At the end of the 1700s, the Industrial Revolution was beginning to dominate and change the landscape of the world. This period was a transition from ancient methods of transportation, energy, and manufacturing to modern technological advances that involved steam and waterpower, machine tools, and mechanized factories. Because of the increasing convenience of these technologies, population growth soared, and the world was forever and permanently changed. By the 18th century, the technological advancements allowed Britain to become the world’s leading commercial and colonial empire. The impact of the Industrial Revolution cannot be overstated; almost every aspect of daily life was affected. Overall, living standards increased and people had greater access to goods and services than ever before.

In addition to the massive innovations in technology that were taking place during this period, the end of the 1700s also marked the Age of Enlightenment, which was an intellectual and philosophical movement concerned with reason, evidence, and scientific rationalization. The Enlightenment was concerned with resurrecting classic forms like those of the Renaissance and Classical Greece and Rome, and often undermined the authority of religion as a governing force. The philosophies that emerged during this period influenced and paved the way for both the American and French revolutions, offering new ideas about liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness.