1. Seven-year war ravages Europe and changes balance of power overseas

2. American Colonies win independence from Britain

3. Revolutionaries overthrow monarchy in France

4. Captain James Cook explores Pacific

5. Knowledge of the day published in Encyclopedie

6. Major scientific advances achieved

7. Power-driven machinery brings growth to textile industry

8. Ancient Roman riches unearthed near Vesuvius

9. Peter the Great westernizes Russia

10. Development of a practical steam engine

10. Development of a practical steam engine

Scottish engineer James Watt made significant improvements to steam engine design in the late 1700's. Industry leaders have shown interest in the engine, saying the new design increases engine power and the number of its uses.

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