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Agricultural Revolution
Technological progress during the Agricultural revolution offered more stability to peasants as cultivation increased. Ideas such as crop rotation made land more arable and thus increased cultivation. Also, the enclosure movement was incredibly important. The land of the poor was taken away and largely given to upper class land owners in order to be cultivated for financial purposes. Photo:https://www.historycrunch.com/uploads/4/1/1/6/41169839/edited/ar.jpeg -
War of Spanish Succession (beginning)
This was a conflict that arose out of dispute around the Spanish throne after the death of the childless Charles II. England, the Dutch Republic, and France agreed that after Charles's death, Archduke Charles would inherit the throne. However the Spanish did not recognize his rule. This war would last until 1714. The eventual union between France and Spain threatened the European balance of power, eventually leading to the Peace of Utrecht. -
The Act of Union
This merged England and Scotland to form Great Britain. While they had shared a crown under King James, they did not form GB until 1707. Great Britain would go on to become an incredibly important maritime power. The union of the two countries was incredibly important to Scotland's financial success and England's protection from Dutch and French powers. -
Peace of Utrecht
The Peace of Utrecht brought an end to the War of Spanish Succession. After years of fighting Louis XIV was forced to cede Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and the Bay area to Britain. Spain was forced to give Great Britain control of its West African slave trade. This resulted in the power of France being reduced greatly, which benefited Great Britain. It allowed for the developing emergence of GB as a maritime power. -
Mughals Concede Empire wide Trading Privilege
Conflict between GB and Mughal India was intrinsic to the development of GB as a colonial power. The British forced Mughals to concede empire wide trading privileges, and they were able to further their economic interests. British companies often intervened in local affairs and made alliances or waged war against Indian princes. By the 1800s, the British would overcome Indian resistance. -
War of Austrian Succession (1740-48)
Began when Frederick II invaded Silesia. Britain's European war aims were to prevent the French from overrunning the Austrian Netherlands, and protect its Hanoverian territory. The British army was rapidly increased for this war. While France/Prussia wanted to expand their empire, while the English/Holy Roman Empire wanted to limit French power. -
Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle
This ended the war of Austrian succession. It was negotiated largely by Britain and France. The treaty confirmed the right of succession of the house of Hanover both in GB and in Hanover. In regards to conflict over overseas empires, nothing was truly settled between GB and France, thus there was no real basis for long term peace. -
Seven Years War
The Seven Years War marked a decisive round in Franco-British competition for colonial power. The fighting began in North America, where French colonies (located in Quebec), began adding forts around Great Lakes, through Ohio, and down the Mississippi (territory largely perceived as Great Britain's). While the French allied with Native Americans, colonists and British fought back. This was an important turning point in French power and also would lay a basis for the American Revolution -
Treaty of Paris
This treaty ended the Seven Years War in Europe/colonies. It ratified British victory on all colonial fronts. It redrew territorial boundaries in North America. Canada and all French lands east of the Mississippi were taken by GB. French land west of the Mississippi went to Spain, and Florida became a part of the British colonies. -
Adam Smith Publishes The Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith was an important economist and philosopher of the 18th century. While mercantilism had strengthened European empires, there was an increasing want of "free trade." This idea of economic liberalism argued that the "invisible hand" of free competition would benefit all individuals. It laid an important base for capitalism.
