"The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 13" by Rossiter Johnson, Charles F. Horne, and John Rudd is a historical compilation written in the early 20th century. This volume presents significant events in world history through complete narratives derived from the works of renowned historians, illuminating key occurrences from various perspectives. The focus is on critical moments that shaped nations and cultures, offering readers a comprehensive overview of historical development. The opening of this volume sets the stage for an exploration of pivotal changes in the 18th century, particularly highlighting the shift from artistic and military dominance to a focus on intellectual output. It discusses the transition of power and influence from sovereigns to thinkers, driven by Enlightenment ideals. The narrative emphasizes the socio-political landscape of Europe, detailing financial exploits like the Mississippi Scheme and the South Sea Bubble, as well as notable military victories such as the Siege and Battle of Belgrad. This portion serves not only as a chronological introduction to the events discussed but also illustrates the broader transformation in European thought, politics, and society during the age of reason. (This is an automatically generated summary.)