18th century

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Timeline: 18th century

Years: c. 1700 - 1800	Subject: History, Early Modern History (1500 to 1700)
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735615

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 1700	Holland and England are now producing the magnificent ocean-going merchant vessels known as East Indiamen Go to East Indiamen in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Britain 1500-1750 Travel and transport British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Belgium Netherlands Society Empires Britain Charles II, the childless king of Spain. leaves all his territories to Philip of Anjou, a grandson of the French king, Louis XIV Go to Philip V (1683–1746) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Spain Poland, Russia and Denmark attack Sweden, beginning the 21-year Northern War Go to Great Northern War in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century War Europe Denmark Poland Russia Peter the Great sets up numerous schools and commercial enterprises to enable Russia to compete in Europe Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Commerce and industry Europe Russia Society Boston merchant Samuel Sewall publishes The Selling of Joseph, a very early anti-slavery tract Go to Sewall, Samuel (1652–1730) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Literature American literature Literature in English Slavery Society North America United States In the years after the battle of the Boyne, Catholic ownership of land in Ireland is reduced to just 14% of the total Go to Boyne, Battle of the (1 July 1690) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Britain
1701	The Act of Settlement declares that no Catholic may inherit the English crown Go to Settlement, Act of (1701) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The War of the Spanish Succession breaks out between French and Austrian claimants to the Spanish throne Go to Spanish Succession, War of the (1701–14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs War Europe Austria France Spain Empires
1702	The Augustan Age begins in English literature, claiming comparison with the equivalent flowering under Augustus Caesar Go to Augustan age in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English British Isles Europe Britain On the death of her brother-in-law, William III, Anne becomes queen of England and Scotland Go to Anne (1665–1714) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain German chemist Georg Stahl coins the name phlogiston for the substance believed to be released in the process of burning Go to phlogiston theory in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Chemistry Germany
1703	Peter the Great falls for a Lithuanian serf, Catherine, who becomes his life-long companion Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia Peter the Great founds the port and city of St Petersburg, giving Russia access to the Baltic Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Russia
1704	The tenth Sikh guru, Gobind Rai, names as his successor the sacred book known as the Granth Go to Ādi Granth in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) The duke of Marlborough wins a major victory over the French at Blenheim, capturing twenty-four battalions and four regiments Go to Marlborough, John Churchill, 1st Duke of (1650–1722) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Battles Germany
1707	The death of Aurangzeb introduces the long period of decline of the Mughal empire Go to Aurangzeb Sixth emperor of Mughal India (1658–1707) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires The Act of Union merges England and Scotland as 'one kingdom by the name of Great Britain', a century after the union of the crowns Go to Union, Act of (Scotland) (1707) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1708	The secret of true porcelain is at last discovered in the west, at Dresden, by Johann Friedrich Böttger Go to Böttger, Johann Friedrich (4 Feb 1682) in The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Decorative arts Germany
1709	The Swedish king Charles XII suffers his first major defeat in a brilliant career, when he faces the Russians at Poltava Go to Charles XII (1682–1718) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Battles Europe Sweden The Tatler launches a new style of journalism in Britain's coffee houses, followed two years later by the Spectator Go to Tatler in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Alexander Selkirk, the inspiration for Robinson Crusoe, is discovered on a Pacific island where he has survived alone for nearly five years Go to Selkirk, Alexander (1676–1721) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Abraham Darby at Coalbrookdale discovers the use of coke in the smelting of pig iron Go to Darby, Abraham (14 Apr 1678) in The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain In a friendly keyboard contest in Rome between Handel and Domenico Scarlatti, the result is a draw – Handel being the winner on the organ and Scarlatti on the harpsichord Go to Handel, George Frideric (1685–1759) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Music Rome Europe Italy
c. 1710	Thomas Newcomen creates a piston steam engine, with the steam condensed in the cylinder by a jet of cold water Go to Newcomen, Thomas (1663–1729) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Steam Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Christopher Wren's new domed St Paul's cathedral is completed in London Go to Wren, Christopher (1632–1723) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Britain 1500-1750 Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Machines are thrown out of the window of a Spitalfields factory, in an early protest against industrialization Go to Industrial Revolution in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain The Byerley Turk, Darley Arabian and Godolphin Arabian, ancestors of all thoroughbred racehorses, are imported into England Go to Byerley Turk in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain 25-year-old George Berkeley attacks Locke in his Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge Go to Berkeley, George (1685–1753) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Philosophy Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1711	Handel's success in London with his opera Rinaldo prompts him to settle in Britain Go to Handel, George Frideric (1685–1759) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1712	Alexander Pope's Rape of the Lock introduces a delicate vein of mock-heroic in English poetry Go to Pope, Alexander (1688–1744) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Papacy Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The tsar formally marries Catherine, his mistress for nearly ten years (though they may have married secretly five years earlier) Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia The violinist Archangelo Corelli composes his Christmas Concerto, the best known of his influential group of twelve Concerti Grossi Go to Corelli, Arcangelo (1653) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Music Europe Italy
1713	The emperor Charles VI issues a Pragmatic Sanction, declaring that the remaining Habsburg empire can be inherited through the female line Go to Charles VI (1685–1740) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Habsburgs Politics Dynasties and royalty Empires The treaties signed in Utrecht bring to an end the War of the Spanish Succession Go to Spanish Succession, War of the (1701–14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics War Europe Austria Spain Empires
1714	In the aftermath of the War of the Spanish Succession, the Spanish Netherlands are transferred to Austria Go to Spanish Succession, War of the (1701–14) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Europe Austria Belgium Netherlands Spain Empires Strasbourg and Alsace are ceded to Louis XIV and become part of France Go to Louis XIV (1638–1715) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe France Cosmas Damian Asam begins work on a highly theatrical creation, the Benedictine Abbey of Weltenburg (1714-1735), joined by his younger brother Egid Quirin from 1721 Go to Asam, Cosmas Damian (28 Sept. 1686) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Architecture Germany Fahrenheit perfects the mercury thermometer and decides on a 180-degree interval between the freezing and boiling points of water Go to Fahrenheit, (Gabriel) Daniel (1686–1736) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Physics Technology Inventions and discoveries Germany On the death of Queen Anne, the Act of Settlement delivers the British crown to the elector of Hanover, as George I Go to George I (1660–1727) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The British government offers a massive £20,000 prize for a chronometer capable of keeping accurate time at sea Go to chronometer noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain In his Monadology Leibniz describes a universe consisting of forceful interactive parts that he calls 'monads' Go to Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature German literature Philosophy Germany
