The World in 1750: A Global Overview – Global context of 1750 – A period marked by exploration, trade, and early colonialism. – Key empires and societies – Major powers included the British Empire, Qing Dynasty, and Ottoman Empire. – World dynamics pre-Industrial Revolution – Societies were agrarian; trade routes like the Silk Road were vital. – Significance of 1750 in history – 1750 stands as the cusp of modernity, setting the stage for transformative changes. | This slide introduces students to the world as it was in 1750, setting the stage for understanding the significant shifts that would occur with the Industrial Revolution. It’s crucial to highlight the global context of the time, characterized by exploration and the early stages of colonial expansion. Discuss the dominant empires and societies, such as the British Empire’s growing influence, the Qing Dynasty’s stability in Asia, and the Ottoman Empire’s reach. Explain how the world’s agrarian focus and trade routes like the Silk Road were central to global dynamics. Emphasize that 1750 is a pivotal year, marking the end of one era and the beginning of another, as the world edged closer to industrialization and the modern age.

Key Empires in 1750 – The British Empire’s growth – Spanning continents, influencing politics, trade, and culture globally. – The Qing Dynasty’s zenith – Marked by prosperity, arts, and cultural achievements under strong leadership. – The Ottoman Empire’s dominance – Controlled vast regions, serving as a political and cultural hub in the Middle East. – The Mughal Empire’s cultural wealth – Known for its architectural wonders and fusion of Hindu and Muslim cultures. | This slide aims to introduce students to the major empires that shaped the world in 1750. The British Empire was rapidly expanding, laying the groundwork for a global colonial network that influenced political structures, economies, and cultures. The Qing Dynasty, often considered China’s last golden age, was marked by strong rulers, flourishing arts, and cultural achievements. The Ottoman Empire, at its peak, was a dominant force in the Middle East, controlling key trade routes and spreading its cultural and religious influence. The Mughal Empire, with its rich cultural tapestry, left a lasting legacy through its unique architecture and the synthesis of Hindu and Muslim traditions. Students should understand the significance of these empires in global history and their lasting impacts on the modern world.

Economic Systems and Trade in 1750 – Mercantilism: Trade for wealth – Nations accumulated wealth by controlling trade and establishing colonies. – Triangular Trade’s societal impact – Trade routes connected continents, affecting economies and populations. – Agriculture and craftsmanship – Farming was the mainstay, while skilled artisans crafted goods. – The dawn of early industry – Innovations laid the groundwork for the Industrial Revolution. | This slide explores the various economic systems and trade practices during the year 1750, a pivotal time in global history. Mercantilism was the dominant economic theory, where nations sought to accumulate wealth through trade and colonization. The Triangular Trade was a significant aspect of global trade, connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas, with profound effects on societies, including the slave trade. Agriculture remained the backbone of economies, with craftsmanship providing specialized goods. The period also saw the early stages of industry, setting the stage for the Industrial Revolution. Students should understand the interconnectedness of these systems and their long-term impacts on world history.

Societal Structures in 1750 – Feudalism and social hierarchy – A system where land was held in exchange for service or labour – Influence of Monarchy – Monarchs held supreme power, often claimed divine right – Church’s societal role – The Church was a major social and political force, guiding daily life and morality – Daily life across classes – Vast differences in lifestyle between nobility, clergy, bourgeoisie, and peasantry | This slide aims to provide an overview of the societal structures and hierarchies prevalent around the world in 1750. Feudalism was a dominant system, especially in Europe, where land ownership and social status were closely linked. Monarchies, with kings and queens, often ruled by ‘divine right’ and had significant influence over the state and its people. The Church played a pivotal role not just in religion but also in governance and education, often intertwining with the state’s power. Daily life varied greatly between social classes, with the nobility and clergy enjoying privileges that the bourgeoisie (middle class) and peasantry could not. Encourage students to consider how these structures might influence the events that lead to the modern world, setting the stage for revolutions and reforms.

Scientific Advancements and Enlightenment – The Scientific Revolution’s impact – Marked a shift from faith to reason, questioning traditional beliefs. – Enlightenment thinkers’ contributions – Philosophers like Locke and Voltaire sought to understand human nature and governance. – Interplay of science and philosophy – Scientific methods and rational thought influenced moral and political philosophies. – Societal changes from Enlightenment – Ideas of liberty, progress, and secularism took root, altering government and culture. | This slide explores the profound changes during the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment that reshaped society’s approach to understanding the world. Highlight how the Scientific Revolution encouraged a move away from superstition and towards empirical evidence and skepticism of old doctrines. Discuss key Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke and Voltaire, who pushed for a new understanding of human rights and the role of government. Explain how the fusion of scientific methods with philosophical inquiry led to new ethical and political theories, which in turn spurred societal reforms. Emphasize the lasting impact of these ideas on modern democratic societies, encouraging students to consider how these historical shifts continue to influence our world today.

Art and Culture in 1750: A Global Tapestry – Baroque and Rococo styles – Baroque: grandeur, drama. Rococo: ornate, intimate. – 18th-century literature and music – Novels, symphonies, and operas reflected society. – Cultural exchange and influence – Artistic ideas spread via trade, colonization. – Global impact on arts – Cross-continental interactions shaped art forms. | This slide explores the rich tapestry of art and culture in the year 1750, highlighting the dominant artistic styles of Baroque and Rococo, which were characterized by their grandeur and elegance, respectively. The literature and music of the 18th century, including the rise of the novel and the development of classical music, mirrored the complexities of society. Cultural exchange during this period was rampant, with ideas and artistic styles being shared and adapted across continents through trade and colonization. This global interaction had a profound impact on the arts, leading to new forms and expressions. Encourage students to consider how these historical art forms influence today’s culture and to explore the interconnectedness of global artistic traditions.

Class Activity: Empires in 1750 Role-Play – Divide into groups for empires – Discuss empire’s trade, culture, society – Prepare a skit on daily life – Imagine a day in the life of a trader, artisan, or ruler from your empire – Present your empire’s perspective | This activity is designed to immerse students in the historical context of the world in 1750 by role-playing different empires. Each group will represent an empire such as the Ottoman, British, Qing, or Mughal. They will explore and discuss how their empire approached trade, culture, and society during this period. Students will then create and perform a short skit that illustrates a typical day for a person from their assigned empire, which will help them understand the daily life and perspectives of people from different historical contexts. Possible roles include a merchant negotiating trade, a local artisan crafting goods, or a ruler making decisions. This activity encourages teamwork, research, and creative thinking.

Reflection: The World in 1750 – Recap major themes of 1750 – 1750’s impact on modern society – Innovations and ideas from 1750 laid foundations for today’s technology, governance, and social structures. – Imagine life in 1750 – Consider the absence of modern conveniences, the role of social classes, and the beginnings of industrialization. – Open discussion | This slide aims to consolidate the students’ understanding of the key themes discussed in today’s lesson about the world in 1750. Highlight how the events and developments of that era have contributed to shaping the modern world, from the seeds of industrialization to the Enlightenment’s influence on democracy. Encourage students to use their imagination and the knowledge they’ve gained to discuss what daily life might have been like in the 18th century, considering the lack of modern technology, the rigid social hierarchy, and the early stages of global trade. The open discussion is an opportunity for students to engage with history on a personal level and to appreciate the progress humanity has made since 1750.