CNN Millennium — Season 1, Episode 8: The Eighteenth Century: Century of the Furnace

Episode synopsis

This was a century in which revolutionary ideas ignited and transformed society. Western scientists undertook heroic expeditions to determine the shape of the world. People began to think about politics and society in new ways. Lisbon was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt following rational and human ideals now known as Enlightenment. The American War and the French Revolution transformed Europe and North America. India's wealth of natural resources brought mass production of cotton, tea and silk but British Imperialism claimed her riches. China also prospered, colonizing new territories to the north and west.

About CNN Millennium

A documentary series covering the last 1,000 years. Each of the 10 episodes focuses on a single century, brought to life by five vignettes from five different locations worldwide. Inspired by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto's book, "Millennium," and filmed in 28 countries, the series is as geographically far-ranging as the world it covers.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1The Eleventh Century: Century of the Sword
• E2The Twelfth Century: Century of the Axe
• E3The Thirteenth Century: Century of the Stirrup
• E4The Fourteenth Century: Century of the Scythe
• E5The Fifteenth Century: Century of the Sail
• E6The Sixteenth Century: Century of the Compass
• E7The Seventeenth Century: Century of the Telescope
• E9The Nineteenth Century: Century of the Machine
• E10The Twentieth Century: Century of the Globe