-
Act of Union
The Act of Union was two acts passed by the English Parliament in 1706 and the Scottish Parliament in 1707. Ultimately the act stated both England and Scotland would unify under Britain. This act allowed both country's economies to balance each other and thus stablize themselves, as well as better each nation's stance in the world politically. Overall, the Act of Union encouraged the creation of Britain, a unified force that is still prelevant in today's society. -
Peace of Utrecht
The Peace of Utrecht was a series of documents that brought about the end of the War of Spanish Succession. The war, fought between France and Britain, was resolved as the peace stated that Philip could not ascend both Spanish and French thrones. This ultimately established a balance of power in Europe, assuring that France and Spain would not merge as a superpower. This continued throughout European history and maintained a balance throughout Europe that is still present today. -
English Game Laws
English Game Laws were laws set in place to prohibit hunting towards the lower peasant class. Due to a shortage of game, meat prices were raised and even deemed a delicacy. Because of this, the higher class did not want the peasant class to reap the benefits of hunting and selling the meat for high prices. Thus, these laws prohibited their hunting and maintained the separation in classes. These laws signify a continuity in England, as the class system is still prominent and a divisive factor. -
Seven Years War
The Seven Years War was a conflict between the French and British that extended across the globe. Most of the war was fought in the American colonies over colonial competition. The French aligned with the Native Americans to protect their fur trade, yet Britain would ultimately defeat France, greatly impacting their economy. This collapse in France would contribute to division throughout the nation and would be a leading cause for the later French Revolution. -
Creation of Spinning Jenny
James Hargreaves invented the Spinning Jenny in 1764. This was a machine that allowed more than one ball of thread to spin at once. This process made fabric and clothing making extremely easier and cheaper. This revolutionary machine allowed quicker production and more profits. The Spinning Jenny inspired other technological developments later on such as the Sewing Machine.Ultimately, this machine was one of the key developments that led to the Industrial Revolution. -
American Revolution
During the 18th century, English colonies began to feel restricted by the overbearing authority of their mother country. After enduring this inferiority for years, they finally revolted against Britain and would eventually declare their independence. The colonies won the war and became their own nation called the United States of America. This impacted England's economy as they could no longer rely on colonies for taxation and materials. This would serve to be a monumental change in the world. -
Enclosure Acts
During the 18th century, the Agricultural Revolution was a key part of social and economic advances. In 1740, the English Parliament passed a series of Inclosure Acts which called for the enclosure of open and common land. These acts allowed private ownership of land which was previously public. These acts inspired an increase in productivity and labor, as those owning the land actually wanted to use it. This would continue throughout Europe and much of Europe would soon be enclosed lands. -
Adam Smith's Publishing of The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith was a professor of philosophy and a key figure during the Enlightenment. He believed in freedom of enterprise and expressed his ideas in his book The Wealth of Nations. This book is considered his greatest work and is one of the key reasons for his popularity. Ultimately, Adam Scott was a very influential figure in economic philosophy and is even known as the founder of modern economics. His ideas expanded and inspired a new approach to economics and they are still used today. -
French Revolution
The French Revolution was a political and social movement led by the people of France against its absolute monarchy. The main causes for the revolution was an increase in taxation of the nobility, rising poverty rates, the oppressing monarchy, and a growing middle class. The revolution would bring a halt to the monarchy and would end with Napoleon Bonaparte as French Emperor, impact social classes, and the economy. Ultimately, the French Revolution made France a stronger and more unified nation. -
Vaccination of Smallpox
Smallpox was a serious disease that impacted European society for years. In 1796, Edward Jenner created a vaccination for smallpox by exposing someone to cowpox initially so that they would build immunity to the disease. His method worked an ultimately it spread throughout Europe. His developments in vaccination saved much of society from the burden of smallpox, thus inspiring prosperity. This discovery would also inspire further medical research to be conducted and inspired many discoveries.
