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Agricultural Revolution
The Agricultural Revolution (1700- mid century) in Britain and parts of Europe introduced innovative farming techniques such as crop rotation, selective breeding, and the introduction of new crops like potatoes and maize. These advancements would change traditional farming techniques and lead to more efficient farmers, which allowed for increased population growth while needing less farmers. This would also boost the economy and eventually allow for urbanization. -
The Navigation Act
The British Navigational acts, which began in the 17th century, were further reinforced in 1705, which continued to regulate colonial trade and ensure that the British colonies only traded with Britain. This helped Britain's economic dominance in global trade. -
Act of Union
The Act of Union in 1707 united the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland, forming the Kingdom of Great Britain. This political and economic merger created a unified internal market and harmonized trade policies between the two nations. This would mark the beginning of the expanded British empire, preparing them for later global dominance. This would also allow for the creation of a national bank, which helped further economic growth. -
The Treaty of Utrecht
The Treaty of Utrecht ended the War of Spanish Succession and redrew the map of Europe, with Britain gaining the most benefits. This changed the global balance of power, as Britain emerged as the colonial and maritime power. This would lead to the economic exploration of the Americas, boosting European economy. This would put Britain as a leading economic power and colonizer across the world. -
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Peak of the Atlantic Slave Trade
The mid 1700's saw the peak of the transatlantic slave trade, with millions of Africans being transported to the Americas to work on cash crop plantations. European powers such as England, Spain, France, and Portugal all benefited from this trade. This trade would significantly boost European nation's economies and continue to influence European politics. This would last until the mid 1800's. -
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The Industrial Revolution Begins
The industrial Revolution began in Britain in the late 18th century with the invention of the steam engine, mechanized spinning, and the development of coal power machines. It lead to the rise of factories, mass production, and increased urbanization. This would shift the economy from a agricultural based economy to a manufacturing based economy. -
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Catherine the Greats Reforms
Catherine the Great of Russia implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Russia and its economy. She expanded Russia's boarder and encouraged agricultural development. Her policies also included efforts to regulate the serfs labor. Although Catherine's reform encouraged some changes, Russia still remained largely feudal. -
American Independence
Throughout the early to mid 1700's, the thirteen colonies had been a very strong economic contributor to Great Britain. The British imposed strict economic laws on the colonies, which were able to produce huge sums of profit. When the American Revolution started, Britain was cut off from the income from the colonies. This would be a huge economic loss for Great Britain -
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The French Revolution
The French Revolution dramatically altered France's political and economic systems. The Revolution abolished the feudal system and redistributed land from aristocrats to peasants, and attempted to create a more egalitarian economy. This transformed France's economy by abolishing feudalism and promoting ideas of equality. This would present challenges such as inflation and dept. -
The Toleration Act
The French Toleration Act, passed during the French Revolution, granted religious freedom to Protestants and Jews. The law aimed to reduce the economic influence of the Catholic church. This was part of a broader shift towards secularism and separation between religion and economy. These acts helped further the French revolution and the philosophy that was associated with the revolution.