Modernization is the transformation from rural agrarian to urban industrial society. Modernization is a continuous, open-ended process measured in centuries. Modern societies are irregular and uneven, with persistent backward regions. Modernization has two phases: progressive upward movement and discontent
Opened in 1781, first major cast iron bridge worldwide. Built across River Severn in Shropshire, England. Features 100 ft 6 in span with five sectional cast iron ribs. Used 378 tons of iron and 1,700 individual components
James Hargreaves invented the spinning jenny in 1764-1765 in Lancashire. Machine allowed workers to work 8-120 spools simultaneously. Initially produced coarse thread, later improved with water frame. Hargreaves kept invention secret until 1770, then moved to Nottingham
England became Europe's leading economic centre after 1600. Woollen cloth production flourished under Henry VIII's reign. Credit system replaced coins due to scarce precious metals. Trade with colonies and overseas companies grew significantly
Geologic time spans 4.6 billion to 3 million years ago. Prehistoric periods include Hadean through Anthropocene. Three-age system used in archaeology and anthropology. Mesolithic corresponds to beginning of Holocene epoch
Century lasted from 1701 to 1800. Enlightenment thinking culminated in Atlantic Revolutions. Industrial Revolution began mid-century. European colonization intensified worldwide