Eighteenth Century

Definition

The Eighteenth Century refers to the period from 1701 to 1800, characterized by significant social, political, and economic changes in Europe and its colonies. This century witnessed the rise of Enlightenment ideas that emphasized reason and individualism, which profoundly influenced both European societies and their interactions with Native American populations. The development of colonial society during this time reflected a blend of cultures and customs shaped by the complex relationships between European settlers and Indigenous peoples.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Eighteenth Century was marked by the spread of Enlightenment ideas, which encouraged questioning traditional authority and promoted individual rights.
2. European powers expanded their colonies in North America during this century, leading to increased competition for land and resources with Native American tribes.
3. Cultural exchanges between Europeans and Native Americans became more pronounced as trade networks expanded, influencing both societies' customs and practices.
4. The Eighteenth Century also saw significant social stratification in colonial societies, with a growing distinction between wealthy landowners, indentured servants, and enslaved Africans.
5. Key events such as the American Revolution at the end of the century were deeply influenced by Enlightenment thought and changing attitudes toward governance and liberty.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment ideas influence interactions between Native Americans and European settlers during the Eighteenth Century?
  • Enlightenment ideas promoted reason and individual rights, which influenced European settlers' perceptions of themselves and their relationships with Native Americans. While some settlers viewed Indigenous peoples through a lens of paternalism, believing they had a duty to 'civilize' them, others recognized their rights to land and autonomy. This duality led to a complex relationship where cooperation and conflict often coexisted as both groups navigated changing social dynamics.
• In what ways did colonial society during the Eighteenth Century reflect the impact of mercantilism on both European settlers and Native American communities?
  • Colonial society in the Eighteenth Century was heavily shaped by mercantilist policies that prioritized trade and economic gain for European powers. This focus on resource extraction led to conflicts over land as settlers pushed into Indigenous territories to exploit natural resources. At the same time, mercantilism facilitated cultural exchanges through trade networks, leading to new goods and ideas flowing between Europeans and Native Americans. However, this exchange was often uneven, favoring colonial interests over Indigenous autonomy.
• Evaluate the significance of the social stratification that developed in colonial societies during the Eighteenth Century and its long-term effects on American identity.
  • The social stratification that emerged in colonial societies during the Eighteenth Century created distinct classes based on wealth, status, and race. This hierarchy set the stage for future conflicts over rights and representation as different groups began to challenge their positions within society. The growing sense of identity among colonists—especially among those excluded from power—was fueled by Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality. These tensions ultimately contributed to revolutionary sentiments that would reshape American identity in the years to come.

Related terms

Enlightenment:

An intellectual movement that emphasized reason, science, and individual rights, leading to revolutionary ideas about governance and society.

Colonialism:

The practice of acquiring control over foreign lands and peoples, often resulting in significant cultural exchanges and conflicts.

Mercantilism:

An economic theory that emphasizes the role of the state in managing trade and commerce to strengthen national power, prevalent during the Eighteenth Century.