1715	Louis XIV dies after seventy-two years on the throne Go to Louis XIV (1638–1715) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe France A Jacobite uprising in Scotland on behalf of the Old Pretender ends in fiasco Go to Old Pretender, the in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Colen Campbell creates interest in the Palladian style in Britain with the publication of his Vitruvius Britannicus Go to Palladianism in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1716	The Habsburg emperor Charles VI has a son, but the child dies within the year Go to Charles VI (1685–1740) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Habsburgs Politics Dynasties and royalty Austria Empires
1717	Scottish entrepreneur John Law establishes the Louisiana Company to develop the Mississippi valley for France Go to Law, John (1671–1729) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry Society North America United States The earl of Burlington employs Colen Campbell to remodel his Piccadilly house in the Palladian style Go to Palladianism in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, observing the Turkish practice of inoculation against smallpox, submits her infant son to the treatment Go to Montagu, Lady Mary Wortley (1689–1762) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Medicine Turks Turkey Europe
1718	The tsarevitch Alexis, heir to Peter the Great, dies from violence inflicted on him in prison Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia
1719	Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, with its detailed realism, can be seen as the first English novel Go to Robinson Crusoe in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1720	The lighter rococo style, beginning in France, becomes an extension of the baroque Go to rococo in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Decorative arts French art Europe France The symphony begins to develop as a musical form, deriving from the overtures of operas Go to symphony in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music The postchaise, introduced in France, provides the first chance of reasonably comfortable travel by land Go to post-chaise noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Europe France Society Like the symphony, the string quartet develops during the eighteenth century, moving from simple beginnings to great complexity Go to string quartet noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Johann Sebastian Bach compiles the Little Keyboard Book a set of pieces to teach his eldest son, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music Germany Shares in the South Sea Company rise rapidly and collapse within the year, in the so-called South Sea Bubble Go to South Sea Bubble in A Dictionary of Finance and Banking (4 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain Two political parties emerge in Sweden's parliament and become known as the Hats and the Caps Go to Sweden (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Shares in John Law's Louisiana Company rise spectacularly and then collapse, in what becomes known as the Mississippi Bubble Go to Law, John (1671–1729) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry Europe France Society The Dalai Lama in Lhasa accepts Chinese imperial protection, which lasts until 1911 Go to Dalai Lama noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia China Young noblemen, particularly from Britain, visit Italy on the Grand Tour Go to grand tour in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Travel and transport Europe Italy Society Canaletto begins to specialize in views of the Venetian canals, finding his main customers among the British Go to Canaletto (1697–1768) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe Italy
1721	In the treaty of Nystad Sweden cedes Estonia to Russia together with most of Latvia (the rest of which soon follows) Go to Great Northern War in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics European empires from 1415 Europe Russia Empires Robert Walpole becomes Britain's chief minister and holds the post for an unrivalled span of twenty-one years Go to Walpole, Sir Robert, 1st Earl of Orford (1676–1745) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain With the transfer of Swedish territory on the Baltic coast, Russia becomes the dominant power in the region Go to Great Northern War in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Russia Sweden In a ceremony in St Petersburg's cathedral Peter the Great has himself proclaimed 'emperor of all Russia' Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia Jean-Antoine Watteau paints the most splendid shop sign in history, for his friend Gersaint Go to Watteau, Jean-Antoine (1684–1721) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Arts Painting French painting French art Europe France Johann Sebastian Bach writes the six Brandenburg Concertos for his employer at the court of Köthen Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music Germany
1722	The Iroquois League becomes known as the Six Nations, after the Tuscarora join the group Go to Iroquois Confederacy in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics American Indians North America Easter Island is reached by the Dutch, beginning a spate of European discovery in the islands of the Pacific Go to Easter Island (Chile) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Dutch empire Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Society Empires J.S. Bach publishes The Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of 24 Preludes and Fugues Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music Germany 16-year-old Benjamin Franklin contributes the 'Dogood Papers', essays on moral topics, to a Boston journal, The New England Courant Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States
1723	The Austrian emperor, Charles VI, agrees that Hungary shall be ruled as a separate kingdom within his empire Go to Charles VI (1685–1740) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Europe Austria Hungary Empires
1724	General Wade, commander-in-chief of North Britain, begins an impressive programme of road construction in the Scottish Highlands Go to Wade, George (1673–1748) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain
1725	The Russian tsar Peter the Great dies and is succeeded by his wife as the empress Catherine I Go to Peter I (1672–1725) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia Vivaldi publishes the set of violin concertos known as The Four Seasons Go to Vivaldi, Antonio (1675–1741) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music Europe Italy
1726	Jonathan Swift sends his hero on a series of bitterly satirical travels in Gulliver's Travels Go to Swift, Jonathan (1667–1745) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1727	J.S. Bach conducts the first performance of his St Matthew Passion in the St Thomas's church in Leipzig Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music Germany On the death of his father, George I, George II becomes king of Great Britain Go to George II (1683–1760) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Handel composes Zadok the Priest for the crowning of George II, and it has been sung at every subsequent British coronation Go to Handel, George Frideric (1685–1759) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Britain 1500-1750 Performing arts Music Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1728	The Danish explorer Vitus Bering sails into Arctic seas through the strait between Asia and America known now by his name Go to Bering (1681–1741) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Asia East Asia Denmark Society
1729	Benjamin Franklin prints, publishes and largely writes the weekly Pennsylvania Gazette Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America United States
1730	The Italian poet Metastasio produces, in Vienna, opera libretti which are used by almost every composer of the day Go to Metastasio (1698–1782) in The Oxford Companion to Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Opera Austria John and Charles Wesley form a Holy Club at Oxford which becomes the cradle of Methodism Go to Holy Club in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Religion Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1731	The Flemish-born sculptor Michael Rysbrack creates a monument to Newton in Westminster Abbey Go to Rysbrack, Michael (24 June 1694) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Arts Sculpture British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain English maker of telescopes John Hadley designs the instrument which evolves into the standard sextant used at sea Go to sextant in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Benjamin Franklin sets up a subscription library, the Library Company of Philadelphia Go to Library Company of Philadelphia in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America United States
