The 18th Century

The 18th Century

This collection of 71 ready-to-teach articles traces the cultural history of Europe throughout the eighteenth century. Explore the dawn of new ideas about government and society, as constitutional monarchies began shifting power from the crown to parliament, and enlightened absolutism ushered in social reforms. This growing demand for liberty and equality ultimately culminated in the French Revolution — an upheaval that changed the world forever. Meanwhile, the first Industrial Revolution fueled an unprecedented boom in production and trade. As free-market capitalism challenged the old mercantile system, global exploration exploded, rapidly expanding the borders of the known world. The century draws to a close with Napoleon’s rise to power and the dawn of the modern European nation-state.

Discover the 18th Century: The Big Picture!