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Period: 507 BCE to 338 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
In ancient Greece, a democracy was formed for the first time in recorded history. The Athenian leader Cleisthenes in 507 B.C. introduced a political system called demokratia where the citizens of Athens had equality before the law and a voice when it came to making large-scale decisions. This system only lasted around 200 years when Macedonia defeated Athens, however Cleisthenes' democracy is considered one of ancient Greece's most significant contributions, one that we still use today. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is a charter of liberties put in place by England’s King John in 1215, initially establishing what will come to be known as the rule of law in England. It is essentially the first written constitution in European history, and in the 1776 American Revolution, colonists used the Magna Carta as a model for their fight for liberation from England's rule. -
Period: 1300 to
The Renaissance
The Renaissance was a revolution in European culture, art and politics, a literal "rebirth" of the European status-quo. It is widely regarded as the bridge between the regressive Middle-Ages and the modern day world we live in now, with things like the Enlightenment bringing ideas of Humanism and Individualism to the population of Europe. -
Period: 1400 to
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
The Haudenosaunee (or Iroquois) Confederacy used ritualized systems for choosing leaders and making decisions, just like our democracy today does. It differed from other American Indian confederacies by primarily being more organized and effective in its methods. It is considered one of the modern world's oldest democracies and has persisted until today. -
Period: 1517 to
The Reformation
The Reformation, or Protestant Reformation, was the religious, political, intellectual and cultural shift in attitude in the 16th century. Setting in place the structures and beliefs defining modern Europe, the reformers Martin Luther, John Calvin and Henry VIII challenged and questioned the Catholic Church and argued for a redistribution of power. While this period of time lead to many wars, it left behind a legacy of flourishing intellectual and cultural repercussions that last until today. -
Period: to
The Enlightenment
During the course of what is called the “long 18th century,” 1685-1815, there was a radical shift in politics, philosophy, science and communications in Europe, a period of time called The Enlightenment. The purpose of The Enlightenment was to question traditional authority and explore the idea that humanity could be improved through rational change. Not only did it change the sociopolitical landscape of Europe forever, it also was one of the inspirations for the American and French Revolutions. -
Period: to
Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution was the transition from agriculture to one dominated largely by industry. Along with the technological advancements there were political and cultural shirts as well; governments developed new regulations for industrialized businesses and workers gained new unique skills applicable specifically in the new industrialized society they live in. With the development of larger cities and many working class movements individualism is continuing to grow. -
American Revolution - Declaration of Independence
The American Revolution, lasting from 1765 to 1783, was a nation-wide revolt against the powers of Great Britain. In 1776 specifically was when the Declaration of Independence was signed, declaring America's new found independence from Great Britain and its influence over the nation. This is one of the first instances of a true democracy in the modern world, and many other nations soon followed America's footsteps. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution from 1787 to 1799 reached it climax in 1789 with the dissolution of what is called the "ancien régime," the monarchical political system of France prior to the revolution. The revolution stood for the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity, and its purpose was to overthrow the oppressive monarchy of France and establish independence. Napoleon also had a hand in the revolt, becoming a Major General in the French army before seizing control of France in 1799. -
Period: to
19th Century Class Changes - The Victorian Era
Crowned in 1837 and died in 1901, Queen Victoria of England defined a period called the Victorian Era, where a complete social reformation took place. The grand majority of literature from this era concerned this social reform, as Thomas Carlyle wrote, "The time for levity, insincerity, and idle babble and play-acting, in all kinds, is gone by; it is a serious, grave time." The Victorian Era was a volatile time with all of the technological, political, and socioeconomic changes taking place
