5.1 Contextualizing 18th-Century States
3 min read•january 23, 2023
Jillian Holbrook
Jillian Holbrook
Economic Expansion
European in the 18th century was characterized by a number of factors, including the growth of , the development of new technologies and industries, and the expansion of .
Trade and Commerce
In the 18th century, European countries began to establish new markets and trade routes. As a result of the expansion of trade, new industries grew, including textiles, shipbuilding, and metalworking, which helped to drive additional economic growth. In the global economic network, countries competed with each other to improve their commercial interests.
Technology and Innovation
Moreover, the development of new technologies and innovations led to the rise of the . During this time frame, the facilitated the mechanization of manufacturing and increased productivity. Subsistence farming was replaced by , and the rose alongside urbanization—influencing the mass migration of people to cities.
Improvements in transportation and communication, like the development of canals and the expansion of the postal system, also increased . There was pressure to develop efficient means of distributing information and manufactured goods to consumers.
European Colonialism
European countries continued establishing and controlling colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Colonialism allowed Europeans to maximize the import of raw materials while also maximizing the export of finished manufactured goods to new markets. In particular, European countries profited off of cash crops and precious metals (gold and silver), which helped in the consolidation of wealth and power.
Commercial rivalries overall influenced diplomacy in the early modern era. However, the expansion of European economies created rivalries that influenced eventual global warfare. 💵
Politics
In 1648, the ended the Thirty Years’ War. looked to centralize power, while challenges to this authority resulted in new political systems. By the 18th century, Europe was full of new political ideas and tensions.
Different models of political sovereignty affected the relationship among states and between states and individuals!
Great Britain
Britain emerged from the and asserted its power in Europe, with England and Scotland reunifying in 1707 by the to become . Moreover, made the country more democratic by allowing the passage of the , the , and the .
France
lost out in its feud with Britain in the . However, 18th-century was all about the , which challenged pre-existing political and social order in Europe.
used the chaos of the as a springboard to power. He claimed to defend the ideals of the in order to seize authority. His ambitions destroyed the political balance in Europe, sparking international reaction and conservative reconstruction.
Philosophical Values
The and ideals that characterized European thought and culture were challenged by the emotional passion for war and rebellion. Nationalistic pride fueled a revival in feelings.
Romanticism
The Romantic movement, which emerged in the late 18th century in Europe, represented a significant departure from the scientific and rational values of the and the . was a cultural and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, intuition, and imagination over reason and logic.
As a refutation to individualism, rationality, and scientific inquiry, advocated for a return to the importance of tradition and community. By placing emphasis on experiences and creativity, the romantic movement celebrated emotion in the human experience. ❤️
🎥 Watch: AP Europe - Beginning of the French Revolution
Key Terms to Review (24)
Absolutist Monarchs
: Absolutist Monarchs refers to kings or queens who held all the power within their states' boundaries. Their goal was to control every aspect of society.Act of Toleration
: The Act of Toleration, passed in England in 1689, granted freedom of worship to Nonconformists (those who didn't conform to the Church of England), but with certain restrictions. It was a significant step towards religious freedom.Act of Union
: The Act of Union was a pair of Parliamentary acts passed in 1707 by the Parliaments of England and Scotland to put into effect the terms of the Treaty of Union, agreed on 22 July 1706. This led to the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain.Bill of Rights
: The English Bill of Rights is a document that was enacted in 1689, following the Glorious Revolution. It outlined specific constitutional and civil rights and gave Parliament power over the monarchy.Commercial Agriculture
: Commercial agriculture involves farming for profit where crops are grown and animals are reared for sale in markets, often at a large scale.Economic Expansion
: Economic expansion refers to a period of economic growth, marked by an increase in production and employment which leads to higher incomes and improved standards of living.Enlightenment
: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th century. It emphasized reason, analysis, and individualism rather than traditional lines of authority.European Colonialism
: European colonialism refers to the period from the 15th century onwards when European nations established colonies overseas for economic gain and power expansion.Factory System
: The factory system was a method of manufacturing first adopted in England during the Industrial Revolution. It involved using machinery housed in factories where workers were paid wages to produce goods.France
: France is a country located in Western Europe. Known for its cultural influence, it has played a central role in European history from the French Revolution to both World Wars.French Revolution
: The French Revolution was a period of radical political and societal change in France from 1789 until 1799 which led to the collapse of Bourbon monarchy and rise of radical political factions.Glorious Revolution
: The Glorious Revolution was a non-violent overthrow of King James II in 1688 by William of Orange and his wife Mary, who were invited by the English Parliament. This event marked the beginning of constitutional monarchy in England.Great Britain
