1. Historical factors that have influenced entrepreneurship could be anything from war times to economic downturn. Economic downturn leads to times of unemployment and desperation. Similarly economic high points can lead to higher capital which can turn into more opportunities to pump cash into a small business or idea.
2. One thing that can effect personal pursuit of entrepreneurship is safety. It can be much safer to work the 9-5 job with a known paycheck. But the unknown of entrepreneurship can lead to more freedom and money.