- 1701: The Act of Union was passed in England and Scotland, merging the two kingdoms into the Kingdom of Great Britain.
- 1707: The Parliament of Great Britain passed the Toleration Act, granting religious freedom to Protestant dissenters.
- 1713: The Treaty of Utrecht ended the War of the Spanish Succession, resulting in significant territorial changes in Europe.
- 1715-1716: The Jacobite Rebellion, also known as the Fifteen, occurred in Scotland and England in an attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy.
- 1720: The South Sea Bubble, a financial crisis, led to significant economic and political consequences in Britain.
- 1739-1748: The War of the Austrian Succession, a major European conflict, resulted in territorial adjustments in Europe and North America.
- 1740-1748: The First Silesian War, part of the War of the Austrian Succession, took place between Prussia and Austria.
- 1756-1763: The Seven Years' War, a global conflict involving major European powers, affected regions around the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, and India.
- 1760: King George III ascended the British throne, marking the beginning of the Georgian era in British history.
- 1765: The Stamp Act, passed by the British Parliament, sparked protest and resistance in the American colonies, contributing to the American Revolution.
- 1776: The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress, formally declaring the thirteen American colonies' independence from British rule.
- 1778: France joined the American Revolution as an ally of the United States, providing crucial support in the war against Britain.
- 1783: The Treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States.
- 1789: The French Revolution began, marking the start of a period of political upheaval and change in France and Europe.
- 1799: Napoleon Bonaparte came to power in France, becoming First Consul and later Emperor, shaping the course of European politics and military conflicts.
These are just a few of the notable events that took place during the 18th century, a period characterized by significant political, economic, and social developments, revolutions, and advancements in various fields.