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

2. American Colonies win independence from Britain

Discontent with British colonial rule erupted into war in 1775 when American patriots clashed with British soldiers at Lexington, Massachusetts. The colonists declared their independence on July 4, 1776. The conflict lasted eight years. Despite huge British efforts to crush the revolution, the war came to an end in 1783, with the Americans the victors.

Click here for a first-person account from a Revolutionary War soldier.

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