In Hindsight, the Eighteenth Century Was a Time of Significant

In hindsight, the eighteenth century was a time of significant change that resulted in major developments such as the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. In studying this period, historians have to attempt to understand the past on its own terms and to explain how the past became the present. Should we choose one approach over another? Using one specific example, explain how we can understand the past on its own terms and explain how the past became the present.