1. Eighteenth Century European Society

2. Objective • To understand European social structure of the eighteenth century • To understand social changes in European society

3. European Society • Based on hierarchy • Role of class • Changes beginning in the 18th century

4. The Nobility • Made up 1-5% of the population in any given country • The wealthiest group in European society • Controlled the political system

5. The Nobility

6. The Peasantry • Made up about 75% of the population • Social standing depended on location • Paid most of the taxes

7. The Peasantry

8. The Middle Class • Resided mostly in the cities • Diverse group • Group that often pushed for political and social change

9. The Middle Class

10. The Book Trade

11. Family Life • Nuclear families in Western Europe • Extended families in Eastern Europe

12. Family Life

13. Family Life

14. Role of Women • Marriage was the only source of security • Few opportunities outside the home

15. Role of Women

16. Children in 18th Century Society • High infant mortality • Education was haphazard • Expected to contribute early

17. Children

18. Agricultural Revolution • Took place in Western Europe • Innovations in agricultural production • Results

19. Agricultural Revolution

20. Agricultural Revolution • New methods in farming • Applying farming to the market

21. Industrial Revolution • Began in Britain in the late 18th century • Technological advancement • Consequences

22. Exports of English Manufactured Goods 1700-74

23. English Population Growth 1000-1800

24. European Population Growth1700-1800

25. Europe during the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment