Some technologies you are forced to research, such as plug bayonets, fire by rank, or the ability to build 3rd Rate equivalent ships [One thing to bear in mind, what constituted a 1st Rate in most navies in 1799 was much more powerful ship a than what would have been labled a 1st Rate in 1700, so while the terms there were powerful Ships of the Line in use at the game's starting point, one should not be able to build Victory style 1st Rates right off the bat], were already commonplace at the games start time; even rifling, while not yet embraced by the military, was already being used in hunting weapons and such by the early 1700s. Other techs, such as steamships or the more advanced artillery, were not adopted until after the Napoleonic Wars.