1732	Georgia is granted to a group of British philanthropists, to give a new start in life to debtors Go to Oglethorpe, James Edward in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States With the performance of Esther Handel taps a rich new vein, the English oratorio Go to Handel, George Frideric (1685–1759) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Britain 1500-1750 Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1733	An alliance between the French and Spanish Bourbons is the first of what become known as the Family Compacts Go to Bourbons in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe France Spain Voltaire publishes a series of Philosophical Letters comparing the French unfavourably with England Go to Voltaire (1694–1778) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Europe France John Kay, working in the Lancashire woollen industry, patents the flying shuttle to speed up weaving Go to Kay, John (1704–c. 1780) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Benjamin Franklin establishes the most successful of America's almanacs, publishing it annually until 1758 Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America United States
c. 1735	A revivalist movement in America, led by Jonathan Edwards, becomes known as the Great Awakening Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity North America United States The Asam brothers build at their own expense the tiny and brilliant baroque church of St John Nepomuk, attached to their own house in Munich Go to Asam, Cosmas Damian (28 Sept. 1686) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Architecture Germany Swedish naturalist Carolus Linnaeus publishes a 'system of nature', capable of classifying all living things Go to Linnaeus, Carolus (1707–78) in A Dictionary of Plant Sciences (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Life sciences Europe Sweden John Peter Zenger, editor of the Weekly Journal, is acquitted of libelling the governor of New York on the grounds that what he published was true Go to Zenger, John Peter (1697–1746) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Slavery Society North America United States Swedish chemist Georg Brandt discovers a new metallic element, which he names cobalt Go to Brandt, Georg (1694–1768) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Chemistry Europe Sweden
1736	The leader of a gang of tribal brigands seizes the Persian throne and takes the name Nadir Shah Go to Nadir Shah (1688–1747) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia)
1737	Florence loses her independence when the last Medici duke of Tuscany dies Go to Medici in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Florence Europe Italy
1738	In the Treaty of Vienna, France accepts the Pragmatic Sanction of Charles VI – the last of the European powers to do so Go to Pragmatic Sanction in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Austria
1739	Britain declares war on Spain, partly in a mood of indignation over Captain Jenkins' ear Go to Jenkins's Ear, War of in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Spain Britain The Persian ruler Nadir Shah enters Delhi and removes much of the accumulated treasure of the Mughal empire Go to Nadir Shah (1688–1747) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires David Hume publishes his Treatise of Human Nature, in which he applies to the human mind the principles of experimental science Go to Hume, David (1711–76) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature English literature Literature in English Philosophy Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1740	Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador become the Spanish viceroyalty of New Granada, with Bogota as the capital Go to New Granada in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America South America Frederick II, inheriting the throne in Prussia, establishes a cultured and musical court Go to Frederick II (1712–86) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Germany A charismatic leader, Baal Shem Tov, develops Hasidism in Poland as an influential revivalist movement within Judaism Go to Hasidism in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Judaism Europe Poland Italian dramatist Carlo Goldoni makes a success of plays in the ancient commedia dell'arte tradition Go to Goldoni, Carlo (1707–93) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature Italian literature Drama Europe Italy Jack Broughton, champion of England, opens an academy to teach 'the mystery of boxing, that wholly British art' Go to broughtonian n. in Green's Dictionary of Slang (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain The Habsburg emperor Charles VI dies and is succeeded by his elder daughter, the 23-year-old Maria Theresa Go to Maria Theresa (1717–80) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Habsburgs Politics Dynasties and royalty Austria Empires Frederick II, the king of Prussia, invades the neighbouring Habsburg province of Silesia, launching the War of the Austrian Succession Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs War Europe Austria Germany Poland Empires
1741	The American Magazine and the General Magazine both begin a short-lived existence Go to General Magazine, the (1741) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America United States J.S. Bach publishes his set of Goldberg Variations, supposedly written for performance by the young harpsichordist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Germany Frederick's Prussian army defeats the Austrians at Mollwitz, securing his hold on most of Silesia Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire War Europe Austria Poland Empires American revivalism is inflamed by Jonathan Edwards' vivid sermon Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity North America United States Venice's new theatre, the Teatro Novissimo, has machinery which can change the scenes in the blink of an eye Go to Venice (Italy, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Venice Europe Italy French and Bavarian armies join the war against Austria, marching through upper Austria into Bohemia Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire War Bohemia Austria Czech Republic Empires Spain, now an ally of France, joins in the war against Austria Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire War Austria Empires Britain, already fighting Spain (in the War of Jenkin's Ear), is drawn into the wider conflict as an ally of Austria Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire War Austria Empires French and Bavarian forces enter Prague, one of the most important cities in the Austrian empire Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire War Bohemia Austria Czech Republic Empires
1742	An Austrian army captures the Bavarian capital city, Munich Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire War Austria Germany Empires Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius proposes 100 degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water Go to Celsius, Anders (1701–1744) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Physics Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe Sweden Edmond Hoyle publishes the definitive rules of whist Go to whist in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1743	George II leads a British army to victory over the French at Dettingen Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Germany Benjamin Franklin drafts in Philadelphia the founding document for the American Philosophical Society Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America United States
1744	Muhammad ibn Saud begins the expansion of power that will lead eventually to the establishment of Saudi Arabia Go to Saud, Muhammad ibn al- (1746–65) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia West Asia France formally declares war on Britain half way through the War of the Austrian Succession Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe France Britain The Muslim reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab makes an alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud, of significance to the later Saudi dynasty Go to Saud, Muhammad ibn al- (1746–65) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Islam Asia West Asia J.S. Bach publishes another set of 24 Preludes and Fugues, as an addition to his previous Well-Tempered Clavier Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music Germany Franklin publishes his design for an improved stove in Account of the New Invented Pennsylvania Fire Place Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries North America United States Bad weather causes the French to abandon a plan to invade Britain with the Scottish pretender Charles Edward Stuart Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Europe Austria France
