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Cottage Industry
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Advent of the Cottage Industry
The cottage industry, often referred to as the putting-out system, was a kind of production method used in the 17th century in Europe. It involved merchant-employers supplying materials to rural producers.The putting-out system was distinct from previous artisan systems in that employees were not required to purchase materials or sell goods. Additionally, it showed a major change since women and children were seen employed on a widespread basis for the first time. -
Transatlantic Slave Trade
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Height of the Transatlantic Slave Trade
From the 16th through the 19th centuries, many Africans were brought to the Americas through the global slave trade. The triangle of trade was in its second of three stages at the time. Most slaves were transported to the Americas in the 18th century, when historians estimate that roughly three-fifths of the whole transatlantic slave trade occurred. As a result of the slave trade, many European nations prospered, gaining much economic strength in exchange for slave labor. -
Manual on the Art of Childbirth
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Madame du Coudray publishes Manual on the Art of Childbirth
During the 18th century, there was an explosion in the number of illegitimate children and general childbirth. As a result of these circumstances, Madame du Coudray published a manual on childbirth. She drastically changed the knowledge and education of midwives and delivery during childbirth. Thanks to her help with educating the populace, birth became much more controlled, proper, and safe. -
Enclosure Movement in England
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Enclosure Movement in England
The Enclosure Acts, issued by the British parliament in the 1700s, permitted the common lands to be turned over to private ownership. Wealthy farmers started purchasing enormous tracts of land to build bigger, more complicated farms, driving out smaller farmers. Many of these farmers abandoned their way of life and sought employment in nearby towns and cities. As a result, the rural life of many shifted to harder, more industrial life in the city. -
Navigation Acts
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Navigation Acts
The British Parliament passed a set of laws known as the Navigation Acts to control trade between Britain and its colonies. By imposing trade restrictions, these laws sought to boost the British economy. They were designed to encourage British independence and reduce reliance on imports. For example, one of the acts prohibited non-British ships from transporting goods. -
Elementary School Attendance Made Mandatory in Austria
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Elementary School Attendance Made Mandatory in Austria
Over the 18th century, steady access to schooling outside of the family increased with the spread of elementary schools. In Austria, elementary schools were made mandatory since the state believed that education was capable of raising a population that could effectively serve the state. For many children, school life became increasingly significant. However, a continuity remained as children only spent the very early years of their lives in school due to the absence of higher education. -
An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
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Thomas Paine's Common Sense
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Thomas Paine's Common Sense
In addition to criticizing the barriers standing in the way of independence, Common Sense presented a compelling argument for it. Paine contended unwaveringly that practically every issue in colonial life was a result of British control and that it could only be overcome by colonial independence. As a result of his argument, the colonies were pressured into severing from Britain. Economically, this hurt Britain as trade relations with the colonies soured. -
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Publishing of An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
When Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations was published in 1776, it was seen as a turning point in human thought. The book outlines the reasons and procedures used by wealthy nations to acquire their wealth. It serves as the foundation for all future economic theory since it is the first scientific defense of the fundamentals of political economics. As a result of the book's popularity and strong ideals, an interest in capitalism was fostered, changing many countries' economies. -
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
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Mary Wollstonecraft publishes A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
In her book A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, she claimed that education should be available to all genders to guarantee the appropriate accomplishment of societal obligations. She said that allowing women to pursue education was more advantageous and the only reason they performed less academically than males was because they were not given the same opportunity. Through her assertions, ideas of equality grew in society. As more people understood her ideas, they began to think the same. -
Combination Acts in England
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Combination Acts in England
The Combination Act of 1799 outlawed British employees' ability to form unions and engage in collective bargaining. This meant that workers could no longer unionize to ask for better working conditions. Though this was a big win for factory owners, many workers suffered since power was taken out of their hands. As a result, it caused adversity to many British workers, making them work longer and harder in worse conditions.