The document discusses the growth of cottage industries and the building of the Atlantic economy in the 18th century. It describes how the putting-out system employed rural families to supplement their income by having them produce goods from home. It also discusses how British mercantilism and colonial wars led to the growth of trade networks between Britain, its colonies, and other parts of the Atlantic world. Key figures like Adam Smith challenged mercantilist ideas and argued for free trade and limited government intervention in the economy.