Priestly isolates oxygen. Accession of Louis XVI of France. 1775 American Revolution begins. Watt's first efficient steam engine. 1776 Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations .
American colonies declare their independence.
Rousseau and Voltaire die. 1779 first steam powered mills. 1783 Peace treaty signed in Paris between Great Britain and the United States. Cartwright builds power loom. Coal gas first used for lighting.