Main content

The Price of Progress
Episode 3 of 5
Neil Oliver examines how, in the late 18th century, Scotland was transformed from a poor country into one of the richest nations on Earth.
Ten-part documentary series that charts Scotland's history from the days of the Romans to the present date.
Through the winning and losing of an American empire and the impact of the Scottish Enlightenment, Neil Oliver reveals how in the second half of the 18th century Scotland was transformed from a poor northern backwater with a serious image problem into one of the richest nations on Earth. This was the dawn of the modern age when Scotland made its mark on the world by exporting its most valuable commodities - people and ideas.
Last on
Sat 13 Jul 201309:00
BBC Two except Scotland
More episodes
Clips
![]()
Scots own Colonial plantations
Duration: 02:38
![]()
Glasgow prospers from Empire trade
Duration: 04:48
![]()
The Wealth of Nations published
Duration: 02:16
![]()
America secures its independence
Duration: 01:54
Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Presenter | Neil Oliver |
| Director | Sarah Barclay |
| Producer | Sarah Barclay |
| Series Producer | Richard Downes |
| Executive Producer | Neil McDonald |



