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Enclosure Acts
Parliamentary Enclosure Acts spanned over 5400 separate approvals over hundreds of years. They partitioned once public lands into private owned parcels. This effectively ended the public lands system in Europe. This demonstrates a major change in European peasant culture and economic life. -
Industrious Revolution
Household productivity increased as traditional village life decreased. Wages became a common method of income. Whole families now worked. This changed the established idea of family farms. -
Cottage Industry
The cottage industry was the production of goods in ones' own home. It grew out of enclosure acts. It is also referred to as the putting out system. This represents a change from individuals making products to families. -
Proletarianization
Proletarianization was a widespread European transformation of the lower classes into a single working class. This was brought about by enclosure acts that transformed the village lifestyle. Game laws also enhanced the separation of classes into distinct upper and lower districts. This shows a change from previous growing middle classes. -
Debt Peonage
Plantation and land owners would scheme peasants into debt in order to use their labor. This created an inescapable series of debt. Peasants were forced into a form of serfdom. This is a continuation of past European unfair labor systems. -
Flying Shuttle
The flying shuttle was invented by John Kay in 1733. It allowed for faster and efficient production of textiles. Families often used it in their home industries. It contributed to a wider change towards cottage industries in Europe. -
Navigation Acts
Series of acts by the British Parliament aimed at colonies. Restricted to colonies only buying goods and exchanging with British merchants and ships. Raised prices and caused colonist outrage. Represents a major change to extreme mercantilism policies in colonial economies. -
Treaty of Paris
Ending of the 7 Years' War in the Americas. Great Britain gained massive territories in the Americas. They enjoyed increase access to natural resources. This shows a continuation of mercntalist policies in the U.K. -
The Wealth of Nations
The Wealth of Nations was published in 1776. This introduces the new idea of mercantilism into European culture. This is a continuation of European colonial efforts of large exports and minimal imports. This resulted in increased mercantilist activity and support across Europe. -
Smallpox Vaccine
The smallpox vaccine allowed for disease resistance. It increased lifespans and population. It was also known as inoculation. This is a continuation of scientific advancements seen in earlier centuries.