: Great Britain is an island located off Northwestern Europe which includes England, Scotland, and Wales. It has played a significant role in global history due to its extensive empire and influence on world politics, culture, and economy.Industrial Revolution
: The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and transport had a profound effect on the socioeconomic and cultural conditions starting in the United Kingdom, then subsequently spreading throughout Europe.Mutiny Act
: Passed by British Parliament in 1689, this act allowed for punishment and control over 'mutinous' actions within military ranks. It had to be renewed annually, ensuring parliamentary control over military matters.Napoleon Bonaparte
: Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader during the latter stages of the French Revolution. He became the first emperor of France, his legal reform, the Napoleonic Code, has been a major influence on many civil law jurisdictions worldwide.Peace of Westphalia
: The Peace of Westphalia refers to a series of peace treaties signed between May and October 1648 in the Westphalian cities of Osnabrück and Münster. These treaties ended the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) in the Holy Roman Empire, and the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) between Spain and the Dutch Republic.Romanticism
: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. It emphasized emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all past and nature.Scientific Revolution
: The Scientific Revolution was a period of significant change in thought and understanding about the physical universe during the 16th and 17th centuries. It marked a shift from religious, philosophical explanations to empirical observation and experimentation.Seven Years’ War
: The Seven Years' War was a global conflict fought between 1756 and 1763. It involved every European great power of the time and spanned five continents, affecting Europe, the Americas, West Africa, India, and the Philippines.Steam Engine
: A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. It was an essential part of industrialization during the Industrial Revolution.Technology and Innovation
: Technology refers to tools, machines, techniques, systems or methods of organization used to solve problems or improve efficiency. Innovation is the process of creating new ideas, devices or methods from these technologies.Trade and Commerce
: Trade involves buying and selling goods or services between countries or within a country while commerce includes all activities related to trade plus supporting activities like transportation, banking etc.William and Mary
: William III (1650-1702) and Mary II (1662-1694) were co-regents over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland after they accepted an invitation from Parliament to take over from James II following what's known as "The Glorious Revolution."5.1 Contextualizing 18th-Century States
3 min read•january 23, 2023
Jillian Holbrook
Jillian Holbrook
Economic Expansion
European in the 18th century was characterized by a number of factors, including the growth of , the development of new technologies and industries, and the expansion of .
Trade and Commerce
In the 18th century, European countries began to establish new markets and trade routes. As a result of the expansion of trade, new industries grew, including textiles, shipbuilding, and metalworking, which helped to drive additional economic growth. In the global economic network, countries competed with each other to improve their commercial interests.
Technology and Innovation
Moreover, the development of new technologies and innovations led to the rise of the . During this time frame, the facilitated the mechanization of manufacturing and increased productivity. Subsistence farming was replaced by , and the rose alongside urbanization—influencing the mass migration of people to cities.
Improvements in transportation and communication, like the development of canals and the expansion of the postal system, also increased . There was pressure to develop efficient means of distributing information and manufactured goods to consumers.
European Colonialism
European countries continued establishing and controlling colonies in the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Colonialism allowed Europeans to maximize the import of raw materials while also maximizing the export of finished manufactured goods to new markets. In particular, European countries profited off of cash crops and precious metals (gold and silver), which helped in the consolidation of wealth and power.
Commercial rivalries overall influenced diplomacy in the early modern era. However, the expansion of European economies created rivalries that influenced eventual global warfare. 💵
Politics
In 1648, the ended the Thirty Years’ War. looked to centralize power, while challenges to this authority resulted in new political systems. By the 18th century, Europe was full of new political ideas and tensions.
Different models of political sovereignty affected the relationship among states and between states and individuals!
Great Britain
Britain emerged from the and asserted its power in Europe, with England and Scotland reunifying in 1707 by the to become . Moreover, made the country more democratic by allowing the passage of the , the , and the .
France
lost out in its feud with Britain in the . However, 18th-century was all about the , which challenged pre-existing political and social order in Europe.
used the chaos of the as a springboard to power. He claimed to defend the ideals of the in order to seize authority. His ambitions destroyed the political balance in Europe, sparking international reaction and conservative reconstruction.
Philosophical Values
The and ideals that characterized European thought and culture were challenged by the emotional passion for war and rebellion. Nationalistic pride fueled a revival in feelings.
Romanticism
The Romantic movement, which emerged in the late 18th century in Europe, represented a significant departure from the scientific and rational values of the and the . was a cultural and intellectual movement that emphasized emotion, intuition, and imagination over reason and logic.
