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Atlantic Slave Trade
The Transatlantic Slave Trade consisted of the shipping of African Slaves to the Americas for profit. While this trade started centuries earlier (and throughout the 18th century), it certainly saw its peak in the 1700s. The trade led to an increased commercial wealth of Africa, Europe, and the Americas, but also saw its fair share of violence such as being a main conflict in the eventual American Revolution. The trade was officially cut off shortly after in January of 1808. -
Isaac Newton publishes "A Treatise of the Reflexions, Refractions, Inflexions, and Colours of Light
Sir Isaac Newton, renowned mathematician and physicist, publishes his findings in the world of optics. His findings include things from the color spectrum of light to the workings of mirrors. Almost completely unexplored at the time, Newton opened a new world for vision and the world of light. This publication went on to become a major bookmark for future opticians and their work in the field. -
The Treaties of Utretch
Signed beginning in 1713, the treaties of Utrecht were a series of treaties in the Netherlands that worked to end the Spanish War of Succession - a for the Spanish throne. While the Americas were also involved, the war had a major influence on Europe in nations like Great Brittain and France. Specifically, while Spain and France began to lose ground in the Americas, Great Brittain began to gain some. The Peace ended in 1715, two years later. -
Great Plague of 1738
While the notorious Bubonic Plague was known for taking place much earlier on in time, a major outbreak came across Europe in 1738. This wave of the Plague took upwards of fifty-thousand lives, spreading all throughout Europe. Affected nations included Serbia, Austria, and more. This wave died down around 1740, but had a large effect on the economic status of Europe, just as it had centuries earlier. -
The Illegitimacy Explosion
While this was less of an event and more of an era of belief, the illegitimacy explosion began around 1750 and proceeded until far into the 19th century. The time period saw more poverty and increased expression in Europe, leading to a boom in acceptance of premarital sex, and with it, children born out of wedlock. This led to an equivalent boom in childbirth, increasing average house occupancy, and greater social mobility. Wet-nursing became a common practice as well as an effect. -
Seven Years War
Starting in 1756, the Seven Years War was a conflict that was waged mainly in Europe over European dominance. The conflict was waged primarily between Britain and France but included Spain, Prussia, and others as well. Millions of collective troops were sent to battle, making it one of the largest wars in European history, and causing land ownership to adjust like crazy. The war, lasting for seven years, came to a close in 1763. -
Treaty of Paris (1763)
The Treaty of Paris was the Treaty that ended the 7 years war and had major effects on Europe - hence its own timeline event. Great Britain and France, alongside their allies, came to a cease-fire and ended the war on February 10th. The most major of effects was the loss of all French territory in mainland North America, causing British solidarity. This notably made things largely dangerous for many Native tribes, as several key Native American groups sided with France during the war. -
The American Revolution
Despite its title, the American Revolution very much involved Europe as Great Britain was the nation America was revolting against. American trade and commerce was a large part of the European economy, so, naturally, it took a big hit during and after the Revolution. And even if this trade didn't cease completely, relations were at least very damaged. The Revolution ended in 1783, finally declaring the US as an independent nation and freeing them from taxation without representation. -
The French Revolution
Similar to the cause of the American Revolution, the French people were tired of their abusive taxation. Starting in May, the people rose up and attacked the Monarchy in favor of one that had a written constitution. This led to the eventual first French Republic and the beheading of Louis XVI in 1793. 6 more years of conflict and revolution followed, until its ending in 1799. -
First Successful Smallpox Vaccine Created
In 1796, a scientist by the name of Edward Jenner created an experiment to finally find a smallpox vaccine that was effective. Jenner took fluid from a cowpox blister, rubbing it into the skin of an 8-year-old boy. While this did have minor effects, the boy then became immune when Jenner attempted to do the same with the deadly smallpox virus. It was a success, and the disease was eventually irradicated by 1950 - this discovery made major waves in the medicinal field in Europe over time.
