6. Politics, society, economy and culture in the 18th century ESQUEMA

The Political Context

8 6. Politics, society, economy and culture in the 18th century 1701- The Act of Settlement – Royal Succession on the Protestant descendants of Sophia of Hanover. 1707- Act of Union between the kingdoms of England and Scotland 1714- King George I started Georgian line of monarchy / A new Parliament is elected with strong Whig majority 1715- First Jacobite Rebellion was easily defeated 1721- French and English East India Companies became serious rivals in India / Sir Robert Walpole returns to the government as First Lord of the Treasury 1727- Death of King George I. George II became king. 1742- Robert Walpole resigned as Prime Minister 1756-1763- The Seven Years War 1757- William Pitt became Prime Minister 1763- Treaty of Paris 1784- William Pitt the Eldest is elected as Prime Minister

Colonial expansion 1607- First permanent settlements took in place in Jamestown, managed for the Virginia Company 1620- Mayflower boat reached America with the separatist puritans. They established settlements in Plymouth 1621- Pilgrims invite Natives to a feast to celebrate that they survived the winter, the harvest and the generosity of the Native Americans, this was the first Thanksgiving 1660- Britain started to establish colonies in the east cost of America and explored lands more to the north around Hudson River 1691- Massachusetts absorbed the Puritan colonies 1713- The treaty of Utrecht was signed by Britain and France, thus concluding the War of the Spanish Succession 1733- There were 13 colonies established from New Hampshire in the north till Georgia in the south 1754-1763- Anglo-French war in North America 1756-1763- Seven Years War 1763- Peace of Paris ended the Seven Year’s War. France gave Rupert’s Land and New France to Britain, Louisiana to Spain and Spain ceded Florida to Britain. With this Britain controlled all of Upper and Lower of Canada included Quebec that was won to France. 1764 -1773- Taxes for the colonies. Sugar Act, Tea Act …. 1773- A group of colonist disguised as Indians boarded a merchant ship arrived to Boston and threw all the tea in the harbour. This act was called Boston Tea Party. 1774- All the colonies made a meeting in 1774 in the 1st Continental congress to show disagreement against Britain and the total disobedience over taxes and orders. 1775- American War of Independence (1775-83) 1776- 1st draft of the Declaration of the Independence was prepared by Thomas Jefferson and accepted by the committee on the 4th of July 1778- France joined America in war 1783- Treaty of Versailles recognized the independence of American colonies. It was established for the Unites States the territories of the north of Florida, south of Canada and east of Mississippi River. French troops continuing fighting against Britain in the Caribbean territories whereas American continental troops kept intact.

The Loss of the American Colonies 1764- Stamp Act provoked outcry in American colonies. Raise tax in colonies 1766- Repeal of the Stamp Act 1767- Increasing opposition to imperial rule in American colonies 1770- Boston massacre 1773- Boston Tea Party: “No taxation without representation” 1775- The American War of Independence began (1775-1783) 1776- Declaration of independence. French and Spanish became allies

9 6. Politics, society, economy and culture in the 18th century 1777- British take NYC and Philadelphia but defeated at Saratoga 1778- France joined American war 1779- Spain joined American war 1783- Treaty of Paris and Treaty of Versailles

Society, Culture and Religion 1750- Population of England, Scotland and Ireland is of about 13 million people 1734- London is provided with a lightening system 1792- Mary Wollstonecraft writes Vindication of Rights of Woman 1715- The Riot Act is passed 1719- The Transportation Act is passed 1703- John Wesley is born 1791- John Wesley passes away

The Agricultural Revolution As the population grew in the 18th and 19th Centuries, so did agricultural production. By 1850 it is estimated that around 6.5 million extra mouths were being fed from home production than in 1750. The Agricultural Revolution is seen as a 'revolution' that took place in three steps or phases:  First Phase (completed by 1750-1770). Introduction of new crops and a rise in the efficiency of workers. This meant more could be produced, and thus the agricultural economy could grow.  Second Phase (from 1760-1830). Land was reorganized (enclosure) and larger farms developed. Different areas of Britain began growing specific crops - know as regional specialization.  Third Phase [Second Agricultural Revolution] (began around 1830). Farmers began using new fertilizers for land and artificial feedstuffs for animals. Combined with improved drainage this meant the agricultural economy was very strong between 1840- 70). After 1870 there was a severe and long lasting agricultural depression. During the Agricultural Revolution there were no real technological advances. This was unlike the Industrial Revolution where steam powered machines were vital. During the agricultural depression of the late 1800s, many agricultural workers moved to the cities. It was only then that farmers began to introduce machinery.

10