1745	New England militiamen achieve an unexpected success in capturing the fortress of Louisbourg from the French Go to Louisbourg in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: War French empire Empires North America Canada United States Maurice de Saxe, with a French army including an Irish brigade, defeats British, Austrian and Dutch forces at Fontenoy Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Battles Europe Austria France The principle of the Leyden jar is discovered by an amateur German physicist, Ewald Georg von Kleist, dean of the cathedral in Kamin Go to Leyden jar in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Physics Germany Charles Edward Stuart lands at Eriskay in the Hebrides, launching the Forty-Five Rebellion Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion War Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Charles Edward Stuart gathers support for the Forty-Five Rebellion on his way south from the Hebrides and reaches Edinburgh Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion War Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Charles Edward Stuart marches as far south as Derby, but then turns back Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion War Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Frederick the Great's Prussian soldiers, advancing in shallow disciplined formation, outclass other armies of the time Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Austria Germany Frederick II's three victories in 1745 cause him to be known by his contemporaries as Frederick the Great Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Austria Germany
1746	Frederick the Great begins to build the summer palace of Sans Souci at Potsdam Go to Sanssouci in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Architecture Germany Charles Edward Stuart and his 5000 Scots are routed at Culloden, bringing the Forty-Five Rebellion to an abrupt end Go to Stuart, Charles Edward (1720–88) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Protest and rebellion Battles Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Tartan and Highland dress are banned by the British government, in a prohibition not lifted until 1782 Go to tartan in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain An earthquake destroys much of Lima, and an ensuing tidal wave engulfs its port at Callao Go to Lima in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Social and domestic Society Latin America Peru South America Monsieur Passemont constructs in Paris a millennium clock which can record the date in any year up to AD 9999 Go to Paris in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France French forces capture the British East India Company's fort of Madras Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) The French commander Maurice de Saxe succeeds in occupying the entire Austrian Netherlands Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire War Europe Austria Belgium Netherlands Empires
1747	A tribal leader, Ahmad Shah Abdali, is elected king of the Afghans in an event seen as the foundation of the Afghan nation Go to Durrani Dynasty in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia Central Asia Afghanistan Samuel Richardson's Clarissa begins the correspondence that grows into the longest novel in the English language Go to Clarissa: or The History of a Young Lady in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1748	Systematic digging begins near Vesuvius, in an area where ancient fragments are often unearthed - soon discovered to be Pompeii Go to Pompeii in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Europe Italy The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle ends the War of the Austrian Succession, but only postpones the continuation of hostilities (in the Seven Years' War) Go to Aix‐la‐Chapelle, Treaty of (1748) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs War Austria Empires The peace treaty returns all captured territories to their owners – with the exception of Silesia, which becomes part of Prussia Go to Aix‐la‐Chapelle, Treaty of (1748) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics War Austria
1749	A French official travels down the Ohio valley, placing markers to claim it for France Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Henry Fielding introduces a character of lasting appeal in the lusty but good-hearted Tom Jones Go to Tom Jones, The History of in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Shortly before his death (in 1750) J.S. Bach completes his Mass in B Minor, worked on over many years Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Performing arts Music Germany
c. 1750	Naval engagements are now fought in lines of battle, with only the most heavily armed vessels rated as 'ships of the line' Go to ship of the line in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Horace Walpole begins to create his own Strawberry Hill, a neo-Gothic fantasy, on the banks of the Thames west of London Go to Walpole, Horace, 4th earl of Orford (1717–97) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1500-1750 Britain 1750-1900 Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Gothic Europe Britain
1751	Robert Clive prevails over the French after holding out during the seven-week siege of Arcot in southern India Go to Clive, Robert (1725–74) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War British empire French empire Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires Wars and Revolutions Giovanni Battista Tiepolo begins a series of frescoes to decorate the prince bishop's residence in Würzburg Go to Tiepolo, Giovanni Battista (1696–1770) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Germany Italy A great French undertaking by Denis Diderot, his 28-volume Encyclopédie, begins publication Go to Diderot, Denis (1713–84) in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Europe France The Swedish chemist Alex Cronstedt identifies an impurity in copper ore as a separate metallic element, which he names nickel Go to nickel in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Chemistry Europe Sweden By the time of his death the prolific output of Domenico Scarlatti includes 555 sonatas, all but a few for his own instrument, the harpsichord Go to Scarlatti, Domenico (1685–1757) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Baroque Music Europe Italy English poet Thomas Gray publishes his Elegy written in a Country Church Yard Go to Gray, Thomas (1716–71) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain French painter Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin returns to the subject matter that first took his interest, still life Go to Chardin, Jean‐Baptiste Siméon (1699–1779) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting French painting French art Europe France English gardener Lancelot Brown sets up in business as a freelance 'improver of grounds', and soon acquires the nickname Capability Brown Go to Brown, Lancelot (1715/16–83) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1752	Britain is one of the last nations to adjust to the more accurate Gregorian calendar, causing a suspicious public to fear they have been robbed of eleven days Go to Gregorian calendar in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain English obstetrician William Smellie introduces scientific midwifery as a result of his researches into childbirth Go to midwifery in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Medicine Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The French seize or evict every English-speaking trader in the region of the upper Ohio Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Benjamin Franklin flies a kite into a thunder cloud to demonstrate the nature of electricity Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Physics North America United States French painter Jean-Honoré Fragonard wins the cherished Prix de Rome at the age of 20 Go to Fragonard, Jean-Honoré (1732–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting French painting French art Rome Europe France
1753	George Washington undertakes a difficult and ineffectual journey to persuade the French to withdraw from the Ohio valley Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1754	In Freedom of Will American evangelist Jonathan Edwards makes an uncompromising defence of orthodox against liberal Calvinism Go to Edwards, Jonathan (1703–58) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity North America United States Benjamin Franklin's chopped-up snake, urging union of the colonies with the caption 'Join or Die', is the first American political cartoon Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Wars and Revolutions North America United States Quaker minister John Woolman publishes the first part of Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes, an essay denouncing slavery Go to Woolman, John (1720–72) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Slavery Society North America United States Scottish chemist Joseph Black identifies the existence of a gas, carbon dioxide, which he calls 'fixed air' Go to Black, Joseph (1728–99) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Chemistry Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain George Washington kills ten French troops at Fort Duquesne, in the first violent clash of the French and Indian war Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War Battles British colonial America British empire French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Benjamin Franklin proposes to the Albany Congress that the colonies should unite to form a colonial government Go to Albany Congress (1754) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States The British colonies negotiate with the Iroquois at the Albany Congress, in the face of the French threat in the Ohio valley Go to Albany Congress (1754) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War Politics War American Indians British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Francesco Guardi, previously a painter of figures, begins to specialize in view of Venice, his native city Go to Guardi, Francesco (5 Oct. 1712) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Venice Europe Italy
