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

4. Captain James Cook explores Pacific

Captain James Cook of the British Navy bravely journeyed into the Pacific three times during the 1760's and 1770's. His discoveries provided the British with much scientific information about the waters and islands of the Pacific.

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