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506 BCE
Ancient Greek Democracy
The beginning of what we can call classical liberalism comes from Ancient Greece. They began the first known democracy in history. Although, only adult men were able to participate, so it wasn't a true democracy by today's standards. This event contributed to liberalism by opening the door for the everyday man to have a voice in the political world, to seek his own self-interest through his own rights and freedoms. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is a document signed by King John of England. It was a charter promising the protection of rights. Barons were safe from illegal imprisonment, and there were limitations on feudal payments to the Crown. They could also demand justice for wrongdoings. While the charter failed many times, many future monarchs renewed the charter. While it only applied to barons rather than the common man, the Magna Carta established a rule of Law, guaranteeing an individual's rights. -
1400
The Renaissance
14-16th Century. It was a time period in Europe that focused on philosophical ideas and humanism from Ancient Greece and Rome, and the widespread sharing of knowledge and education among the upper and mid-class. With more education came improvements in science and art. It contributed to classical liberalism by improving man's standards, and more people were becoming more invested in self-interest. -
1517
Reformation
1517-1648. The Catholic Chruch was accused and condemned of corruption, and were forced to change its ways to be fairer to the people. This was triggered by the writings of Martin Luther and the Reformation of the Protestant Church. This event showcased the rights and freedoms of the common man, and showed that even the Church was not above the rule of law. -
1570
Haudenosaunee Confederacy
1570 to 1776. These First Nations people created the Great Law of Peace. It laid out the way to peace and harmony among the nations. Its key principles included division of powers among various branches of government, equal participation by citizens- including women, the establishment of rights and freedoms- including freedom of speech, religion, and rights of the individual. These ideas helped define liberalism when it inspired the Americans to copy parts of it for their own constitution. -
The Elightenment
1685-1815. As the ideas of the Renaissance and Reformation became more popular, European philosophers helped promote the ideas about human nature. It was an intellectual movement emphasizing reason, individualism, and skepticism. It further promoted the rule of law against the Church and further encouraged standing up for rights and freedoms. -
Industrial Revolution
1760-1840. This event marked the transition to new manufacturing processes in Europe and the US. The movement from feudalism to industrialization was largely a result of societies adopting classical liberal economic principles. They owned their own homes, had the right to vote, and were responsible for their own lives. Each individual had the right of private property, and with the rise of factories, competition and economic freedom were beginning to take root in the ever-changing world. -
American Revolution
Americans declared themselves independent from Great Britain with the "Declaration of Independence" that established a republican form of government in which authority to rule came from the citizens, and not a foreign monarch. They set out to establish political autonomy and economic freedom from British control. This was a huge event for classical liberalism because it brought everything to the table and created an individualistic society that based itself on liberal ideologies. -
French Revolution
This event was a period of social and political upheaval in France and its colonies. The King and the nobility neglected the starving populace, focusing more on undermining Britain and living greedy, slothful lives. The revolution overthrew the monarchy and established a short-lived republic. The lower class stood up for their rights and freedoms and acted in their own self-interest of better lives. -
Changes To The Class System
Society began to change. People used to be born into a social class and remained in it their whole lives. Classical liberalism valued the individual and encouraged more opportunities. Thanks to the promotion of classical liberal principles, the idea of rigid class systems began to fade. Due to the pursuit of self-interest, private property and economic competition, people could improve their social and economic status. Hard work and self-reliance were encouraged as keys to economic success.