It was in the 18th century that Glasgow's trade opportunities rapidly expanded. In 1707 the Treaty of Union with England prepared the way for a growth in overseas trade, especially with the colonies. Glasgow's location on the west coast was ideal for worldwide trade. Glasgow established strong trading links with the Americas importing tobacco, rum, sugar and cotton. However, Glasgow also had contracts to supply many European countries with these goods. This trade (especially the tobacco trade) made Glasgow and Scotland's first millionaires! The American Revolution in 1775 seriously affected trade and many tobacco merchants who had not diversified their interests lost their fortunes. Trade was further helped in the 1770s when the River Clyde was deepened. This meant that large vessels could now sail up the river. By the end of the 18th century, Glasgow had become Britain's biggest importer of sugar.

As the American tobacco trade prospered in the 18th century so the textile industry flourished in the 19th century with the onset of the Industrial Revolution. The cotton industry at its peak employed almost a third of the city's workforce. Other businesses, such as chemicals, glass, paper and soap manufacturing, also grew at this time. When the cotton industry suffered from competition from cities like Manchester Glasgow turned its attention to shipbuilding and locomotive construction. By 1835 it was responsible for half the tonnage of steam ships produced in Britain. In fact, the shipbuilding legacy continued into the next century. The great Cunard Shipping Line was established here and famous transatlantic liners like the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, QE2 and the Royal Yacht Britannia were all 'Clydebulit'.

From late 18th to early 19th century Glasgow was hailed as the 'Second City of the Empire', as impressive museums, galleries, libraries and other public buildings were built throughout the city. It also had many parks and other open spaces - more than any other European city its size. The two Great Exhibitions in 1881 and 1901 in Kelvingrove Park served to confirm Glasgow's status and pride in being this second city of the Empire.

However, after the First World War, Glasgow's fortunes started to change. There was a gradual decline in the need for merchant and navy ships. After the Second World War the city experienced high unemployment as the old industries which had brought the city prosperity were no longer viable. In fact, between the wars there was little for the city to celebrate save the Empire Exhibition of 1938 held in Bellahouston Park.

For Glasgow, the remainder of the 19th century involved clearing the widespread slum dwellings and creating a new vibrant and economically viable city. Instead of the shipyards and metalworks Glasgow now manufactures electronic equipment, computers, chemicals, carpets, textiles and machine tools. It also has a burgeoning service industry. The fruits of this investment in the city started to show in the 1980s with the highly successful Garden Festival in 1988. The 1980s also saw the opening of popular attractions including The Burrell Collection (1983), the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (1985) and Princes Square (1987). In fact, by the 1990s Glasgow was enjoying a cultural renaissance and seemed to have shed its bad image. In 1990 Glasgow was Europe's City of Culture, and in 1999 it was UK City of Architecture.

Daniel Defoe once stated that Glasgow was "one of the cleanliest, most beautiful and best built cities in Great Britain". It is heartening to see that it is now returning to this image.