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War of Spanish Succession
The War of the Spanish Succession was fought by most of the countries that made up Europe. It was ultimately started when Charles II of Spain died and his closest heirs also were in charge of the French Empire. As they laid claim to the throne, the European power balance was threatened forcing war. Ultimately, it was decided that nobody could rule both countries at once as it would potentially trigger a massive empire that controlled all of Europe. This stipulation protected European society. -
The world's first copyright legislation, Britain's Statute of Anne
In 1710, Great Britain created the worlds first piece of legislation relating to copyright. This would allow people to legally protect their intellectual property for the first time in history. This illustrates the change in history as people began to think for themselves and create their own ideas. Copyright legislation has since evolved into what we know it as today. -
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First Great Awakening
The First Great Awakening was a revival of Christianity across Britain in the 1730s and 40s. This revival created an identity for Christianity that crossed the boundaries of individual denominations and united Christians. This led to a rise in Anglicanism in Britain as well as Methodism. It also caused a split in Methodist and Congregational churches. This changes had a massive effect on the society of Britain as new religions rose and others died out. -
Pope Clement XII's In eminenti apostolatus
The In eminenti apostolatus was put in place by Pope Clement XII in order to ban all Catholics from becoming Freemasons. This was done in order to keep European peace but placed massive restrictions on European society. It limited freewill and kept the citizens under the thumb of the church. This would ultimately come to an end as people began to think for themselves and rebel against the church as they were no longer in fear. -
Pope Benedict XIV Immensa Pastorum Principis
Pope Benedict XIV was the pope of the Catholic Church from 1740 to 1758. One of his most notable reforms was the Immensa Pastorum Principis which banned the enslavement of indigenous people in the Americas. Much of Britains economy was thriving off of slave labor in its American colonies and this had an effect on the labor they could use. It also effected society as Slavery was rather common and this was one of the early reforms that would lead to its end. -
Marvel's Mill
Marvel's Mill was the first Cotton Mill powered by Water in the world. It was opened in Britain by Edward Cave and led to an increase in Industry. This caused European society to urbanize and leave behind rural lifestyles. This led to many advancements in European culture as people began to have more free-time due to their new jobs. -
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French and Indian War
The French and Indian War was fought in colonial North America between France and Britain. This war would ultimately be won by Great Britain and had detrimental effects on France. Their economy was depleted as they poured money into the war and their development was set back years. This led to their decrease as a power in European society. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty pf Paris (1763), signaled the end of the 7 years war, ending a period of European hostility. The treaty allowed Great Britain to maintain possession of much of North America. This effectively set the stage for Britain dominance outside of Europe for the years. This shaped European society by creating Britain as a world power and altered the economies of European countries as Britain reaped the majority of the rewards from colonization. -
The Wealth of Nations
The Wealth of Nations, written by Adam Smith, described the necessary steps for a government to successfully grow and obtain wealth. It discussed the specialization of labor and other aspects of the Industrial Revolution. The book sold out in Europe and altered the economies of countries. This included Britain, as their government policies on the economy reflected the ideas in the book. -
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French Revolution
The French Revolution was one of the most far reaching revolutions in European history. It led to the overthrow of the monarchy and a republic being established which altered French government drastically. Before this, French society was limited by absolute rule and the economy was still reeling from the French Indian and 7 years wars. This reset France as a power as they thrived under the new government and caused many other countries to follow suit.