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800 BCE
Ancient Greeks and Democracy
The Greeks favored individualistic and the power of humans, though still believing strongly in the power of their gods. They believed in the power of the individual and the potential and ability of humans, which manifested itself in art and reason. They created the concept of direct democracy wherein participating citizens could vote on decisions rather than having a monarch decide for them. These concepts of individualism and democracy are a core part of liberalism. -
1215
Magna Carta
In 1215, King John signed the Magna Carta, a document which outlined king's powers and limited abuses of power. This worked to create the idea that no man, not even the king, is above the law; this concept later became known as Rule of Law. Rule of Law is a key aspect of Liberalism because it argues equality for everyone. -
1400
The Renaissance (Circa 1450-1600)
The Renaissance was the shift of thinking that favored individualism, stemming from a rebirth--or Renaissance in French--of interest in Greek culture and ideas, such as the power of the person and democracy. These ideas contradicted with the absolute monarchies of the time and with the Divine Right of kings. Thinkers such as Rousseau argued the importance of individual freedoms and the nature of humans. Renaissance--and Rousseau's--ideas were fundamental to the formation of Liberalism. -
1400
Haudenosaunee Confederacy (1400-1776)
This was the confederacy between 6 first nations tribes. They would meet to preserve peace and resolve issues in non-violent ways. Under the Great Law of Peace, they divided powers, ensured equality between all members, and protected various rights and freedoms. These beliefs, including power division, equality of everyone, and protections of rights and freedoms are core aspects of Liberalism. -
1500
The Protestant Reformation (1500-1650)
The Renaissance contributed to the Protestant Reformation. This was accelerated by Gutenberg's Printing Press, which allowed bibles, amongst other books, to be mass printed in accessible languages. Moreover, Martin Luther's 95 Theses and creation of the Protestant church also helped reduce the power and influence of the Catholic church in Europe. The Reformation reflected liberal values such as individualism and free thought. -
The Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was born out of the ideas of the Renaissance. It favored rational explanations for the world, individualism, democracy, more economic freedom, and the beginning of Classical Liberalism. These principles are the basis of Liberalism and helped form Classical Liberalism, particularly the beliefs in individualism and economic freedom. -
The Industrial Revolution (~1750-1900)
The Industrial Revolution was the focus on industrial production instead of agriculture. This helped assist in the rise of capitalism, due in part to the Inclosure Act to protect the property of farmers. Moreover, this change favored free trade instead of government-run systems of trade. The factory also contributed to this change by allowing the mass production of goods. This relates to Liberalism as it ties into the belief in economic freedom and free trade and little government involvement. -
The American Revolution
After growing frustrated with British rule, the American colonies revolted against the British to gain their independence. Amongst their biggest frustrations was the heavy taxes from the British and their lack of representation in the British parliament. This was voiced in the slogan of "No Taxation Without Representation," which fits with Liberalism's value of individual rights and freedoms and the belief in democracy. It believes in individuals having a say in government. -
The French Revolution (1789-1799)
The French Revolution was when France overthrew its monarch, King Louis XVI, due to financial inequality, lack of representation, and lack of liberty. This fits with Liberalism as it values economic freedom and political freedoms. Moreover, the Declaration of the Rights of the Man and of the Citizen aligns with liberal values such as the equality of man, protecting private property, freedom of opinion, Rule of Law, and protection of liberty and freedom. -
Changes to Class System (1800s)
This was the change from how wealth was accumulated. Previously, wealth stemmed primarily from land ownership, however, the Industrial Revolution allowed people to gain wealth from factories and trade. They were referred to as the Nouveau Riche. Often, they lived extravagant lifestyles and took pride in displaying their wealth. This connects with the liberal value of economic freedom, that being the ability of the individual to compete in the free market so as to gain wealth.
