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Agricultural Revolution Beigns
Many historians mark the beginning of the 18th century as the start of the second Agricultural Revolution. It was spurred by developments from the Scientific Revolution and claimed many innovations in technology. It was a continuation economically, as Europe's economy had always been agriculturally-based. It caused social change however, as it spurred the population explosion in the later half of the century. -
Period: to
18th Century Europe
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St. Petersburg is Founded
St. Petersburg is founded in Russia by absolute ruler Peter the Great. It was for a show of his power to the world, but also an attempt to Westernize his country. This city was the first step in the modernization of society in Russia. This was obviously a change, as Russia had previously not yet begun to Westernize its cities. -
Frederick the Great of Prussia Begins His Rule
In 1740, Frederick the Great began to rule Prussia as king. He was widely known for being religiously tolerant, more so than his other European neighbors. He granted everyone religious freedom in his kingdom. This was both a change because other countries had not done so, and a continuation because this did not apply to the Jewish population; Europe's most discriminated against minority. -
Population Explosion
After the year 1750, the population in Europe began to dramatically incline. After the agricultural revolution food was no longer and issue, and with sanitation etc. becoming more well-monitored, death rates fell in most countries. This had a huge effect on the economy as "profit inflation" prevailed, and the money moved mostly to the wealthy. The population increase was a change, but the poor suffering while the rich were thriving was not. -
The Industrial Revolution Begins
The Industrial Revolution first took off in England during the year 1760. The turn away from agriculture as a main source of economic income spurred on the economy as industrial progress became the norm. It provided many new jobs, and improved the quality of life. This was a change, as the continent was just now moving into the age of Industrialization. -
Pugachev's Rebellion Begins
The largest peasant's revolt in Russia's history, known as Pugachev's Rebellion, started in the year 1773. It involved many serfs and peasants alike rising up against Catherine II. The main point of it was to make serfdom illegal in Russia, one of the few European nations that still allowed it. This was a huge social change for Russia, which was many years behind other countries in terms of the feudal system and had never seen a revolt of this scale before. -
The American Colonies Declare Independence
On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. After a long fight with England over high taxes and tight control over their trade, the colonists had had enough. They were ready to fight against England for their freedom. This was a change both socially and economically, as they had never fought for their freedom before and the result was England losing a lucrative colony. -
"Wealth of Nations" is Published
In the year 1176, "Wealth of Nations" is published by Adam Smith. It is one of the first accounts of modern, "laissez-faire" economics; a policy we still adhere by today. This essentially means the government does not mess with the economy, and has a hands-off approach. While this book is the first full account of this practice, the book itself was not a change; countries had been practicing it for quite a few years beforehand. -
The Great Fear Sweeps French Countryside
In 1789, amidst the start of the French Revolution, many peasants began revolting against their respective nobles. It was caused by a panic moving across the country considering an aristocratic conspiracy. Peasants revolting against their nobles was nothing new in Europe. That's why this aspect of a 'new' war was really just a continuation. -
"Vindication of the Rights of Women" is Published
in 1792, Mary Wollstonecraft published her book "Vindication of the Rights of Women." She argued for equality of men and women in Europe, most notably in the area of voting.
