which late 18th century event changed the course of history?

by Jessyca D'Amore 8 min read

Full Answer

What happened in the late 18th century?

Development of the Watt steam engine in the late 18th century was an important element in the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain. The American Revolutionary War took place in the late 18th century. The 18th century lasted from January 1, 1701 ( MDCCI) to December 31, 1800 ( MDCCC ).

What is the timeline of the 18th century?

This is a timeline of the 18th century . The Battle of Poltava in 1709 turned the Russian Empire into a European power. 1700 – 1721: Great Northern War between the Russian and Swedish Empires. 1701–1714: War of the Spanish Succession is fought, involving most of continental Europe.

How do Western historians define the 18th century?

Western historians have occasionally defined the 18th century otherwise for the purposes of their work. For example, the "short" 18th century may be defined as 1715–1789, denoting the period of time between the death of Louis XIV of France and the start of the French Revolution, with an emphasis on directly interconnected events.

What is the history of England in the eighteenth century?

You can also view the Tides of History , Great Britain, and America. Starting off the ‘long’ eighteenth century is the Glorious Revolution in England, a near-bloodless overthrow of the Stuart dynasty and King James II of England.

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What major historical events happened in the 18th century?

18th Century – 7 Historical Events that took place in the 18th...The War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714) ... Mass expansion in China (1735-1799) ... British Industrial Revolution begins (1760) ... The American Revolution (1765-1791) ... James Cook explores the Pacific (1768-1779) ... The French Revolution (1789-1799)More items...•

What are the two primary events in the 18th century?

The American Revolution (1775–1783), the French Revolution (1789–1799), and the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804) would be the most successful of these uprisings, which shook the power of European monarchies.

What major event happened in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries?

Between 1789 and 1849 Europe dealt with the forces of political revolution and the first impact of the Industrial Revolution.

What is the 18th century famous for?

The 18th century was also part of the "The Age of Enlightenment," a historical period characterized by a shift away from traditional religious forms of authority and a move towards science and rational thought. The effects of 18th-century enlightenment led to the American Revolutionary War and the French Revolution.

What major events happened in the 1800s in Europe?

1800s, Age of RevolutionsBritain emerges as dominant nation.Napoleon Bonaparte's Consulate and Directory.French Bourbon Restoration.Rise of Nationalism.French Revolution of 1830, as a result of the July Ordinances and ending with the July Monarchy of Louis Philippe.More items...

What new form of literature emerged in the 18th century?

Scientific RevolutionQuestionAnswerWhat new form of literature emerged during the 18th century and what were its main characteristics?Novels which were works of fiction with plots that used suspense and exploring the characters thoughts and feelings. It was all fiction (fake).20 more rows

Which major event marked the 18th century in England?

Answer: 1704: First Javanese War of Succession. 1706–1713: The War of the Spanish Succession: French troops defeated at the battles of Ramillies and Turin. 1707: The Act of Union is passed, merging the Scottish and English Parliaments, thus establishing the Kingdom of Great Britain.

What happened in 18th to 19th century?

The French Revolution – to 1797, defeat for the Parisian "mob," and Napoleon as First Council. Britain, Ireland, the U.S. and the War of 1812 – England, its Irish colony and war with France and the U.S.

What is the most significant historical event in European history?

8 Major Events in European Historyof 08. The Renaissance. The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel. ... of 08. Colonialism and Imperialism. ... of 08. The Reformation. ... of 08. The Enlightenment. ... of 08. The French Revolution. ... of 08. The Industrial Revolution. ... of 08. The Russian Revolutions. ... of 08. Interwar Germany.

What is the most important discoveries during 18th century?

FREE Newsletter1701Jethro Tull invents the seed drill.1709Bartolomeo Cristofori invents the piano.1711Englishmen, John Shore invents the tuning fork.1712Thomas Newcomen patents the atmospheric steam engine.1717Edmond Halley invents the diving bell.32 more rows

What happened in the 18th century in America?

The Great Awakening swept over each of the 13 English colonies. It was their first common American experience. The colonies evolved a democratic political structure and because of the Frontier, much more egalitarian than Britain itself. Britain and France fought what amounted to a world war in the 18th century.

What happened in the 1800s?

