-
Period: to
Growth of Agriculture in the Dutch Republic and England
Farmers switched from an open-field system to an enclosure system. This new system increased production and led to farming becoming increasingly commercialized. However, it also led to a process called proletarianization. This process led to a transformation of small peasant farmers into landless rural wage earners. -
First Navigation Act
One of many acts from the British that sought to control the trade and economty of the colonies. These acts were meant to further their mercantilist economic policy which would increase the wealth of the motherland by restricting trade with the colonies. Although these largely went unenforced, they would become more so after 1763. The British would try to boost their revenue after fighting the French and Indian War. -
Beginning of Growth in Population
1720 marked the first year in an explosion of population in Europe. Most of this was due to the significant decrease in the death rate. The bubonic plague had disappeared, new sanitation measures were adapted, and new medical procedures were created. However, this significant increase in population led to higher unemployment and the creation of new industries as a result. -
Beginning of the Illegitimacy Explosion
The number of illegitimate children born out-of-wedlock began to explode in 1750 and would continue until 1850. The loosening of community and familial controls would lead people to have premarital sex that had no intention of marriage. Many men could not afford the burden of a wife and child with the prices of food and housing dramatically rising. Therefore, many women had children without a husband and would likely leave the child in a foundling house. -
Manual on the Art of Childbirth by Madame du Coudary
With the publication of this book in 1757, the profession of midwife gained new teachings. Her book educated many rural midwives who were illeterate or who could not be admitted to medical school. Since women were rejected a university education, only males were receiving the required medical training. However, this book proved that women could keep up with men and retain their traditional jobs as midwives. -
Publication of Emile by Rousseau
The publication of On Education or Emile by Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for a change in childcare. He argued boy's education should involve exercise, craft skills, and book learning. However, for girls, he expected them to focus on their future domestic responsibilities. Elite women began to take a more personal interest in the development of their children than before instead of relying on nannies and wet nurses. -
Louis XV orders Jesuits out of France
Due to their increasing controversy, Louis XV orders the Jesuits out of France. Similar to Louis XIV's order of revoking the Edict of Nantes. When Louis XIV revoked the Edict, he lifted the protection of Protestants in France and forced them to flee the harsh treatment. France would reign as a prominently Catholic nation. -
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith
Adam Smith's new book attacked mercantilism and advocated for a more liberal economy. He argued that the government had no authority to regulate the economy and stifle its progress. This farther introduced the idea of capitalism and the power of competition in providing just prices and better quality. His book would continue to contribute the idea of free markets into the 21st century. -
Smallpox Vaccine
New discoveries in science from the Scientific Revolution led to the creation of the smallpox vaccine. Edward Jenner noticed a correlation between the cowpox virus and immunity to smallpox. His discovery probably saved millions of lives. This new discovery would usher in a wave of new discoveries within the medical field that would save many people. -
Abolition of the Slave Trade in England
The British government abolished the slave trade in 1807. However, the continuation of slavery persisted in England and its colonies. Until its abolition, the British were the primary exporter of slaves which constituted a large part of their economy. However, due to social pressures, they decided to abolish the slave trade. -
Spread of New Methods of Farming
New methods such as using horses and using machines to sow seeds appeared in England and the Dutch Republic. New methods increased production and led to a more commercialized economic system versus the prior subsistence farming.
