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# The Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution & the Emergence of Sociology The Enlightenment was a period of European thought which emphasized reason, experience and challenged traditional authority. This period saw the emergence of secular, liberal and democratic ideals. ## Factors that influenced...

# The Enlightenment, Industrial Revolution & the Emergence of Sociology The Enlightenment was a period of European thought which emphasized reason, experience and challenged traditional authority. This period saw the emergence of secular, liberal and democratic ideals. ## Factors that influenced the emergence of sociology: 1. **The Commercial Revolution:** This revolution refers to a series of events between 1450 to 1800 CE that marked a change in European society. The key changes included a transition from a subsistence economy to a more dynamic and worldwide commercial revolution. The rise of trade, production and expansion of large-scale production led to political consolidation of countries. Changes in transportation infrastructure shifted from land to sea routes. As a result, European markets were flooded with spices and textiles from the east. Banking services expanded, paper currency was introduced and the rise of the middle class increased economic power. These changes resulted in the emergence of capitalism and a shift from a feudal to a capitalist system. 2. **The Industrial Revolution**: The Industrial Revolution which began in the 18thcentury in England brought about changes in the social and economic life of the people. First in England, then in other countries of Europe and later in other continents, the Industrial revolution was not a single event but a series of interconnected developments that affected the social settings. **New tools and techniques were discovered that expanded production and led to the factory system of production.** This change in economy shifted from a feudal to a capitalist system. The introduction of factory systems led to the closure of guilds, migration from the class system and labor organizations. This led to inequality and the emergence of democracy. **The guild system** refers to a particular type of system which was at its peak in 13th century Europe. **Due to the industrial revolution, large numbers of people moved to urban areas in order to work.** Large industrial bureaucracies emerged to provide services in this emerging capitalist economy. This led to the emergence of a marketplace where many industries could thrive.