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Smith's Wealth of Nations
A major economic work furthering the development of industry and capitalism. -
American Revolution
While a revolution, not direct change, the decleration of independence and the constituion led to change in other areas of the world for further promotion of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". -
Enlightenment
The Enlightenment was a period of time where scientific and free thought was very encouraged. It is due to that free thought that revolutions occured. 1789 was the start of the French Revolution, which could be considered the end of the Enlightenment. -
Utopian Socialism advances
Saint-Simon argued that the scientific method could social problems. Charles Fourier hated capitalists and instead believed that a mass of workers would be better. His ideas were called utopain socialism, after the Greek. -
Napoleon's Empire
Napoleon attempted to rule all of Europe. Even though he failed, his efforts led to globalization of dominant Western ideas, such as those from the Enlightenment. -
Dissolution of the Janissaries
This represents the gradual westernization of the Ottoman Empire, which happened over the course of a long period of time. -
Factory Act in Britan
Capitalism, having put the lower classes in an inconvenient situation, was restricted to some degree. The working hours for women and children were limited. This shows more concern for human life and well-being. -
Repeal of British Corn Laws
This event shows the change from mercantlisim to industrial capitalism. -
Marx publishes The Communist Manifesto
Heavily dependant on utopian socialism, this book led to communism and its variants, which would have a very important role in the 20th century. Also a major change in thought in comparison to traditional thinking and a contrast to capitalism. -
Commodore Perry and the Black Ships
Perry, an American, went to Japan in search of resources. This led to the westernization of Japan, which would become a major imperial/industrial power. -
Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species
A groundbreaking scientific discovery that even shocked Darwin himself. This would lead to changes and conflict between science and religion. This would also lead to social darwinism, further developing into other philosophies. -
Emancipation of serfs
This showed the impact western Europe would have on conservative powers, though ultimately, the serfs were still uneducated and unskilled. -
Marx publishes Das Kapital
Yet another book from Marx promoting socialism and attacking capitalism. Similar to the Communist Manifesto, it would lead to changes in thoughts though the Communist Manifesto would have a much larger impact in the 20th century. -
Meiji Restoration
With the Meiji Oligarchs in power, Japan would go on its way to modernization/westernization. -
Unification of Italy
While not development in itself, it marked the change of nationalism from a liberal idea to an idea that supports a centralized government. -
Unification of Germany
Once unified, Germany would become a major industiral and imperial force. Their existence would empower imperialism and nationalism. -
Social Democratic Party of Germany
This shows the impact of Marx's thoughts and the development of socialism. -
Berlin Conference
The Berlin Conference was connected with the scramble for Africa. Its aftereffect was a suddent rise of imperialism. -
Brazil Abolishes Slavery
Brazil's abolition marked the end of legal slavery in the major countries. This, similar to many other events, symbolized the shift in philosophy to liberty. -
Boxer Rebellion
The Chinese rose and fought against the West, though unsuccessfully. This shows China's long-standing thoughts of isolation, arrogance, and racism despite the changing world.