The invention and first use of technology from the 1800's is also integral to our lives today. Steam locomotives, the battery, photography, sewing machines, pasteurization, dynamite, the telephone, first practical car using internal-combustion engine and Coca Cola are just a few examples.

What was the 18th century?

The eighteenth century was a century of contrasts – refined aristocratic fashion and brutal slavery and revolution. It was marked by violent wars, and Americans rightly thought of continental Europe as a perpetual bloodbath. On the other hand, the death tallies of the eighteenth century are minimal compared to those of the twentieth century: more died in the First World War than in all the major wars of eighteenth-century Europe combined. The point of this survey, however, is not only to focus on the grim statistics. It is also to paint the picture of life in the eighteenth century. These events were the backdrop to everything else that happened during this era.

What century is the tides of history?

This is part of a series on the eighteenth century. You can also view the Tides of History , Great Britain, and America.

How many people died in the Napoleonic Wars?

Over the course of the conflict, between 800,000 – 1,300,000 people died. The Napoleonic Wars were bloodier, but they happened outside the ‘true’ eighteenth century, at the end of the ‘long’ eighteenth century.

What was the Glorious Revolution?

The Glorious Revolution (1688) Starting off the ‘long’ eighteenth century is the Glorious Revolution in England, a near-bloodless overthrow of the Stuart dynasty and King James II of England.

What wars plagued Europe after the Spanish Succession?

Plenty of other wars plagued Europe after that of the Spanish Succession, but the next significant one for the entire continent was the War of the Austrian Succession. Again, a king died, and there was considerable controversy over who would take his position. Could Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria, inherit the dominions of her father, including the Kingdom of Hungary? Britain, the Dutch, and parts of the Holy Roman Empire said yes. France, Prussia, and the Spanish said no.

What happened to the Spanish Empire in 1700?

In 1700, Charles II of Spain died. This left two options: the Spanish Empire would go to France, or it would go to the Austrians. Either option could upset the balance of power. Charles willed the Spanish Empire to Philip, the grandson of the French king, but other nations were not pleased. The ‘Grand Alliance’ – containing Britain, the Dutch, and the Holy Roman Empire – opposed this. The Grand Alliance was afraid of France and Spain being united into the same power bloc.

Why did people in distant places find themselves at war?

In the end, around 300,000-400,000 lost their lives in another attempt to gain power and maintain the “balance of power.” Once again, peoples in distant places found themselves at war simply because their imperial government had a squabble about inheritance laws. These colonies were also exchanged like gambling chips at the treaty tables.

What was the name of the empire that was formed in 1701?

1701: Ashanti Empire is formed under Osei Kofi Tutu I. 1701–1714: War of the Spanish Succession is fought, involving most of continental Europe. 1701– 1702: The Daily Courant and The Norwich Post become the first daily newspapers in England.

What happened in 1716?

1716: Establishment of the Sikh Confederacy along the present-day India- Pakistan border.

What was the name of the treaty that ended the Great Northern War?

1721: The Treaty of Nystad is signed, ending the Great Northern War.

What was the name of the battle that the French defeated the Dutch-Austrian forces at?

1712: War of the Spanish Succession: The French defeat a combined Dutch-Austrian force at the Battle of Denain.

When did the Batavia massacre happen?

1740: 9 October, a massacre of Batavia's ethnic Chinese begins after they are suspected by the VOC of planning a rebellion; approximately 10,000 are killed and the Chinese quarter is burned.

When did the Scottish clan system end?

The extinction of the Scottish clan system came with the defeat of the clansmen at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.

When did Europe start the Spanish Succession?

Europe at the beginning of the War of the Spanish Succession, 1700.

What happened in the second half of the 18th century?

The Ottoman Empire military may have fallen behind and suffered defeats against Russia in the second half of the century. The 18th century also marked the end of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth as an independent state.

What is the short 18th century?

For example, the "short" 18th century may be defined as 1715–1789, denoting the period of time between the death of Louis XIV of France and the start of the French Revolution, with an emphasis on directly interconnected events.

What happened in 1755?

1755: The great Lisbon earthquake destroys most of Portugal 's capital and kills up to 100,000. 1755 – 1763: The Great Upheaval forces transfer of the French Acadian population from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. 1756 – 1763: The Seven Years' War is fought among European powers in various theaters around the world.

