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The Enlightenment
The period of the Enlightenment consisted of questioning scientific, technological, religious, and social problems. New Enlightenment thinkers emerged that challenged the traditional views and theories that were already set forth. These theories caused the people to question the accuracy of the information they had been informed on. In time, new technologies emerged such as the telescope that furthered research on the field of astronomy. -
The Enclosure Movement
Prior to the Agricultural Revolution, European towns divided land to farmers using the open-field system. The division of land made it hard for farmers to plant and harvest crops efficiently. As a result, the Enclosure Movement was enforced. This movement enclosed land in large, rectangular fields based on private landowners. This movement hurt small landowners and allowed the nobility to get richer. This movement introduced crop rotation which increased crop yield and helped the environment. -
Medicine and Medical Practitioners
Prior to the Enlightenment, there was not a large focus on medical technology or medical Practitioners.The Enlightenment's growing focus on discovering the laws of nature and human problems gave a rise to a great deal of research and experimentation. As a result, the century saw a rise in the number of medical practitioners. The increase in the number of medical practitioners helped solve significant breakthroughs in medicine. -
The Agricultural Revolution
British agriculture advanced far more rapidly than any other European nation. Britain’s increase in agricultural production was due to factors such as increased availability of farmland, favorable climate, more livestock, and improved crop yield.The increased in crop yield improved over time which provided more nutritious foods for the people. The overall well being and standard of living of individuals improved. This revolution was the introduction to the industrious revolution. -
The Industrious Revolution
The industrious Revolution occurred from the 1600s to 1800s and eventually led up to the Industrial Revolution. The Industrious Revolution was a period where consumers were in a high demand for goods, boosting the economy as a result. The boost in economy furthered education and more discoveries. The major shift within the Industrious Revolution was the decrease in leisure time for families and jobs with long hours and tougher working conditions. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris formally ended the American Revolutionary War. Within the treaty, the British crown recognized American Independence and ceded their territory east of the Mississippi River to the United States. The war was very costly and affected the economy greatly. The treaty put an end to the war and allowed the countries to stabilize. The negotiation put an end to previous feuds and disagreements. -
Extended and Nuclear Families
In the beginning of the eighteenth century in Europe, having an extended family, or your entire family, was very common. Living in an extended family provided families with a stronger support system. Towards the middle of the eighteenth century, Europe changed to a primarily nuclear family. A nuclear family consists of one direct family such as the parents and their children. Children began to get married and have children later in their lifetime. -
The French Revolution
The French Revolution affected every aspect of France and much of Europe. The revolution was inspired by the American Revolution and Enlightenment ideas that emerged during the time. Napoleon started conquering other close countries in Europe which ultimately changed the relationship between the countries, the economy, and social status. The response of European leaders to Napoleon was to restore the conservative power of the monarchy. -
Purging and Bloodletting
When the Black Death first emerged in Europe in the thirteenth century, purging and bloodletting was a treatment that supposedly cured the disease. Bloodletting was the extraction of blood via leeches, lancets, and sharpened pieces of wood. This treatment derived from the Greeks and Egyptians as they believed too much blood caused illness. By the eighteenth century a shift in technology emerged and bloodletting was no longer used. New technologies provided alternatives. -
First Vaccination Against Smallpox
The first vaccination against smallpox was introduced by Edward Jenner. Jenner was able to do this by showing how milkmaids who had previously caught cowpox did not later catch smallpox. This was the first time in history that smallpox was preventable. The last cases of smallpox were seen in 1975. This was a huge milestone in Europe's history as it increased the health of its inhabitants.