1755	A British force under Edward Braddock lands in America to provide support against the French in the Ohio valley Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War British colonial America British empire French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Samuel Johnson publishes his magisterial Dictionary of the English Language Go to Johnson, Samuel (1709–84) in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The first Conestoga wagons are acquired by George Washington for an expedition through the Alleghenies Go to covered wagon noun in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War Travel and transport War Society Wars and Revolutions North America United States Johann Joachim Winckelmann publishes a book on Greek painting and sculpture which introduces a new strand of neoclassicism Go to Winckelmann, Johann Joachim (1717–68) in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Sculpture Germany The army led by Edward Braddock and George Washington is ambushed at Fort Duquesne and Braddock is killed Go to Braddock, Edward (1695–1755) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War Battles British colonial America British empire French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1756	122 people die after being locked overnight in a small room in Calcutta, in an incident that becomes known as the Black Hole of Calcutta Go to Black Hole of Calcutta in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires The French in America, under the marquis of Montcalm, begin two highly successful years of campaigning against the British Go to French and Indian War (1754–1763) in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada United States In what becomes known as the Diplomatic Revolution, two of Europe's long-standing rivals - France and Austria - sign a treaty of alliance Go to Diplomatische Revolution in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Europe Austria France Empires Frederick the Great again precipitates a European conflict, marching without warning into Saxony and launching the Seven Years' War Go to Seven Years War (1756–63) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Germany
1757	Admiral John Byng is shot on the deck of a ship in Portsmouth harbour for 'neglect of duty' in failing to relieve Minorca Go to Byng, John (1704–57) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Robert Clive defeats the nawab of Bengal at the battle of Plassey, and places his own man on the throne Go to Clive, Robert (1725–74) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire European empires from 1415 Mughal empire Muslim empires Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Robert Adam returns to Britain after two years in Rome with a repertoire of classical themes which he mingles to form a new British neoclassicism Go to Adam, Robert (1728–92) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Rome Europe Britain William Pitt the Elder becomes secretary of state and transforms the British war effort against France in America Go to Pitt, William, 1st Earl of Chatham (1708–78) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire Europe Empires Britain English painter Joseph Wright sets up a studio in his home town, Derby Go to Wright, Joseph (3 Sept. 1734) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1758	Joshua Reynolds is by now the most fashionable portrait painter in London, copies with as many as 150 sitters in a year Go to Reynolds, Sir Joshua (1723–92) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain A comet returns exactly at the time predicted by English astronomer Edmond Halley, and is subsequently known by his name Go to Halley, Edmund (1656–1742) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Astronomy and space Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain James Woodforde, an English country parson with a love of food and wine, begins a detailed diary of everyday life Go to Woodforde, Revd James (1740–1803) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Liverpool-born artist George Stubbs sets up in London as a painter, above all, of people and horses Go to Stubbs, George (1724–1806) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1759	Portrait-painter Thomas Gainsborough moves from Suffolk to set up a studio in fashionable Bath Go to Gainsborough, Thomas (1727–88) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Voltaire publishes Candide, a satire on optimism prompted by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 Go to Voltaire (1694–1778) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature French literature Fiction Europe France British general James Wolfe sails up the St Lawrence river with 15,000 men to besiege Quebec Go to Wolfe, James (1727–59) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Battles British empire French empire Empires North America Canada The Portuguese expel the Jesuits from Brazil, beginning a widespread reaction against the order in Catholic Europe Go to Jesuits in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe Portugal Latin America Brazil South America Staffordshire potter Josiah Wedgwood sets up a factory of his own in his home town of Burslem Go to Wedgwood, Josiah (1730–95) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Decorative arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Frederick the Great suffers his first major defeat, by a Russian and Austrian army at Kunersdorf Go to Seven Years War (1756–63) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Battles Germany Laurence Sterne publishes the first two volumes of Tristram Shandy, beginning with the scene at the hero's conception Go to Sterne, Laurence (1713–68) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Wolfe defeats Montcalm and captures Quebec, but both commanders die in the engagement Go to Quebec, battle of (1759) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War War British empire French empire Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada A British defeat of the French in Quiberon Bay prompts David Garrick to write Heart of Oak Go to ‘Heart of Oak’ in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 War Battles Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain A succession of victories cause 1759 to be known in Britain as annus mirabilis, the wonderful year Go to ‘Heart of Oak’ in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1760	German painter Johann Zoffany moves to England to find work as a painter of conversation pieces and portraits Go to Zoffany, Johann (13 Mar. 1733) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Germany Britain On the death of his grandfather, George II, George III becomes king of Great Britain Go to George III (1738–1820) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain
1761	Joseph Haydn enters the service of the Esterházy family, and stays with them for twenty-nine years Go to Haydn, Joseph (1732–1809) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria Scottish chemist and physicist Joseph Black observes the latent heat in melting ice Go to Black, Joseph (1728–99) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Physics Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain Austrian physician Joseph Leopold Auenbrugger describes his new diagnostic technique – percussion, or listening to a patient's chest and tapping Go to percussion n. in A Dictionary of Nursing (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Medicine Austria John Harrison's fourth chronometer is only five seconds out at the end of a test journey from England to Jamaica Go to Harrison, John (1693–1776) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Latin America Caribbean Italian anatomist Giovanni Battista Morgagni publishes De Sedibus, the work that introduces scientific pathology Go to pathology in Concise Medical Dictionary (8 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Europe Italy George Washington, the future president, inherits Mount Vernon from his half-brother Lawrence Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Social and domestic Society North America United States
1762	Johann Sebastian Bach's youngest son, Johann Christian, moves to London and becomes known as the English Bach Go to Bach, Johann Christian (1735–82) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Germany Britain Two books in this year, émile and Du Contrat Social, prompt orders for the arrest of Jean-Jacques Rousseau Go to Rousseau, Jean‐Jacques (1712–78) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature French literature Fiction Philosophy Europe France The intensely dramatic music of Gluck's Orfeo ed Eurydice introduces a much needed reform in the conventions of opera Go to Gluck, Christoph Willibald (1714–87) in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Opera Austria Fingal, supposedly by the medieval poet Ossian, is a forgery in the spirit of the times by James MacPherson Go to Macpherson, James (1736–96) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain 6-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart plays for the Habsburg empress Maria Theresa Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Performing arts Music Austria Empires
