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The Enlightenment was a period of time that started before the 18th century and ended after it. The Enlightenment encouraged new, great thinkers, and specific methods of thinking. Among these were the idea of natural rights, which said that every man was born with a right to life, liberty and property, and the idea of empiricism, which was a bottom-up, evidence based approach to the pursuit of knowledge. The Enlightenment saw the rise of many great thinkers and scientists coming together as one.
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The War of Spanish Succession began in 1701, sparked by the death of Charles II in Spain, heirless. This war was fought over 14 years until 1714, when Philip V of Spain kept the Spanish throne but surrendered the French crown, and Great Britain gained many naval and colonial advantages. Britain gained an economic advantage, as they were able to enter Spanish-American trade. However, there was also a financial strain this war placed on Britain and France both due to war debts. -
Daniel Defoe published this work in 1704. An Essay Upon Projects proposed different social and economic reforms. Among these were public education for women, insurance systems, and improved trade organization. This had a profound impact on society, as it reflected Enlightenment ideas about progress, innovation, and societal improvements. -
The date above is an estimation of the start date of the Agricultural Revolution. The Agricultural revolution saw the rise of many new technological innovations, such as crop rotation and the Enclosure movement, which placed strain on rural farmers who had to move to the city to find work. This increased England's land-use and patterning. The Agricultural Revolution also increased food supply and avalibility. -
The time displayed is an approximation of the time Laissez-faire centered influenced around. When literally translated, laissez-faire means "let it happen." It is a policy that operates on the belief that a free market allows the people a choice, leading to the most efficient and beneficial outcomes. This policy shaped many of the economic beliefs, protests, and profits in 18th century Europe. -
The Seven Years' War started in 1756 and divided Europe into two main alliances. It was essentially a fight for power, land, and colonial dominance. The Seven Years' War resulted in a win from Great Britain, ending officially with the Treaty of Paris and establishing Britain as a global power. This affected society as it led to higher colonial taxes, stricter control, therefore more resistance. -
The Social Contract was published in 1762 and drafted by a man named Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It rested on the idea that a legitimate government rested on the will of the people. It also argued that when you enter the social contract, you give up natural liberty for civil liberty. This was seen as more beneficial, as it rested on rationalism; these ideas influenced revolts against government that didn't follow these same policies and greatly swayed society as a whole. -
The Wealth of Nations was published by Adam Smith in 1776. This text advocated for a laissez-faire economy and a free market. The Wealth of Nations undermined the authority of mercantilism, the maximization of exports and the minimization of imports. This also was part of the foundation of modern capitalism. -
The American Revolution was the revolt of the 13 colonies in North America against Great Britain. This was a show of the influence of Enlightenment ideas and natural rights when it came to the colonies. The American Revolution ended in a separate nation called the United States of America, and inspired many future revolutions. The ideas that formed this revolution greatly impacted society, and would for decades and centuries more. -
The French Revolution was the French people and the merchant class (bourgeoisie) rising against the French monarchy. This was the result of a higher taxes and food shortages. The French Revolution resulted in benefits for the bourgeoisie. Other movements that also gained liberty and equality for the people were inspired by this one.