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18 th Century Social and Economic Change

18 th Century Social and Economic Change. The Dawn of the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions. . Economic and demographic changes. 1700, 80% of western Europeans were farmers; higher % in eastern Europe Most people lived in poverty.

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18 th Century Social and Economic Change

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  1. 18th Century Social and Economic Change The Dawn of the Agricultural and Industrial Revolutions.

  2. Economic and demographic changes • 1700, 80% of western Europeans were farmers; higher % in eastern Europe • Most people lived in poverty. • Significant population growth until 1650; slows down until 1750 when it starts to dramatically rise again.

  3. Population Explosion after 1750 • Limits to population growth before 1700: - famine, disease, war • Reasons for population growth: • disappearance of plague • improved sanitation, • improved transportation for food distribution (canal and road building in western Europe), • increased food supply (esp. potato).

  4. Falling Death Rates • With the exception of England, birth rates did not significantly rise, but death rates fell. • A better nourished population (due to better weather, better agricultural practices, and better transport) led to people living longer.

  5. Impact of Profit Inflation • Inflation due to rising population and increased demand. • “Profit inflation” stimulated economic growth. • By the end of the 18th century, prices outperform wages, leading to hardship for the poor, particularly in France. • Wealth moved more and more from the poor to the wealthy due to high rents and low wages • Regressive tax structure that put the burden on the poor in France and much of the continent caused hardship and led to financial crises.

  6. Protoindustrialization • Cottage Industries: first and foremost a family enterprise (also called “putting-out” system) - Occurred during Agricultural Revolution • Putting-out system: city manufacturers took advantage of cheaper labor in the countryside • increased rural population eager to supplement agricultural income. • began to challenge urban craft industry

  7. The European Linen Industry

  8. Conclusion • Demographic changes in the 18th century were allowing population growth to occur due to expansion in agricultural production. • Population growth contributed to the increased demand, leading to “protoindustrialization” in the textile industries.

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