1763	The capital of the Portuguese colony of Brazil is moved from Bahia to Rio de Janeiro Go to Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Portuguese empire Empires Latin America Brazil South America A treaty signed in Paris ends the Seven Years' War between Britain, France and Spain Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Europe France Spain Empires Britain In the treaty of Paris France cedes to Britain all its territory north of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi river, except the district of New Orleans Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States In the treaty of Paris, Spain cedes Florida to Britain, completing British possession of the entire east coast of north America Go to Paris, Treaty of (1763) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French and Indian War Politics War British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada United States The Treaty of Hubertusburg, between Prussia and Austria, increases the power of Prussia among the many separate states of Germany Go to Hubertusburger Friede in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Austria Germany Empires English journalist John Wilkes is arrested for publishing seditious libel in issue no 45 of his weekly magazine The North Briton Go to Wilkes, John (1725–97) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain James Boswell meets Samuel Johnson for the first time, in the London bookshop of Thomas Davies Go to Boswell, James (1740–95) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, leads an uprising of the Indian tribes in an attempt to drive the British east of the Appalachians Go to Pontiac (c. 1720–69) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion American Indians British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires North America United States 7-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart begins a three-year concert tour of Europe Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria American artist Benjamin West settles in London, where he becomes famous for his large-scale history scenes Go to West, Benjamin (1738–1820) in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1764	A French expedition from St Malo, founding a colony on East Falkland, name the islands Les îsles Malouines Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 French empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America The Russian empress Catherine the Great secures the throne of Poland for one of her lovers, as Stanislaw II Go to Catherine II (1729–96) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Russia James Watt ponders on the inefficiency of contemporary steam engines and invents the condenser Go to Watt, James (1736–1819) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Steam Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain Catherine the Great founds the Hermitage as a court museum attached to the Winter Palace in St Petersburg Go to Hermitage in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Sculpture Europe Russia Britain passes the Sugar Act, levying duty on sugar, wine and textiles imported into America Go to Sugar Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States Joseph Haydn's first published work is six string quartets, a form which he subsequently makes very much his own Go to Haydn, Joseph (1732–1809) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria Lancashire spinner James Hargreaves conceives the idea of the spinning jenny, with multiple spindles worked from a single wheel Go to Hargreaves, James (1722–1778) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain English historian Edward Gibbon, sitting among ruins in Rome, conceives the idea of Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Go to Gibbon, Edward (1737–94) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain English author Horace Walpole provides an early taste of Gothic thrills in his novel Castle of Otranto Go to Walpole, Horace, 4th earl of Orford (1717–97) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Gothic Europe Britain
1765	Britain passes the Stamp Act, taxing legal documents and newspapers in the American colonies Go to Stamp Act (1765) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States American campaigners against the Stamp Act organize themselves as the Sons of Liberty in Massachusetts and New York Go to Sons of Liberty in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1766	Britain repeals the Stamp Act, in a major reversal of policy achieved by resistance in the American colonies Go to Stamp Act (1765) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States English chemist Henry Cavendish isolates hydrogen but believes that it is phlogiston Go to Cavendish, Henry (1731–1810) in A Dictionary of Chemistry (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Chemistry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Irish novelist Oliver Goldsmith publishes The Vicar of Wakefield, with a hero who has much to complain about but keeps calm Go to Goldsmith, Oliver (1728–74) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature Fiction British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Pierre le Roy's chronometer, as accurate as Harrison's and cheaper to construct, is set to become the standard model Go to Harrison, John (1693–1776) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France
1767	Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon complete a four-year survey to establish the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland Go to Mason-Dixon Line in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics North America United States Work begins on Edinburgh's New Town, to the design of the 23-year-old architect James Craig Go to Craig, James (1744–95) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain The British Chancellor, Charles Townshend, passes a series of acts taxing all glass, lead, paint, paper and tea imported into the American colonies Go to Townshend Acts (1767) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1768	Captain James Cook sails from Plymouth, in England, heading for Tahiti to observe the transit of Venus Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Britain A French artist, Jean Baptiste le Prince, discovers the aquatint technique in printmaking Go to aquatint in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Printing Arts Prints French art Europe France A Society of Gentlemen in Scotland begins publication of the immensely successful Encyclopaedia Britannica Go to Encyclopaedia Britannica in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain Corsica is sold to France by the republic of Genoa Go to Corsica in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Europe France A border incident at Balta, in the southern Ukraine, sparks a war between Russia and Turkey that will last six years Go to Russo-Ottoman Wars in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crimean War War Ottoman empire Europe Russia Empires Wars and Revolutions The Royal Academy is established in London, with Joshua Reynolds as its first president Go to Royal Academy of Arts in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1769	Franciscan missionary Junipero Serra begins work at San Diego de Cala, the first of his nine California missions Go to Serra, Junipero (1713–1784) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Monasticism North America United States Captain Cook observes in Tahiti the transit of Venus, the primary purpose of his voyage to the Pacific Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Astronomy and space Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Captain Cook reaches New Zealand and sets off to chart its entire coastline Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania New Zealand Europe Society Empires French inventor Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot successfully tests a steam wagon, probably the first working mechanical vehicle Go to Cugnot, Nicolas-Joseph (1725–1804) in The New Oxford Dictionary for Scientific Writers and Editors (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Steam Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France
c. 1770	The triangular trade, controlled from Liverpool, ships millions of Africans across the Atlantic as slaves Go to slave trade, African in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Migration Slavery Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires Britain Latin America North America British troops fire into an unruly crowd in Boston, Massachusetts, killing five Go to Boston Massacre (1770) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States 17-year-old Thomas Chatterton, later hailed as a significant poet, commits suicide in a London garret Go to Chatterton, Thomas (1752–70) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Captain Cook reaches the mainland of Australia, at a place which he names Botany Bay, and continues up the eastern coast Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia In response to American protests, the British government removes the Townshend duties on all commodities with the exception of tea Go to Townshend Acts (1767) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States 27-year-old Thomas Jefferson begins constructing a mansion on a hilltop in Charlottesville, calling it Monticello ('little mountain') Go to Jefferson, Thomas (1743–1826) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Architecture American architecture North America United States
