Conclusion

At the dawning of the 18th century, Europe was in a position to embrace and exploit the rapid changes that had prepared for the coming Industrial Revolution. The dark days of the early modern era, ones that had been filled with death, uncertainty, and dislocation, had become a distant memory. Although life for many persons at the lower end of the economic and social spectrum remained a significant struggle, Europeans were poised to move from a rural society and economic foundation that had long been characterized by want and survival on the margin to one that was more urban and industrial and offered growth and hope for the future. Population had surpassed its 14th century levels and surged rapidly by the 18th century because of increased food supplies, healthier diets, and declining death rates from disease and plague. The increase in population brought about the beginning of a sustained shift of people from rural areas to the cities. These urban areas grew in size and composition, particularly in northern and Western Europe. New and complex economic and social organizations occurred as the upper, middle, and lower classes evolved and developed fresh and distinctive characteristics. The cities, to be sure, were challenging and often dirty and dangerous places to live and work, but the energy and opportunity that awaited its residents promised unlimited potential. At the same time, Europe experienced an intellectual revolution that broke down ancient thought patterns about the purpose and utility of science and technology and emphasized a cooperative relationship between the two disciplines. The growth of new scientific inquiry and its growing partnership with technology ensured that the spirit of innovation and inventiveness became key ingredients that fueled the Industrial Revolution after 1750. The explosion of overseas trade and commerce led to the quest for colonies, raw materials, and worldwide markets and in turn created new national and local financial institutions and relationships that provided the capital investment opportunities for the enterprises that arose during the Industrial Revolution. The cumulative result of these dynamic changes was the growth of a consumer society that developed an insatiable appetite for new products and behaviors that enhanced the lifestyle and standard of living of the peoples of Europe. The rapidly advancing tempo of economic development convinced many entrepreneurs and inventors that past ways and old technology did not meet the demands of this new environment. The stage was now set for the Industrial Revolution, that momentous era that would accelerate these trends to levels heretofore not seen.