-
Height of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The Transatlantic Slave Trade involved the transportation of enslaved African people across the globe, utilizing the triangular trade route. It began in the 16th century with the rise in exploration and colonization of the New World. This is an example of the continuation of racism and supremacy ideals that already existed in Europe toward Jewish people. Many people died on the ships that transported them across the ocean and if they didn't, they were forced to work on plantations. -
The War of Spanish Succession
The War of Spanish Succession was caused by conflicting claims to the Spanish throne after the death of King Charles II. The Houses of Bourbon and Habsburg both had dynastic claims to the Spanish throne. In the end, the treaties of Utrecht and Rastatt concluded the war. Phillip V remained King of Spain but relinquished land in Italy and the Netherlands to Austria. -
British Industrial Revolution
The Industrial Revolution marked the transition from rural communities into industrialized, urban cities with the rise of manufacturing and technological change. This marked a significant change in the lives of the lower and middle class in Europe. Not only did the rise of factories and the industrial community cause the movement of people to cities, it also brought about large mechanized tools to agriculture. -
The Agricultural Revolution
The Agricultural Revolution was a time of great agricultural innovation. In this time, new inventions such as the seed drill and the Rotherham Plow changed the way the agriculture industry manufactured and sold. Systems like the Norfolk Four-Course Rotation System helped farmers use land more efficiently, allowing it to replenish its nutrients before planting there again. -
The French and Indian War / Seven Years' War
Although it didn't take place on European soil, the Seven Years' War involved several European powers including France, Britain, and Spain. This event is an example of a continuation of the theme of a struggle of power that we've seen many times throughout the history of Europe and its kingdoms. The war started with a dispute between France and England over land in North America. The effects included the colonies' resentment toward Britain growing and France and Britain's wealth decreasing. -
The American Revolution / The Revolutionary War
The American Revolution grew out of resentment between the colonies' and their British rulers caused by the Seven Years' War, unfair taxation, and laws such as the Quartering Act. During this war, another European power, France, became involved. Motivated in part by their desire to humiliate Britain after the Seven Years' War, France aided the colonists by way of militia, money, weapons, etc... The American Revolution also inspired the French to throw a coup de tat of their own. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a formal explanation to the British monarchy why the American colonies were revolting. In it, the Continental Congress detailed their grievances which included the Intolerable Acts and unfair taxation. They include several Enlightenment ideas including free speech and inalienable rights. This document also inspired the French who created a similar document during the French revolution called the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. -
The French Revolution
The French Revolution began in the late 1780s, caused by Enlightenment ideas, absolutism, poverty, and the Estate system. Many people were angry at the high taxation to recuperate from the wars France was involved in and wanted a more equal distribution of wealth through the Estates. People were also inspired by the American Revolution and Enlightenment ideals of democracy and rights owed to the people. -
Storming of the Bastille
On July 14, 1789, Parisian revolutionaries stormed the Bastille, signaling the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a royal fortress and prison that symbolized the Bourbon Monarchy. What followed was the overthrown King Louis XVI being executed along with his wife, Marie Antoinette, and thousands of other political figures. This symbolic political action taken up by the people is an example of how successful revolutions inspire others. -
The Smallpox Vaccine
The Smallpox Vaccine was invented in 1796 by Edward Jenner. Jenner tested his theory that exposure to cowpox could protect against smallpox by inoculating material from a cowpox sore into the 9 year old child of his gardener. Before the vaccine, smallpox, on average, killed 3 out of every 10 who got it. Starting in the 15th century, smallpox wiped out millions of African and indigenous people who hadn't built up any kind of immunity to it, having never been exposed to it before.