What was the impact of European colonization on the Americas?

European colonization of the Americas and other parts of the world intensified and associated mass migrations of people grew in size as the Age of Sail continued. Great Britain became a major power worldwide with the French and Indian War in the 1760s and the conquest of large parts of India, especially Bengal.

What is the 18th century music?

18th century music includes works characteristic of the Late Baroque period (including Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel) and the classical period (including Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart ).

What was the British Industrial Revolution?

The British Industrial Revolution began, leading to radical changes in human society and the environment . The period is also known as the "century of lights" or the "century of reason". In continental Europe, philosophers dreamed of a brighter age.

What was the storming of the Bastille?

Storming of the Bastille, July 14, 1789, an iconic event of the French Revolution. Development of the Watt steam engine in the late 18th century was an important element in the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain. The American Revolutionary War took place in the late 18th century. The 18th century lasted from January 1, ...

What were the changes in the 18th century?

Eighteenth-century changes in educational approaches reflected the changing needs of American society. For instance, the theater arts were considered sinful in the American colonies. But after the 1730s, as tastes changed and society became more sophisticated, the demand for live stage performances increased, and the popularity ...

What was the 18th century?

The 18th century was a period of massive growth for the United States, and education was swept along with the tide. To really understand the development of American schooling, you need to know about the way it stretched and shifted after its conception over the course of the 1700’s.

How did the colonial economy evolve?

As the colonies grew and evolved into networks of towns, cities, and states, the economy also evolved. There was a growing perception that the Latin-focused grammar school was too elitist and provided little of the practical education needed for an economy based on business and other vocations. Pressure was placed on the education system to provide a more practical education that would offer vocational and business skills to young men. This was especially evident in the middle colonies, which had a large middle-class business population.

What were the curriculums of the Latin grammar schools?

The curriculum included courses in mathematics, languages, science, astronomy, athletics, dramatics, agriculture, and navigation. Because academies were not bound by religious influence, they were free to evolve unfettered. They admitted both boys and girls.

Why did grammar schools start?

The emergence of English grammar schools was one response to the call for a more practical education system. These schools served students who needed education beyond elementary school but who did not intend to go to college. In addition to courses that led to the world of work in business, students were also taught courses in the “social graces” (e.g., dance, art, music). English grammar schools were the first secondary schools to accept both girls and boys.

What was the first secondary school to accept both girls and boys?

English grammar schools were the first secondary schools to accept both girls and boys. A second outcome of the need for more practical education was the growth of the academy, a school for higher learning, and the precursor of the modern university. Benjamin Franklin established the first academy, which was chartered in 1749 and opened in 1751.

What was the education of African Americans and Native Americans?

As we talk about in another of our articles on the history of the U.S. school system, the education of ethnic minorities , namely African Americans and Native Americans, was limited in the 18th century, and the education of slaves in America was strictly forbidden by law. The Anglican Church did establish schools for the religious education ...

What was the Enlightenment movement?

In the 1700s, a European philosophical movement known as the Enlightenment, or the Age of Reason, was making its way across the Atlantic Ocean to the American colonies. Enlightenment thinkers emphasized a scientific and logical view of the world, while downplaying religion.

What was the Christian movement?

Christian leaders often traveled from town to town, preaching about the gospel, emphasizing salvation from sins and promoting enthusiasm for Christianity.

What brought various philosophies, ideas and doctrines to the forefront of Christian faith?

The Great Awakening brought various philosophies, ideas and doctrines to the forefront of Christian faith.

What was Edwards known for?

Edwards was known for his passion and energy. He generally preached in his home parish, unlike other revival preachers who traveled throughout the colonies. Edwards is credited for inspiring hundreds of conversions, which he documented in a book, “Narratives of Surprising Conversions.”.

What church were the Southern colonies?

Southern colonies were mostly members of the Anglican Church, but there were also many Baptists, Presbyterians and Quakers.

