Economic Revolutions
This week we focus on the changing aspects of daily life in the 18th c. While some medieval traditions remained there was a distinct change taking place that impacted family life and traditional patterns of living. Discuss the numerous social revolutions in the 18th c. (not anything in America or France – that comes later.) Concentrate on the more economic revolutions – Agricultural and Industrial. How did these social changes bring about problems for the institutions of the Old Regime? Discuss changes in population and its distribution in the 18th c.This week also examines the spread of European nations across the globe. How were the economies of Europe built on the expectations of profits from imperial possessions? How did this economic organization contribute to changes in political institutions? How did this activity in the wider world lead to conflicts between the major European powers? Which country do you find ultimately most successful in the imperial competition? Be sure to explain why. Discuss the use of slavery as part of this economic expansion. Describe the introduction of the plantation system. Finally, how did political radicalism in Britain and its colonies lead to experimentation with Enlightenment ideals in North America?
