-
Modern Agricultural Revolution
A modern agricultural revolution where new agricultural techniques and innovations were introduced. Eighteenth-century agriculture was based on the increase of food production due to more farmland, increased yields per acre, healthier livestock, and an improved climate. New crops, such as potatoes and corn, were also introduced to Europe. The agricultural advancements changed European society, by allowing Europe to head towards Industrialization and urbanization, due to the population increase. -
The War of Austrian Succession Begins
Warfare was still common throughout Europe in the 18th-century. There seemed to be a shift though in how and why warfare was conducted. The War of Austrian Succession can mark a new era of warfare, where warfare was fought on the concept of "reason of state." This meant that European states were looking into the future, when it came to their conflicts. There seemed to be a continuity in the way European's built larger armies but there also seemed to be a change in the reasoning of war. -
Primogeniture and Infanticide
All throughout the 18th century, childcare was a complicated issue. Some practices such as primogeniture, where the first son is the favorite child, were beginning to be put under attack. Though unfortunately changes only occurred in the aristocratic class, as peasants and others were known for infanticide and abandonment of their children. Leaving unwanted children in fondling homes was also common. Despite attempts to stop it, the mistreatment of children was a continuity in the 18th-century. -
Industrial Revolution begins in Britain
Although the Industrial Revolution did not really make a huge impact until the 19th century, it was still a major change to Europe and the rest of the world. This caused major changes to the economy of Europe. The Industrial Revolution was able to begin due to the rapid growth of materials from the agricultural revolution. People began using machinery and started working much more in manufacturing goods. This was a major change in European economic development. -
The First Partition of Poland
The event occurred in 3 main stages, with Poland being split between various nations. The event shows that despite the call for social change, with Enlightenment ideals spreading throughout Europe, a strong monarchy was absolutely necessary to survive. This event exemplifies the continuity of a monarchical power being necessary to exist in Europe. The event shows how society had to based on a strong monarchical power which was continuous throughout the century. -
Diderot Completes His "Encyclopedia"
With the 18th-century being often correlated with the Enlightenment, Diderot's contribution made a major impact on the way society thought. Diderot wrote his "Encyclopedia" to change the "general way of thinking." The novel became a huge hit among philosophers who spoke against the Old French Society. With Diderot being a massive critic of Christianity, many readers of the "Encyclopedia" read about his beliefs of tolerance. Diderot's contribution made a huge push/change for European society. -
Adam Smith's "The Wealth of Nations"
Adam Smith, from Scotland, was a major economist that is considered the founder of capitalism. Smith believed in a hands-off policy, when it came to government intervention in the economy. Smith was a strong believer in free markets and he was a strong criticizer of the mercantile system. Smith's ideas of self-interest and private ownership made a large impact on Europe's future economy. Many countries today rely on free markets and use the ideas from Smith's novel. -
End of the American Revolution
Although the American Revolution did not occur on European land, Europeans were very much involved. The American Revolution sparked an idea of change to the common people of Europe. With many books, newspapers, and magazines covering the American success in their fight for independence, there was proof that the Enlightenment ideals could be put into place. The call for human natural rights and a social contract sparked a change, where all man were considered equal. -
Mary Wollstonecraft writes "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman"
Mary Wollstonecraft was an English writer that called for an improvement of women's status in society. Her vindication explained how women and men were truly equal and she was a strong advocate for educational reform. Unfortunately many feminist calls were ignored, with figures, such as Wollstonecraft or Olympe de Gouges, being ignored. This shows that patriarchy was a continuity throughout Europe, during the 1700s. -
End of the French Revolution
Although the American Revolution had a major impact on the French one, the French Revolution had a much greater impact on Europe as a whole. The French Revolution can definitely be considered to have caused a massive change in Europe's future. With the revolution ending at the end of the 18th century, the French Revolution had a large impact on the further centuries. The French Revolution transformed European society by establishing equal rights for all men, largely influencing modern politics.