1771	English entrepreneur Richard Arkwright adds water power to spinning by means of the water frame Go to Arkwright, Sir Richard (1732–92) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Richard Arkwright pioneers the factory environment with his cotton mill at Cromford in Derbyshire Go to Arkwright, Sir Richard (1732–92) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1772	Russia, Prussia and Austria agree a treaty enabling them to divide the spoils in the first partition of Poland Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Austria Germany Poland Russia Empires The first partition of Poland begins the process of Lithuania being progressively absorbed into Russia Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Poland Russia Empires Gustavus III achieves a coup d'état which brings executive power in Sweden back into royal hands Go to Gustav III (1746–1792) in Encyclopedia of the Enlightenment (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Captain Cook sets off, in HMS Resolution, on his second voyage to the southern hemisphere Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Britain Haydn's Farewell Symphony gives a subtle hint to his employer at Esterházy that it is time for the musicians to return home Go to Haydn, Joseph (1732–1809) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria
1773	English prison reformer John Howard is shocked into action by the conditions he sees in Bedford gaol Go to Howard, John (1726–90) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The London brokers who meet to do business in Jonathan's coffee house decide to call themselves the Stock Exchange Go to stock exchange in A Dictionary of Finance and Banking (4 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain Oliver Goldsmith's play She Stoops to Conquer is produced in London's Covent Garden theatre Go to Goldsmith, Oliver (1728–74) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele isolates oxygen but does not immediately publish his achievement Go to Scheele, Carl Wilhelm in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Chemistry Europe Sweden Samuel Johnson and James Boswell undertake a journey together to the western islands of Scotland Go to Johnson, Samuel (1709–84) in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain Some fifty colonists, disguised as Indians, tip a valuable cargo of tea into Boston harbour as a protest against British tax Go to Boston Tea Party (1773) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Responding to pressure from the Catholic monarchs of Europe, Clement XIV abolishes the Jesuit Order Go to Clement XIV (1705–74) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Monasticism Europe Italy
1774	As a retaliation for the Boston Tea Party, the British parliament closes Boston's port with the first of its Coercive Acts Go to Coercive Acts (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Goethe's romantic novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, brings him an immediate European reputation Go to Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749–1832) in The Oxford Companion to the Mind (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature German literature Fiction Europe Germany Goethe's play Götz von Berlichingen, a definitive work of Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress), has its premiere in Berlin Go to Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749–1832) in The Oxford Companion to the Mind (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama Germany Britain's new Coercive (or Intolerable) Acts include the requirement that Massachusetts citizens give board and lodging to British troops Go to Coercive Acts (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States The Spanish, now in sole occupation of the Falkland Islands, call them Las Islas Malvinas Go to Falkland Islands in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Falkland Islands Europe Empires Latin America South America Encouraged by Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine emigrates to America and settles in Philadelphia Go to Paine, Thomas (1737–1809) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Britain North America United States In the treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji, ending the recent Russo-Turkish war, the Ottoman empire cedes the Crimea to Russia Go to Russo-Ottoman Wars in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crimean War Politics War Turks European empires from 1415 Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Europe Russia Empires Wars and Revolutions The treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji grants Russia special rights in relation to the Christian Holy Places under Ottoman control Go to Russo-Ottoman Wars in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crimean War Politics Religion Christianity War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Empires Wars and Revolutions Illiterate visionary Ann Lee, leader of an English sect, the 'Shaking Quakers', crosses the Atlantic to spread the word Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Religion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Britain North America United States English chemist Joseph Priestley isolates oxygen, but he believes it to be 'dephlogisticated air' Go to Priestley, Joseph in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Chemistry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Delegates from twelve American colonies meet in Philadelphia and agree not to import any goods from Britain Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Thomas Gainsborough moves from Bath to set up a studio in London Go to Gainsborough, Thomas (1727–88) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1775	Dutch nomads, pressing far north from Cape Town, become known as the Trekboers Go to Afrikaner in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Society Empires Pioneer Daniel Boone and other backwoodsmen cut the road west that will bring settlers to Kentucky Go to Boone, Daniel (c. 1734–1820) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization North America United States Patrick Henry makes a stirring declaration – 'Give me liberty or give me death' – to the Virginia Assembly Go to Henry, Patrick (1736–99) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States John Singleton Copley, already established as America's greatest portrait painter, moves to London Go to Copley, John Singleton (1738?–1815) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting American painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles American art British colonial America Europe Britain North America United States General Gage sends a detachment of British troops to seize weapons held by American Patriots at Concord Go to Gage, Thomas (1721–87) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Paul Revere is one of the US riders taking an urgent warning to Concord, but he is captured on the journey Go to Revere, Paul (1735–1818) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion War Wars and Revolutions North America United States The first shot of the American Revolution is fired in a skirmish between redcoats and militiamen at Lexington, on the road to Concord Go to Lexington and Concord, Battle of (19 April 1775) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Delegates from the states reassemble in Philadelphia, with hostilities against the British already under way in Massachusetts Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Delegates in Philadelphia select George Washington as commander-in-chief of the colonial army Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States At Bunker Hill, overlooking Boston from the north, the American militiamen prove their worth against British professional soldiers Go to Bunker Hill, battle of (1775) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Delegates to the Continental Congress make a final bid for peace, sending the Olive Branch Petition to George III Go to Olive Branch Petition in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Britain declares the colonies to be in a state of rebellion, and sets up a naval blockade of the American coastline Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Yankee Doodle is the most popular song with the patriot troops in the American Revolution Go to Yankee Doodle in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Performing arts Music British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Figaro makes his first appearance on stage in Beaumarchais' The Barber of Seville Go to Beaumarchais, Pierre Augustin Caron de (1732–99) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature French literature Drama Europe France Talleyrand begins an extremely varied career by becoming an abbot at the age of twenty-one Go to Talleyrand (1754–1838) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Europe France Captain Cook publishes his discovery of a preventive cure against scurvy, in the form of a regular ration of lemon juice Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Medicine Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Francisco de Goya begins a series of designs for tapestries to be made in Spain's Royal Tapestry Factory Go to Goya (1746–1828) [Art] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Decorative arts Europe Spain
