Analyze this timeline illustrating one period of the modern era: 1500
1600
1763
1776
1848
1500s - 1700s: European states establish colonies to act as markets
for manufactured goods.
1600: The British East India
Company is founded to finance
British colonial expeditions.
1763: James Watt develops an advanced
steam engine, fueling the Industrial Revolution
1776: Adam Smith describes the basic ideas
behind capitalism in The Wealth of Nations,
1848: Karl Marx criticizes capitalism and promotes
communism in The Communist Manifesto.
Which theme does the timeline most reflect?