As a refutation to individualism, rationality, and scientific inquiry, advocated for a return to the importance of tradition and community. By placing emphasis on experiences and creativity, the romantic movement celebrated emotion in the human experience. ❤️
🎥 Watch: AP Europe - Beginning of the French Revolution
Key Terms to Review (24)
Absolutist Monarchs
: Absolutist Monarchs refers to kings or queens who held all the power within their states' boundaries. Their goal was to control every aspect of society.Act of Toleration
: The Act of Toleration, passed in England in 1689, granted freedom of worship to Nonconformists (those who didn't conform to the Church of England), but with certain restrictions. It was a significant step towards religious freedom.Act of Union
: The Act of Union was a pair of Parliamentary acts passed in 1707 by the Parliaments of England and Scotland to put into effect the terms of the Treaty of Union, agreed on 22 July 1706. This led to the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain.Bill of Rights
: The English Bill of Rights is a document that was enacted in 1689, following the Glorious Revolution. It outlined specific constitutional and civil rights and gave Parliament power over the monarchy.Commercial Agriculture
: Commercial agriculture involves farming for profit where crops are grown and animals are reared for sale in markets, often at a large scale.Economic Expansion
: Economic expansion refers to a period of economic growth, marked by an increase in production and employment which leads to higher incomes and improved standards of living.Enlightenment
: The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe during the 17th to 19th century. It emphasized reason, analysis, and individualism rather than traditional lines of authority.European Colonialism
: European colonialism refers to the period from the 15th century onwards when European nations established colonies overseas for economic gain and power expansion.Factory System
: The factory system was a method of manufacturing first adopted in England during the Industrial Revolution. It involved using machinery housed in factories where workers were paid wages to produce goods.France
: France is a country located in Western Europe. Known for its cultural influence, it has played a central role in European history from the French Revolution to both World Wars.French Revolution
: The French Revolution was a period of radical political and societal change in France from 1789 until 1799 which led to the collapse of Bourbon monarchy and rise of radical political factions.Glorious Revolution
: The Glorious Revolution was a non-violent overthrow of King James II in 1688 by William of Orange and his wife Mary, who were invited by the English Parliament. This event marked the beginning of constitutional monarchy in England.Great Britain
: Great Britain is an island located off Northwestern Europe which includes England, Scotland, and Wales. It has played a significant role in global history due to its extensive empire and influence on world politics, culture, and economy.Industrial Revolution
: The Industrial Revolution was a period from the 18th to the 19th century where major changes in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and transport had a profound effect on the socioeconomic and cultural conditions starting in the United Kingdom, then subsequently spreading throughout Europe.Mutiny Act
: Passed by British Parliament in 1689, this act allowed for punishment and control over 'mutinous' actions within military ranks. It had to be renewed annually, ensuring parliamentary control over military matters.Napoleon Bonaparte
: Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader during the latter stages of the French Revolution. He became the first emperor of France, his legal reform, the Napoleonic Code, has been a major influence on many civil law jurisdictions worldwide.Peace of Westphalia
: The Peace of Westphalia refers to a series of peace treaties signed between May and October 1648 in the Westphalian cities of Osnabrück and Münster. These treaties ended the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) in the Holy Roman Empire, and the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648) between Spain and the Dutch Republic.Romanticism
: Romanticism was an artistic, literary, musical and intellectual movement that originated in Europe towards the end of the 18th century. It emphasized emotion and individualism as well as glorification of all past and nature.Scientific Revolution
: The Scientific Revolution was a period of significant change in thought and understanding about the physical universe during the 16th and 17th centuries. It marked a shift from religious, philosophical explanations to empirical observation and experimentation.Seven Years’ War
: The Seven Years' War was a global conflict fought between 1756 and 1763. It involved every European great power of the time and spanned five continents, affecting Europe, the Americas, West Africa, India, and the Philippines.Steam Engine
: A steam engine is a heat engine that performs mechanical work using steam as its working fluid. It was an essential part of industrialization during the Industrial Revolution.Technology and Innovation
: Technology refers to tools, machines, techniques, systems or methods of organization used to solve problems or improve efficiency. Innovation is the process of creating new ideas, devices or methods from these technologies.Trade and Commerce
: Trade involves buying and selling goods or services between countries or within a country while commerce includes all activities related to trade plus supporting activities like transportation, banking etc.William and Mary
: William III (1650-1702) and Mary II (1662-1694) were co-regents over the Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland after they accepted an invitation from Parliament to take over from James II following what's known as "The Glorious Revolution."
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