1. 18 th 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 18 th 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

9. Conclusion  Demographic changes in the 18 th 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.