I think it can be fairly argued that the last great evolutionary shift in collective development began with the European Renaissance and continued through the Age of Enlightenment in the 18th century (give or take a century). This is certainly not the only meaningful shift that can be identified, but it is unique for having not just advanced certain lines of inquiry, but for having redefined the human approach to inquiry across numerous lines in such a way as to fundamentally alter human perspectives, values and social structures almost across the board.
