Final answer:
The growth of democracy began in Athens during the fifth century BCE and evolved with the prosperity of Athenian citizens. It saw a significant rise in the early 19th century in the United States, as Americans embraced majority rule. The mid-1970s marked the third wave of democratization, with many countries transitioning away from authoritarian regimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Emergence of Democracy
The growth of democracy can be traced back to ancient times, beginning with the earliest democratic institutions in Athens during the fifth century BCE. The evolution of democracy in Athens was a gradual process, influenced by the prosperity of the Athenian citizens and the demand for more participation in the governance of the city-state. The Athenian Assembly, where citizens discussed state affairs, played a central role in this developmental phase.
Another significant period in the growth of democracy was the early 19th century in the United States when many Americans started embracing majority rule. Despite the founders' vision of a republic with safeguards against simple majority rule, the early 1820s evidenced a potent democratic shift. However, the implications of this shift were double-edged, raising concerns about the potential suppression of minority opinions by the majority.
Furthermore, the mid-1970s mark the third wave of democratization, with countries like Portugal, Spain, Taiwan, and South Korea moving away from authoritarianism. The fall of the Soviet Union and other communist states in Eastern Europe by the early 1990s also significantly contributed to the spread of democratic principles.