In 1750, Britain was experiencing significant social and economic changes, transitioning from a predominantly agrarian society to one increasingly influenced by industrialization. The population was growing, particularly in urban areas, as people moved to cities in search of work in emerging industries. This period also saw the rise of the British Empire, with colonial expansion impacting trade and wealth. Additionally, cultural and intellectual movements, such as the Enlightenment, were shaping societal values and challenging traditional norms.
uncomfertable
In 1750, Britain was engaged in the broader conflict of the Seven Years' War, which would officially begin in 1756. However, prior to this, Britain had already established significant territorial gains in North America and the Caribbean, particularly through earlier conflicts and colonial expansion. Notably, Britain had successfully captured territories from France and Spain, including parts of Canada and various Caribbean islands. The ongoing colonial competition set the stage for further conquests in the following years.
In 1750, Britain was under the rule of King George II, who reigned from 1727 until his death in 1760. The political landscape was dominated by the Whig Party, which controlled Parliament and the government during this period. The Prime Minister, Henry Pelham, played a significant role in managing domestic affairs and foreign policy, focusing on stability and economic growth.
In 1750, common illnesses in Britain included infectious diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, and typhus, which were prevalent due to poor sanitation and overcrowded living conditions. Additionally, gastrointestinal diseases like dysentery and cholera were widespread, often linked to contaminated water sources. Nutritional deficiencies, such as scurvy from a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables, also affected the population. Overall, the lack of medical knowledge and effective treatments contributed to high mortality rates from these illnesses.
1750 would be written as MDCCL
Essentially the same as today. A constitutional monarchy. The king was George(II) who ascended the throne in 1728. He was of the Hanoverian Dynasty. His mother tongue was German, and English was a second language two him. The modern monarchy's German legacy. He had a parliament of two houses. The House of Lords, and the House of Commons. There was also a Prime minister and Cabinet.. It is the same arrangement as today. Like now, the King signed the Bills from ~Parliament ( Royal Assent) to make the Bills, Acts of Parliament. Like now the king goes to parliament once a year for the State Opening of Parliament. The difference today from 1750. ;- #1 Parliaments are limited to 5 years. #2; Constituencies now truly account for everyone, as opposed to the 'Rotten Boroughs'. Enfranchisement. #3 ; The Parliament Act of the early 1900's limits the Finance Bills(Budget) to discussion in the House of Commons only. It is a very robust and flexible system. There are probably many more Acts delineating Laws of the country and Parliament. Then as now the King is the Head of the Military Services (Army, Royal Nevy and lately Royal Air Force). King George(II) was the last British Monarch to be on the battlefield, whilst the battle was in progress, at Dettingen, Germany. Then as now the King is also the Head of the Judiciary (Courts of Law). The as now the king is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. Then as now , by the fact that the king/monarch is head of Parliament/Military Services/Judiciary/Church of England. prevents any one of these four organisation of the state interfering with any of the other organisations. e.g. The Army cannot 'kick out' parliament. Parliament cannot tell the army which wars to fight; it has to be done through the King. Parliament does NOT judge an accused person. The Judiciary does NOT make the laws, but only interprets them. I suggest you read ' Walter Bagehot' ( pronounced 'Bagot') , the great Victorian constitutionalist.
planes, trains, and automobiles
planes, trains, and automobiles
Around 6.5 million people lived in Britain in 1750.
The major towns of Britain in 1750 were: London, Bristol, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham and Glasgow.
No: Britain was, basically, no more modern in 1750 than anywhere else. Go forward 100 years & there are immense changes, Britain is by then at the forefront of the industrialised world. The Industrial Revolution has made great changes, but in 1750 this is undreampt of.
The population grew from 11m in 1750 to 40m in 1900.
Great Britain
Unlike today, in 1750 tourism was not a big thing. This is due to the lack on good efficient transport. No car, buses, (motorways), trains, aeroplanes. No tarmaced road, just muddy tracks, only suitable for horses, or coach and horses. However, The Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral (just re-built after the Great Fire of London. Other places, may have been Bath, Stratford on Avon, Chester, York. The big cities of Birmingham, Manchester etc., has not developed. because the Industrial Revolution has not started.
It was ok. It was in the middle of the industrial revolution and in 1750, 20% of all the world's, manufactured output came from Britain which was a high share to begin with, so for many people, life was ok. :)
Industrial Revolution
Industrial Revolution