Key events of the 1700s connected to the novels
1740s-1780s
1719-1726
1700s
1680s
1660s
1700 – 1730: Society and Politics
In these years, the middle class became more powerful. For merchants, hard work was the secret to success. Robinson Crusoe represents the "self-made man" who survives because he works hard. However, Europe was also full of wars and bad politics. Jonathan Swift used his book, Gulliver’s Travels, to mock these problems. The small people of Lilliput represent politicians having big fights over stupid things.
The Early 1700s: News and Colonialism
At the start of the century, journalism was born. People wanted to read about real facts and true stories. This is why Daniel Defoe wrote his book like a real diary (realism). At the same time, British colonialism grew, and England took land all over the world. In the story, this is shown by the relationship between Crusoe and Friday: Crusoe acts as the "master" over the colonised man.
The 1660s: The Dawn of Reason
During this time, the Royal Society was founded (1660). This was a very important event because scientists started to share their ideas, and reason became the most important thing. We can see this in Robinson Crusoe: he is "the scientific man" who likes to count, measure, and build things using logic.
1740s – 1780s: The Rise of the Novel
The novel grew as a new form of art. More people learned how to read, so books finally reached everyone. Robinson Crusoe is considered the first modern English novel, setting the standard for future writers.
Conclusion: One World, Two Answers
Even though Defoe and Swift lived in the same country at the same time, they had very different ideas: - Defoe believed that reason builds things and that progress is possible. - Swift believed that reason fails because human beings stay cruel.
1719 – 1726: The Great Novels
The two most famous books were published during these years: Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Gulliver’s Travels (1726). While Defoe focused on a realistic style, Swift turned satire into great literature, using humor to criticize the world.
Key events of the 1700s connected to the novels
Ginevra Putelli
Created on April 29, 2026
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Transcript
Key events of the 1700s connected to the novels
1740s-1780s
1719-1726
1700s
1680s
1660s
1700 – 1730: Society and Politics
In these years, the middle class became more powerful. For merchants, hard work was the secret to success. Robinson Crusoe represents the "self-made man" who survives because he works hard. However, Europe was also full of wars and bad politics. Jonathan Swift used his book, Gulliver’s Travels, to mock these problems. The small people of Lilliput represent politicians having big fights over stupid things.
The Early 1700s: News and Colonialism
At the start of the century, journalism was born. People wanted to read about real facts and true stories. This is why Daniel Defoe wrote his book like a real diary (realism). At the same time, British colonialism grew, and England took land all over the world. In the story, this is shown by the relationship between Crusoe and Friday: Crusoe acts as the "master" over the colonised man.
The 1660s: The Dawn of Reason
During this time, the Royal Society was founded (1660). This was a very important event because scientists started to share their ideas, and reason became the most important thing. We can see this in Robinson Crusoe: he is "the scientific man" who likes to count, measure, and build things using logic.
1740s – 1780s: The Rise of the Novel
The novel grew as a new form of art. More people learned how to read, so books finally reached everyone. Robinson Crusoe is considered the first modern English novel, setting the standard for future writers.
Conclusion: One World, Two Answers
Even though Defoe and Swift lived in the same country at the same time, they had very different ideas: - Defoe believed that reason builds things and that progress is possible. - Swift believed that reason fails because human beings stay cruel.
1719 – 1726: The Great Novels
The two most famous books were published during these years: Robinson Crusoe (1719) and Gulliver’s Travels (1726). While Defoe focused on a realistic style, Swift turned satire into great literature, using humor to criticize the world.