18th Century

Definition

The 18th century, spanning from 1701 to 1800, was a period marked by significant political, social, and economic transformations that shaped modern Western society. This century witnessed the expansion of slavery in the British colonies, the intensification of transatlantic trade, evolving colonial societies and cultures, and the development of a distinct American identity in the context of growing independence from British rule.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 18th century saw a dramatic increase in the number of enslaved Africans brought to the Americas, with an estimated 6 million arriving via the transatlantic slave trade.
2. The Enlightenment emerged during this century, influencing ideas about democracy, individual rights, and governance, which would later shape revolutionary movements.
3. Colonial society in the 18th century became increasingly diverse, with various ethnic groups and cultures blending together, contributing to a unique American identity.
4. The rise of consumer culture in the colonies during this period was fueled by increased trade and the availability of imported goods from Europe.
5. As colonial grievances grew against British taxation and control, ideas of self-governance began to take root among colonists, setting the stage for future independence.

Review Questions

• How did the 18th century contribute to the expansion of slavery in the British colonies?
  • During the 18th century, the demand for labor in British colonies grew due to agricultural expansion and economic development. This created a greater reliance on enslaved Africans, leading to an increase in the transatlantic slave trade. The establishment of plantations for cash crops like tobacco and sugar further fueled this demand, embedding slavery deeply into colonial economies and societies.
• In what ways did the Enlightenment influence colonial society and culture during the 18th century?
  • The Enlightenment introduced new ideas about reason, individual rights, and democracy, which resonated with many colonists. These concepts encouraged people to question traditional authority and advocate for self-governance. Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke inspired colonists to seek political reform and consider their rights as individuals, laying intellectual groundwork for future revolutions.
• Evaluate how consumer culture that developed in the 18th century impacted the American identity leading up to independence.
  • The rise of consumer culture in the 18th century fostered a sense of shared identity among colonists as they engaged with imported goods and luxury items from Britain. This created aspirations for economic independence and self-sufficiency. As colonists began to see themselves as distinct from their British counterparts through consumption patterns, it spurred resistance against British taxation and control, ultimately driving them towards a collective American identity that sought independence.

Related terms

Triangular Trade:

A system of transatlantic trade routes connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, involving the exchange of goods, enslaved people, and raw materials.

The Great Awakening: A series of religious revivals during the 18th century in the American colonies that emphasized individual piety and a personal relationship with God.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that promotes government regulation of a nation's economy for augmenting state power at the expense of rival national powers.