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The Glorious Revolution

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Starting off the ‘long’ eighteenth century is the Glorious Revolution in England, a near-bloodless overthrow of the Stuart dynasty and King James II of England. The Stuart dynasty was harshly intolerant toward the Puritans, but lax toward Roman Catholicism, even as they held control of the Anglican church. As the English mon…
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War of The Spanish Succession

  • At the beginning of the Eighteenth Century, the map of Europe looked somewhat different than it does today. The Empire of Spain held vast overseas possessions in both North and South America. France also held large sections of North America. Germany did not exist, but in its place was the Holy Roman Empire, which was neither Holy, Roman, nor an Empire. Rather, it was a con…
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War of The Austrian Succession

  • Plenty of other wars plagued Europe after that of the Spanish Succession, but the next significant one for the entire continent was the War of the Austrian Succession. Again, a king died, and there was considerable controversy over who would take his position. Could Maria Theresa, Archduchess of Austria, inherit the dominions of her father, including the Kingdom of Hungary? …
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The Seven Year’S War

  • In 1754, the young George Washington attacked a tiny force of French Canadians with his own tiny force of Virginian soldier. Little did he know that his attack was the tiny spark that would ignite the bloodiest war of the century. The Seven Year’s War spanned not only North America and Europe, but territories on five of the seven continents, including the West Indies, India, the Philip…
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The American Revolution

  • Across the sea, colonists of British America were increasingly frustrated. They felt as if they were treated as ‘second class citizens,’ and they had no representation in Parliament. Further taxes, which they could not vote against, did not help their feelings. But ‘taxation without representation’ was by no means the only source of frustration. During the War of the Austrian Succession, colo…
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The French Revolution

  • The French were on the victorious side of America’s Revolution, but they gained little from the war except significant debt. For over a century, France had been highly taxed as its aristocracy squandered their wealth in ostentation and empire building. There was a deep and bitter divide between the upper and lower classes. The situation had been significantly worsened in the previ…
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The Napoleonic Wars

  • France was in political chaos, and everyone knew it. But no one was strong enough to single-handedly change the situation, except one man. Napoleon Bonaparte had successfully commanded French troops during the revolutionary wars, and he staged a coup to take authority. He then faced off against a series of five coalitions of European allies. These allies were primaril…
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Conclusion

  • The eighteenth century was a century of contrasts – refined aristocratic fashion and brutal slavery and revolution. It was marked by violent wars, and Americans rightly thought of continental Europe as a perpetual bloodbath. On the other hand, the death tallies of the eighteenth century are minimal compared to those of the twentieth century: more died in the First World War than in all …
See more on fromdanielsdesk.com

Overview

The 18th century lasted from January 1, 1701 (MDCCI) to December 31, 1800 (MDCCC). The term is often used to refer to the 1700s, the century between January 1, 1700 and December 31, 1799. During the 18th century, elements of Enlightenment thinking culminated in the American, French, Polish, and Haitian revolutions. During the century, slave trading and human trafficking expanded a…

Events

• 1700–1721: Great Northern War between the Russian and Swedish Empires.
• 1701: Kingdom of Prussia declared under King Frederick I.
• 1701–1714: The War of the Spanish Succession is fought, involving most of continental Europe.

Inventions, discoveries, introductions

• 1709: The first piano was built by Bartolomeo Cristofori
• 1711: Tuning fork was invented by John Shore
• 1712: Steam engine invented by Thomas Newcomen
• 1714: Mercury thermometer by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit

Literary and philosophical achievements

• 1703: The Love Suicides at Sonezaki by Chikamatsu first performed
• 1704–1717: One Thousand and One Nights translated into French by Antoine Galland. The work becomes immensely popular throughout Europe.
• 1704: A Tale of a Tub by Jonathan Swift first published

Musical works

• 1711: Rinaldo, Handel's first opera for the London stage, premiered
• 1721: Brandenburg Concertos by J.S. Bach
• 1723: The Four Seasons, violin concertos by Antonio Vivaldi, composed
• 1724: St John Passion by J.S. Bach

Further reading

• Black, Jeremy and Roy Porter, eds. A Dictionary of Eighteenth-Century World History (1994) 890pp
• Klekar, Cynthia. “Fictions of the Gift: Generosity and Obligation in Eighteenth-Century English Literature.” Innovative Course Design Winner. American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies: Wake Forest University, 2004. <Home | American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies (ASECS)>. Refereed.

External links

• Media related to 18th century at Wikimedia Commons