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War of Spanish Succession
Following the death of the Charles II, the Habsburg Spanish Empire possessed no clear heir. As European Powers felt threatened by the potential unification of the throne with France, the War of Spanish Succession began. This war featured England, The Dutch Republic, and the Holy Roman Empire facing off against Bourbon Spain and France. The war concluded with Spanish territories being ceded to Austria, and England gaining more power and influence over Europe. -
The Pragmatic Sanction
The Pragmatic Sanction was a document issued in 1713 by Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI of Austria. This aimed to secure the inheritance of Maria Theresa to the Habsburg throne to ensure smooth succession. This overruled previous laws that prevented women from holding power over the Holy Roman Empire. Decades later, the War of Austrian Succession arose to contest the inheritance of Theresa. -
The Molasses Act
The Molasses Act was passed by the British aiming to gain more control over the trade of imported molasses, rum, and sugar from colonies. Heavy regulation was established in order to prevent their colonies from trading with rivals. As Great Britain continued to strengthen their control of colonies in the Americas, the desire for colonial independence skyrocketed. With limited economic freedom, colonies became disgruntled with Britain and this Act heavily contributed to the American Revolution. -
Treaty of Versailles (1756)
Prior to the Seven Years War, France and Austria signed the Treaty of Versailles to combat the growing power of Prussia. As Prussia consolidated their military, both France and Austria aimed to form a defensive alliance that also secured their supremacy over the Holy Roman Empire. As the Seven Years War began, Great Britain formed an alliance with Prussia to combat the French and Austrian forces. As Great Britain and Prussia achieved victory, both empires progressed their power and influence. -
Seven Years War
The Seven Years War began after the long-standing rivalry over colonial dominance between France and Great Britain reached its peak. As both sides battled for territorial supremacy, other nations began to take sides in hopes of gaining power. The war eventually concluded in 1763 after the Treaty of Paris established peace after British victory. The Treaty of Paris granted Great Britain complete supremacy over the Atlantic colonies of present-day USA. -
First Industrial Revolution
As 18th century Europe shifted away from an economy centered around agrarian self sufficiency, the Industrial Revolution officially began. Mercantilism and capitalism of European superpowers led to a greater need for production. With these newfound demands, technological innovations like steam power and urbanization due to the desire for concentrated factories helped to fuel output. The First Industrial Revolution forever made its mark on the world and transformed the working class of society. -
Creation of the Social Contract
Written by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Social Contract established a newfound philosophy regarding the relationship between the common people and their government. In this work, Rousseau suggests that individuals come together to form a society, which should be regulated by a government who ensures the protection of their natural rights. Gaining heavy inspiration from John Locke's idea of consent of the governed, Rousseau's work drove both the American and French Revolutions. -
The Enclosure Act of 1773
Under King George III, Parliament passed the Enclosure Act of 1773 to further progress capitalism. This Act enabled the enclosure of land, which fulfilled the capitalist desire for private land ownership. This helped fuel the English system of debt peonage, which virtually reflected medieval feudalism. This Act still persists in the United Kingdom today and maintains private land ownership. -
American Revolution
Following disputes between the American Colonies and Great Britain regarding taxation and violation of liberties, a war for independence began. Beginning with the shots at Lexington and Concord, the Revolution spiraled into a war lasting 8 years. The conflict concluded with a surprising victory for the Americans after the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783. The American Revolution was crucial towards the development of the Western World and established the United States as a new superpower. -
French Revolution
After centuries of absolutism and rampant spending by the monarchy, France entered an era of inflation and struggle. The unaffordable cost of living prompted the common people to storm the Bastille on May 5, 1789 to demonstrate their discontempt towards royal authority. Following this, the French Revolution caught fire and dismantled the monarchy after the execution of Louis XVI in 1793. Political instability led to Napoleon gaining power and restoring the French Empire in the early 1800's.