-
Agricultural Revolution
Agricultural practices improved greatly during this time period, resulting in much more food being produced. For example, from 1700 to 1870, food production increased 300%. Practices that aided this exponential rise in production include selective breeding, crop rotation, and proper seed distribution. -
Period: to
18th Century Europe
Details socio-economic events in 18th Century Europe -
Compulsory Education
Prussia makes education mandatory for all children in the state. It required all to attend elementary schools. Many other German States followed. The motive behind this was to increase literacy rates so that citizens would be capable of reading the Bible -
Madame du Coudray
Madame du Coudray, a prominent Parisian midwife, published this book in 1757. She taught women throughout France to be proper midwives and how to avoid simple mistakes that led to the harm of the mother or infant. This book went along with her hands-on approach, which she used to let midwives practice proper birthing techniques. -
Emile
Jean-Jacques Rousseau publishes his treatise "Emile," that is focused on the proper way to raise a child. He believed that children should be well-loved and not treated as harshly. Rousseau also thinks that children should be taught strict gender differences. -
Seven Years War
Seven Years War ends in 1763, establishing Britain as the primary power not only in Europe, but the world. The Treaty of Paris gave Britain an undisputed claim to North America and also France's land in India. This allowed Britain to develop an immense, mercantilist economy, as they monopolized all facets of trade within the state due to the Navigation Acts -
Foundling hospitals
During this time, roughly one third of all children being born in Paris were immediately given to a foundling hospital, as their mother or families could not take care of them. This can be attributed to low education, poverty, and an increase in premarital sex -
Wealth of Nations
Adam Smith published this book in 1776 to argue for his belief on economics. He thinks that wealth is comprised of goods and services not currency. He also advocated for division of labor and a free market system that is protected from both monopolies and government interference. -
Olaudah Equiano
Olaudah Equiano published his autobiography, "The Interesting Narrative of the Life Of Olaudah Equiano," in 1789. This book details his experience as a slave and details the many atrocities that slaves suffered on their journey to the New World on the Middle Passage. Led to the abolition of slavery in Britain in 1807. -
French Revolution
French Revolution begins on May 5th, 1789 with the storming of the Bastille. Members of the Third Estate grew frustrated with corruption and the abuses of power by the Crown, clergy, and nobles. They also felt overburdened by the taxes such as the taille and corvee, and this also led to the Revolution. -
Vaccination
Edward Jenner created the first vaccination, successfully combating smallpox. Developed vaccine from cowpox, and inoculated an eight year old named James Phipps. He published his findings two years later in 1798 and smallpox has been eradicated due to his efforts.
