Century - 1700s

In the 1700s, Aboriginal Australians had a diverse diet that included native plants, fruits, nuts, and animals. They hunted kangaroos, emus, and fish, and gathered bush tucker such as yams, berries, and seeds. Their food sources varied significantly based on the region and seasonal availability. Traditional methods of gathering and cooking, such as using fire and stone tools, played a crucial role in their sustenance.

The British troops planned to converge on the town of Concord, Massachusetts, during the American Revolutionary War. This strategy aimed to seize colonial military supplies stored there and to disrupt the colonial militia's activities. The movement was part of a larger effort to assert British control over the increasingly restless American colonies. The march to Concord ultimately led to significant confrontations, including the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

In the mid-1700s, Savannah ports were integral to the colonial economy and played a significant role in the transatlantic trade, particularly in the context of the British Atlantic slave trade. The ports facilitated the importation of enslaved Africans to work on plantations in the southern colonies, thus contributing to the economic foundation of the region. Additionally, Savannah served as a key hub for exporting goods like rice and indigo, which were vital to the colonies and Britain's economy, further entrenching the issues of colonial dependence and trade conflicts leading up to the American Revolution.

In the 18th century, Texas was part of the Spanish colonial territory, known as New Spain. It encompassed a vast area that included much of what is now the state of Texas, extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the north and west into present-day New Mexico and beyond. The region was sparsely populated, primarily inhabited by various Indigenous tribes and a few Spanish missions and settlements. Officially, the land was recognized as part of the Spanish provinces, but its boundaries and governance were often fluid and poorly defined.

Yes, Africa in the 1700s was home to numerous advanced and complex societies with rich cultures, trade networks, and political systems. Civilizations such as the Ashanti Empire, the Kingdom of Kongo, and the Oyo Empire exhibited sophisticated governance, art, and commerce. While European perspectives often mischaracterized Africa as "uncivilized," the continent had a diverse array of flourishing societies contributing to global history.

In the 18th century, voyages were fraught with risks such as treacherous weather, disease, shipwreck, and encounters with hostile territories or pirates. However, the rewards could be substantial, including the discovery of new trade routes, acquisition of valuable resources like spices, sugar, and precious metals, and the potential for significant wealth and social advancement. Successful voyages could also lead to the expansion of empires and the spread of cultural exchanges. Ultimately, the allure of profit often outweighed the dangers for many explorers and traders.

In the 18th century, marriage was crucial for women primarily because it provided financial security and social status, as women had limited rights to property and income. Marrying often meant the difference between economic stability and vulnerability, as women were largely dependent on their husbands for support. Additionally, societal norms emphasized a woman's role as a wife and mother, making marriage a key aspect of a woman's identity and purpose in life. Thus, for many women, marrying well was essential for survival and social acceptance.

In the 18th century, empires were closely tied to trade as they sought to expand their wealth and influence through control of resources and markets. Colonial powers established trade routes and monopolies on valuable goods like sugar, tobacco, and spices, which fueled economic growth. The establishment of trading posts and colonies enabled empires to exploit local resources, integrate global markets, and enhance their political power. Thus, the pursuit of trade became a fundamental aspect of imperial expansion and competition among European powers.

During the 1700s, students opted to pay for photocopying primarily due to the limited availability of books and written materials, which were often expensive and labor-intensive to produce. Photocopying allowed for easier access to texts, enabling students to share resources and enhance their learning without the need for each individual to own a complete collection of books. This practice facilitated collaboration and the dissemination of knowledge among a growing literate population.

Mary Astell, in her writings during the early 1700s, expressed a critical view of marriage for women, arguing that it often resulted in their subjugation and loss of autonomy. She believed that marriage limited women's opportunities for personal development and intellectual growth. Astell advocated for women's education and independence, suggesting that women should seek alternatives to traditional marriage, which she viewed as a constraint rather than a fulfillment of their potential. Overall, she championed the idea that women deserved more agency and respect in society.

In the 18th century, enslaved individuals played a crucial role in the sugar processing industry. They harvested sugar cane, which was then crushed in mills to extract the juice. This juice was boiled in large kettles to evaporate the water, resulting in sugar crystals. The process was labor-intensive and dangerous, with slaves working long hours under harsh conditions to meet the high demand for sugar.

In the 1700s, women's roles were largely defined by societal norms that emphasized domesticity and subservience. They were primarily responsible for managing households, raising children, and supporting their husbands, often without legal rights or independence. In some cases, women from wealthier backgrounds engaged in social and cultural activities, while those from lower classes worked alongside men in agriculture or trades. Limited educational opportunities meant that most women were excluded from formal professions, reinforcing their roles within the home.

John Locke's writings, particularly his theories on natural rights and government by consent, significantly influenced American colonists during the 17th and 18th centuries. His belief that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property resonated with colonists who felt oppressed by British rule. Locke's ideas encouraged the notion of a social contract, promoting the idea that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed, which laid the philosophical groundwork for the American Revolution and the development of democratic principles.

