adult, male citizen[s] who owned land," - were finally given the opportunity to have a voice.
One of the key principles of classical liberalism is the belief that humans are ready and reasonable to make these decisions that will benefit not only themselves but also society.
Ancient Greek democracy was the very first to partake in this way of living, setting the foundation for the later development of classical liberalism.

The Magna Carta took place in 1215. It is considered to be a treaty between King John of England and the barons to maintain peace. The King was unliked by the barons, the lower class nobility, and was facing a possible rebellion by the rich and powerful barons. In an attempt to prevent this, King John agreed to sign a charter by the name of the Magna Carta which placed him and all of England’s future monarchs under the Rule of Law. This was reinforced numerous times and eventually became the backbone for English common law. It essentially guaranteed rights and freedoms for all free men.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism:
The implementation of the Magna Carta was one of the first instances where one of the fundamental principles of classical liberalism was put into effect
In this case, it put limits on what the governing monarch could do in addition to holding them accountable under the rule of law.
The Magna Carta also ensured individual rights and freedoms
It was looked at by the Founding Fathers of the USA as a historical example for gaining independence from Britain.

The Renaissance, meaning “rebirth” in French, began in the 14th Century in Europe following the middle ages. This was a period of time that included intense social, political, intellectual, and economic change.

During this time period, there was a major expansion in areas of art, science, literature, and philosophy. Education began to become available to those under higher social classes due to the recent invention of the printing press. With this newfound adequate education, people were able to invent and promote their products.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism:
The Renaissance initiated humanism, which believed in individual rights and freedoms
It also resulted in one of the first instances where it was believed that humans can make decisions for themselves. This was a massive change from earlier times, where the Church or monarchy would make decisions for everyone.

This event took place in 15th C - 1776. The Haudenosaunee, otherwise known as the iroquois, was formed when five (soon to be six) nations that were previously at war with one another formed an oral constitution called the Great Law of Peace which everyone agreed to follow. Each of the six tribes were given a role in the government, and leaders were elected by merit.
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy is said to have been around since the beginning of time. By establishing "division of powers among various branches of government," and granting "equal participation by citizens, including women," along with "establish[ing] rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and rights of the individual," peace and harmony was achieved between the nations.
The nations involved are the Oneida, Mohawks, Cayuga, Seneca, Tuscarora, and the Onandaga.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism:
The Haudenosaunee Confederacy was one of the first political systems to divide power equally across various branches of government
All citizens were allowed to take part in decision making
Women had a large role in government
It established numerous individual rights and freedoms
The Confederacy became a model for the future Constitution of the United States of America.

The Reformation was a series of events in Europe that resulted in the restructuring of the church. Martin Luther is said to be the one who initiated the Reformation due to his belief that the church had too much power. The production of Luther’s 95 theses expressed his thoughts regarding the Catholic Church. In his theses, he expressed the concept of the Rule of Law in the sense that the Pope should not have been acting superior to the rest of society.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism.
People were able to think for themselves when they distanced themselves from the involvement in Church
People began to make rational decisions for themselves
Majority of citizens began making decisions based on reason rather than faith.

This was a period of time where European politics, philosophy, science, and communications were greatly changed. The thinkers of the Enlightenment questioned traditional authority and embraced the concept that humanity could evolve through rational changes.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism.
People became came to their senses and demanded more rights and freedoms
They wanted a more democratic government that could be held accountable
It essentially aided in the promotion of fundamental principles of classical liberalism on the general public.

The American Revolution was an event that took place in 1776 - 1783. The thirteen American colonies rebelled against the British government who dictated them. At the time, the British government were dictating the colonies who they could and could not trade with. This upset them, especially because they were wanting free trade.
They were rebelling in fight to gain independence from Great Britain

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism:
The American Revolution resulted in the foundation of the world’s first liberal democratic government. This resulted in the principles of classical liberalism being embedded in the American constitution. This included the belief that all men are equal, and giving governing power in the hands of the citizens.

The French Revolution took place in 1789 - 1799. During this time period, society was divided into social classes where the lower class had little to no rights nor participation in the government. As a result of the King’s excessive expenditures on the American Revolution, France was an economic turmoil at this time. Due to this, people were being heavily taxed and a large portion of citizens were starving. This is what caused French citizens to come together and overthrow the monarchy based on the success of the American Revolution. These citizens also were fighting for the Rule of Law. After many rebellions by the suffering citizens, women and Bourgeoisie, the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was signed on August 26th 1789. This document that protected the rights individuals became "had a major impact on the development of freedom and democracy in Europe and worldwide."
Napoleon Bonaparte was an important figure during this time as well. Napoleon rose to prominence during the French Revolution and served as emperor of France from 1804 to 1814, and again in 1815. Napoleon is remembered today for his role in the Napoleonic Wars (1803–15), and his defeat at the battle of Waterloo on 18 June 1815. Napoleon's domestic policies encompassed a wide range of political and social issues within France. His most sweeping changes were the settlement with the Catholic Church, the codification of laws, and the new education system.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism:
The French Revolution further enforced the continuous growth of the concept of individual rights and freedoms in society.
It was essentially the fight that implemented liberalism for the rights of everyone in society
The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen was a result of this revolution

The Industrial Revolution took place in 18th C - 19th C. This event was a period of time where predominantly agricultural, rural societies in North America and Europe became urban and industrialized. Citizens' lives were changed in areas of politics, economic and social aspects as a result of the industrial Revolution. During this revolution, new machinery was being invented and brought into factories. As a result, people began to lose their jobs and were replaced. However, this opened up new doors for others. With this new and advanced technology, products could be made quickly and efficiently. This created competition between owners of businesses and companies. Their self interest to make more money resulted in a clash between them. Their economic freedom to sell what they desired, reflects on the consumers economic freedom in which they buy what they want to. By producing what consumers want, company owners were able to achieve their self interest by making more products efficiently with their advanced technology. Sometimes to be on the more favourable side of the competition, they have to lower the prices.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism.
The Industrial Revolution created the notion of industrialism
Industrialism is associated with factors such as private property, self-interest, and economic freedom; self interest and economic freedom being two of the main principles of classical liberalism
As individuals gathered more and more property for themselves the became richer which lead to them demanding more political rights and freedoms

During the 19thC there was a period of time where the distinction of social classes faded. Instead of a system determining and separating social status, classes were separated in relation to economic standing. Essentially, there was more opportunity and freedom to move up in the new class system.

Contribution to the development of classical liberalism.
The changes in the class system resulted in more people having access to many of the things classical liberalism values, such as, economic freedom and private property
This created more freedom and equality for individuals