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Scientific Revolution Continues
There is a continuation of the Scientific Revolution. Newton continues to work on gravity and his theories. The discovery of oxygen happens by Joseph Priestly, which redefines how we perceive our body and behavior. Works in optics, chemistry, and electricity all continue. The Revolution is a significant continuation because it brings about the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution and helps further society through the discoveries about the world. -
Improved Harvests Throughout Europe
It was caused by new agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation. Improved agricultural machinery also increased farmers' productivity. New crops were introduced, such as potatoes and corn. These improved human and animal nutrition. Craft production increased because population growth caused an increase in demand for many consumer goods. These improvements in harvests were important because it helped sustain larger populations and allow for the Industrial Revolution. -
Steam Engine is Invented
Was invented by Thomas Newcomen. He replaced the receiving vessel with a cylinder containing a piston. The vacuum drew down the piston. This was used to work a beam engine. On the other side of the beam was a chain attached to a pump at the base of the mine. As the steam cylinder was refilled with steam, water was drawn into the cylinder and expelled into a pipe. This was a huge invention because it revolutionized transportation and would become a mainstay in railroad trade for a long time. -
War of Spanish Succession
European conflict of the early 18th century, triggered by the death of the Charles II of Spain. Charles left an undivided Monarchy of Spain to Louis XIV's grandson Philip. Disputes over separation of the Spanish and French crowns led to war between the Bourbons of France and Spain and the Grand Alliance. The end result was a long term change favoring Britain in the sense that they gained power and naval superiority. -
Seven Years' War
Conflict between Britain and France broke out when the British attacked disputed French positions in North America. Started with a British ambush of a small French force and extended across the colonial boundaries and the seizure of French merchant ships at sea. The war was successful for Britain, which gained the bulk of New France in North America, Spanish Florida. The change was that the economy of France suddenly became depleted, which set them back while simultaneously helping Britain. -
Spinning jenny is invented
Invented by James Hargreaves. Developed as a metal frame with eight wooden spindles at one end. A set of eight rovings when extended passed through two horizontal bars of wood. These bars could be drawn along the top of the frame extending the thread. The spinner used his right hand to turn a wheel which caused the thread to be spun. When the bars were returned, the thread wound onto the spindle. This was a huge change because it brought the Industrial Revolution. -
James Cook Charts New Zealand and Australia
British navigator James Cooks embarks on 3 voyages. These voyages help prove that New Zealand and Australia are very isolated and essentially islands unconnected to any mainland. He also helped claim much of the coastline for the British, while exploring the Cape of Good Hope. He also discovered and claimed many smaller islands, such as the Sandwich Islands. This all helps boost Britain's economy and eminence due the the discoveries and claiming of new land. -
The Wealth of Nations
The book offers one of the world's first collected descriptions of what builds nations' wealth. Reflecting upon the economics at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the book touches upon such broad topics as the division of labor, productivity, and free markets. It was especially revolutionary through the invisible hand, or the concept that free markets are best as they automatically regulate. It was a change as it set the precedent for how future superpower economies would grow. -
French Revolution
During the first year of the Revolution, members of the Third Estate (commoners) took control, the Bastille was attacked in July, and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen was passed in August. A central event was the abolition of feudalism and the old rules and privileges left over from the Ancien Régime. The French Revolution marked a stark change from previous years as the monarchy was overthrown and a completely new system of government was put in place. -
Dutch East India Company is Dissolved
One factor was the erosion of Intra-Asiatic trade, which squeezed them out of Asia and India. Everything had to be shipped to central locations, which slowed them down. Another problem was the high mortality and morbidity rates among its employees. Their dividend policy also hurt them, as they started to rapidly lose capital. This was a huge change because the company was previously such a strong economic power and really set the standard for future companies through stock shares.
