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Acts of Union
In 1706 and 1707 the English and Scottish governments respectively, joined politically with each other. Previous attempts were made in the 17th century but following the Glorious Revolution, England was scared that their unified state with Scotland would be under the rule of an absolute monarch. However, the Scottish absolute monarch was discontinued and the English and Scottish Parliaments merged. This stabilized both countries economically and strengthened them militarily. -
Thomas Paine and John Locke
In the time of the Enlightenment, these two men developed new political philosophies that became a large part in future governments. It was mainly via writing that they grew famous but their liberal ideas played such a large role in changing European governments. Previously, civil liberties were not ensured and protected by the government and these three men all argued for freedoms and liberties. Some principles still existing today are separation of Church and State and Consent of the Governed -
Molasses Act
This act passed by Parliament in 1733 was an example of Britain taking advantage of their colonies for their own economic gain. Previously, the colonies had been under salutatory neglect, which meant Britain stayed out of their affairs. But then Britain realized the colonies could help them, this act was passed so that colonists had to buy more expensive British sugar. This even represents change because Britain used to leave their colonies alone but now they are using them economically. -
Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Transatlantic Slave Trade was the trading network that linked Africa, Europe and the Americas together. Due to the rise of colonies, and the fact that European nations were beginning to fully realize the economic potential of their colonies, Europeans established this trading network. This represents change because previously, African slaves were not used in the Americas and now they were. This is because Europeans didn't want to pay for labor so their capital was increased. -
Chinese Rites Controversy
This controversy had to do with Catholic missionaries to Asia and whether Confucianism rituals could be compatible with Catholicism. The disagreement was between Dominicans and Jesuits because Jesuits believed those rituals can coexist with Catholicism and thus the Dominicans brought this issue to Rome. However, this shows incredible continuity in the power and influence of the Catholic Church in Rome. Missionaries could've ignored the question but because of the power of Rome, they couldn't. -
Seven Years' War
While there wasn't much political or economic change following the Seven Years' War, there certainty was a great deal of social change. Previously, the French had prided themselves as the most powerful and sophisticated European country, but this war changed that. Fought on five continents, the British-Portuguese victory over the French symbolized a social change in European dominance. Consequently, this war increased British nationalism while decreasing France's. -
Stamp Act
This act that was passed in 1765 was similar to the Molasses Act, in that it attempted to regulate colonial commerce. One of the popular economic principles at the time was free trade and the British government now mandated that colonists must buy stamped London paper. This especially angered colonists because it was passed to pay for British military in the Seven Years' War where colonists already helped. This shows economic change because the Enlightenment free trade principle was disregarded. -
The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith's publication of The Wealth of Nations, was the first books describing and arguing for economic principles. Smith argued for change in the economic system supporting free trade and the division of labor. Many acts, especially in Britain, were being passed to try to regulate commerce mostly in colonial states, and Smith was upset by this. The publication of this book lead to economic change as well as changes in political policies regarding economics, markets, labor and trade. -
US Declaration of Independence
In the Second Continental Congress, representatives from 13 British colonies signed the Declaration of Independence. While the event itself is mainly a political shift, this caused radical social changes. After seeing American Patriots defeat the British army, many revolutions occurred after this such as the French, Belgian and Mexican Wars of Independence. The US independence also introduced a new economic trading partner that would supply cash crops at a very low price due to slave labor. -
French Revolution
Starting in 1789 and ending in 1799, the French Revolution was a turning point in European politics. Many French commoners gained knowledge during the Enlightenment and opposed the rule of an absolute monarch. In order to achieve their desired government, they overthrew the previous one and establish a legislature. In addition to political change, the French Revolution also caused a more socially liberal society.
