The tutorial reveals the main processes and general trends in the development of Western Europe and America. In addition to the traditional issues of studying social development, such as demography, economics, social groups, statehood, wars, social thought, the problems of the evolution of human behavior, views and personality in modern times, changes in the everyday sphere are considered. Historical discussions about the "crisis of the 17th century," about the relationship between the theory and practice of absolutism, about the distinction between enlightened absolutism and enlightened despotism, etc. are analyzed. For students of historical faculties of universities studying general history.