18th Century Society

Eighteenth-century society was characterized by a rigid social hierarchy and growing urbanization. Around this time, monarchies and aristocrats held significant power, but Enlightenment ideas promoted individual rights and scientific reasoning. Wealth and status often depended on landownership or trade, with a burgeoning middle class emerging. Social norms emphasized hierarchy, manners, and religion, yet ideas of progress and innovation were gaining ground. This period saw the beginnings of broad societal changes that would shape modern governments, economies, and cultural values, setting the stage for revolutionary movements and the modern era.