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Cornelius Vermuyden Comes to Yorkshire
King Charles I of England employed Cornelius to lead draining projects at Hatfield Chase on the Isle of Axholme. He was a successful Dutch engineer who pioneered the advancements in agriculture at the republican Holland. His project helped save British soil and convert it into its most fertile state. -
The Agricultural Revolution
The Agricultural Revolution improved farming techniques and increased food production. By rotating what crops are planted in each field, it helps to reduce soil exhaustion. This discovery allowed farmers to plant in all of their fields at once and reduce the fallow season. Nitrogen is a primary nutrient in soil that some crops deplete quicker than others. Peas, beans, root crops, turnips, potatoes, clover, and grass could be planted in the offseason to restore the soil quality. -
The Development of Cottage Industry
The cottage industry describes the production of goods within a home. Manufacturing was done entirely with hand tools. This system was a precursor to factory life during the industrial revolution. Families could create a cottage industry to raise extra money during poor crop seasons or long winters. -
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Economic and Social Changes in the 18th Century
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The formation of Great Britain
Great Britain was formed by uniting England and Scotland. Economically, Scotland would benefit by gaining free trade. Socially, the Scottish had to adapt to a new British culture. Combined, they created a great world power in maritime trade. The economy of Great Britain was at its prime. -
Peace of Utrecht
Louis XIV signed this treaty to resolve the War of Spanish Succession. This had considerable economic impacts for both France and England. France was forced to cede their territories in the New World to Britain. Thus, they lost a considerable part of their international revenue through the fur trade. England gained this land and now held the majority of land and power in the Americas. -
Invention of the Flying Shuttle
John Kay, an English inventor, created the flying shuttle. It was a tool used in the textile field to increase efficiency. The device allowed the weaver to move the shuttle freely between threads using only one hand. This reduced the amount of labor required to run the machine and increased production. It improved the economy by increasing the number of goods produced and bringing more revenue into the country. -
Robert Bakewell and Thomas Coke Introduce Selective Breeding
Bakewell and Coke improved British agriculture via the practice of selective breeding. They used animals like sheep, horses, and cattle. They initially bred animals with the best traits together to produce superior offspring. Thus, the future generations were better equipped to work the fields. -
Treaty of Paris
This treaty resolved conflicts of the Seven Years' War. France lost all of its territory in North America and some of its holdings in India. Similar to the Peace of Utrecht, this was detrimental to the French economy. They lost the natural resources that these lands once provided. It also changed Britain's relationship with its colonies. Because the war cost so much, Britain was in debt and wanted payment via taxes. Socially, Americans began to form their own distinct identity. -
Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith published this book to criticize mercantilism. He disapproved of Guilds for their stifling restrictions. The book outlines three duties of the government:
1. To defend against foreign threats
2. To maintain civil order via courts and police
3. To sponsor indispensable public works
Smith advocated for capitalism as the natural invisible hand would guide businesses to competition and self-improvement. This text served as an inspiration to anti-monopoly protests. -
A Dissertation on the Duty of Mercy and Sin of Cruelty to Brute Animals
This book was written by Humphrey Primatt, an activist and member of the Church of England. He said of slavery: "the white man...can have no right, by virtue of his colour, to enslave and tyrannise over a black man." He helped influence a wave of anti-slavery sentiments throughout Europe. Socially, this led people to see other races as human. Economically, it led to the end of slavery which was a major source of European revenue.