Values of 18th century French faience can be found through various sources such as auction houses, antique dealers, and online marketplaces like eBay or specialized antique websites. Additionally, reference books on ceramics and pottery, as well as appraisal guides, can provide insights into pricing. Museums with decorative arts collections may also have resources or exhibitions that highlight the value and significance of faience from that period. Consulting with experts or appraisers in antiques can further assist in determining accurate values.

In the early 1700s, the textile industry saw significant advancements driven by the adoption of technologies such as the spinning wheel and the hand loom. The introduction of the flying shuttle by John Kay in 1733 revolutionized weaving by allowing a single weaver to operate a wider loom, increasing productivity. Additionally, the use of water-powered mills began to emerge, which facilitated the mechanization of spinning and weaving processes, laying the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution.

In the 1700s, much of the land farmed in the United States was located in the eastern colonies, particularly in regions like New England, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southern colonies. Farmers cultivated crops such as tobacco, rice, indigo, corn, and wheat, with the Southern colonies focusing heavily on cash crops like tobacco and rice, often using enslaved labor. The fertile lands of the Ohio River Valley also began to be explored and settled during this period, setting the stage for westward expansion.

From the early 1600s to the mid-1700s, the population in the American colonies grew significantly due to high birth rates, immigration, and the transatlantic slave trade, leading to a more diverse population. Settlements expanded from small, scattered communities primarily along the Atlantic coast to more established towns and cities, with increased agricultural development and land clearing. The growth of trade and commerce fostered urbanization, particularly in port cities like Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. By the mid-1700s, the colonies had developed a more complex social and economic structure, reflecting their rapid growth and diversification.

The main reason there were more enslaved persons in the Southwest than in the North during the 1700s was the agricultural economy of the region, which heavily relied on labor-intensive crops such as cotton and tobacco. The Southwest's warmer climate and fertile land made it ideal for plantation agriculture, leading to a greater demand for enslaved labor. In contrast, the North had a more diversified economy with less reliance on agriculture, reducing the need for large numbers of enslaved individuals. Additionally, the moral and social attitudes towards slavery were evolving differently in the North, leading to a gradual decline in its prevalence.

The conflicts between the French and British in Europe, particularly the ongoing struggle for colonial dominance during the Seven Years' War, influenced the Great Deportation of the Acadians in 1755. The British viewed the Acadians, who had strong ties to France, as potential allies of the French. As tensions escalated, the British sought to eliminate this perceived threat by forcibly deporting the Acadian population from Nova Scotia, aiming to consolidate control and secure the region for British interests. This decision was driven by both military strategy and the desire to prevent any support for French forces in North America.

The scientific discoveries of the 1700s, particularly during the Enlightenment, significantly advanced humanity's understanding of the natural world. Key figures like Isaac Newton, with his laws of motion and universal gravitation, laid the groundwork for modern physics, while advancements in areas like botany and chemistry expanded knowledge of biological and chemical processes. This period fostered a shift from superstition and religious explanations toward empirical observation and rational thought, encouraging a more systematic approach to science. Overall, these discoveries helped establish a framework for future scientific inquiry and critical thinking.

In the 1700s, common careers included agriculture, with many people working as farmers or laborers on plantations. Skilled trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, and tailoring were vital in urban areas. Additionally, professions such as teaching, medicine, and law began to develop, reflecting the era's growing emphasis on education and civic responsibility. Merchants and shipbuilders also thrived due to expanding trade and exploration.

In the 1700s, wealthy individuals often engaged in leisure activities such as attending lavish balls, hosting elaborate dinner parties, and participating in outdoor sports like hunting, horse racing, and riding. They also enjoyed cultural pursuits, including theater, opera, and art exhibitions. Travel to picturesque locations and the establishment of gardens or estates were popular pastimes, allowing them to display their wealth and socialize with peers. Overall, their recreational activities reflected their status and served as a means of social networking.

In the 18th century, women were largely barred from many educational opportunities, particularly higher education, which limited their access to intellectual and professional fields. They were also excluded from voting and holding political office, effectively denying them a voice in civic matters. Additionally, societal norms restricted their participation in many professions, confining them primarily to domestic roles and duties. This systemic exclusion was rooted in prevailing beliefs about gender roles and women's capabilities.

Yes, several painters of the 17th and 18th centuries used their art for political or social commentary. Notably, artists like Diego Velázquez and Francisco Goya addressed themes of power and societal issues in their works. Goya, in particular, became famous for his critical portrayal of the Spanish court and the horrors of war, especially in pieces like "The Third of May 1808." Additionally, artists like Jacques-Louis David used neoclassical style to promote revolutionary ideals during the French Revolution.

In 1700, literacy rates varied significantly by region and social class. In Europe, for example, estimates suggest that around 60-80% of the population was illiterate, while in rural areas, the figures could be even higher. In many parts of the world, particularly in non-Western societies, literacy was often limited to a small elite. Overall, millions of people were unable to read during this period.