1776	George Washington raises on Prospect Hill a new American flag, the British red ensign on a ground of thirteen stripes – one for each colony Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States In Common Sense, an anonymous pamphlet, English immigrant Thomas Paine is the first to argue that the American colonies should be independent Go to Paine, Thomas (1737–1809) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Literature American literature Literature in English Politics Protest and rebellion British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Two Boulton and Watt engines are installed, the first of many in the mines and mills of England's developing industrial revolution Go to Watt, James (1736–1819) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Commerce and industry Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain George Washington drives the British garrison from Boston, and moves south to protect New York Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War Wars and Revolutions North America United States The revolutionary convention of Virginia votes for independence from Britain, and instructs its delegates in Philadelphia to propose this motion Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Virginia's motion for independence from Britain is passed at the Continental Congress of the colonies with no opposing vote Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States Thomas Jefferson's text for the Declaration of Independence is accepted by the Congress in Philadelphia Go to Declaration of Independence in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 US presidents Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States English historian Edward Gibbon publishes the first volume of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire Go to Gibbon, Edward (1737–94) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain John Hancock is the first delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence, formally written out on a large sheet of parchment Go to Hancock, John (1737–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent Protest and rebellion War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States George Washington, driven from New York by the British, retreats towards Philadelphia Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America United States Spanish America is now administered as four viceroyalties - New Spain, New Granada, New Peru and La Plata Go to Spanish America in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Buenos Aires rather than Asunción is chosen to be capital of the new Spanish viceroyalty of La Plata Go to Buenos Aires (Argentina) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics European empires from 1415 Spanish empire Europe Empires Latin America Argentina South America Scottish economist Adam Smith analyzes the nature and causes of the Wealth of Nations Go to Smith, Adam (1723–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Society Britain George Washington defeats the British at Trenton at a psychologically important moment in the course of the war Go to Trenton, battle of (1776) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Battles Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1777	Congress adopts a new flag for independent America – the stars and stripes Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Protest and rebellion War Wars and Revolutions North America United States George Washington, heavily defeated in a battle at Brandywine, is forced to relinquish Philadelphia to the British Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America United States Richard Brinsley Sheridan's second play, The School for Scandal, is an immediate success in London's Drury Lane theatre Go to Sheridan, Richard Brinsley (1751–1816) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The American general Horatio Gates captures the army of General Burgoyne near Saratoga Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Battles Wars and Revolutions North America United States The US Congress agrees the final version of the Articles of Confederation, defining the terms on which states join the Union Go to Articles of Confederation (1781) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics Democracy and dissent War Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1778	Benjamin Franklin persuades the French to sign a Treaty of Alliance, committing France to the US cause Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics War European empires from 1415 Europe France Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States France, joining the American colonies in their fight against Britain, sends a large fleet across the Atlantic Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States The American naval hero John Paul Jones makes successful raids around the coasts of Britain Go to Jones, John Paul (1747–1792) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States In Brook Watson and the Shark John Singleton Copley creates the most intensely dramatic of his modern history paintings Go to Copley, John Singleton (1738?–1815) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting American painting American art North America United States The British rapidly abandon Philadelphia on news of the expected arrival of a French fleet Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America United States The British adopt a new policy in the south, landing in Georgia and capturing much of South Carolina Go to American Revolution in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions Latin America South America North America United States Francis Hopkinson's popular ballad The Battle of the Kegs describes an ingenious American threat to the British navy Go to Battle of the Kegs, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry War Wars and Revolutions North America United States 15-year-old Elisabeth-Louise Vigée-Lebrun earns enough from painting portraits to support the rest of her family Go to Vigée-Lebrun, Élisabeth (16 Apr. 1755) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting French painting French art Europe France
1779	British explorer Captain James Cook is killed in a skirmish with natives in Hawaii over a stolen boat Go to Cook, James (1728–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Europe Society Empires Joseph Banks tells a committee of the House of Commons that the east coast of Australia is suitable for the transportation of convicted felons Go to Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Migration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia Britain The world's first iron bridge is assembled in a few months across the Severn at Coalbrookdale Go to Coalbrookdale in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Samuel Crompton perfects the mule, a machine for spinning that combines the merits of Hargreave's jenny and Arkwright's water frame Go to Crompton, Samuel (1753–1827) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The 10-year-old Napoleon is admitted as a student in a military college at Brienne, near Troyes Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Europe France U.S.S. Bonhomme Richard, commanded by John Paul Jones, fights H.M.S. Serapis near England's Flamborough Head Go to Jones, John Paul (1747–1792) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States
1780	An Indian uprising in Spanish Peru is led by a descendant of the Incas, Tupac Amaru II Go to Inca noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Incas Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Latin America Peru South America In developing the Haskalah, the German philosopher Moses Mendelssohn reconciles Judaism and the Enlightenment Go to Mendelssohn, Moses (RaMbeMaN) (1729–86) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Judaism Germany Six days of riot in London are triggered by Lord George Gordon leading a march to oppose any degree of Catholic emancipation Go to Gordon, Lord George (1751–93) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The capture of British go-between John André yields proof that US general Benedict Arnold is in the pay of the British Go to Arnold, Benedict (1741–1801) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America United States British army officer John André is executed in New York as a spy Go to André, John in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Wars and Revolutions North America United States Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro is a master of colour woodcuts, often depicting the courtesan district of Edo Go to Utamaro, Kitagawa (1753–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Printing Arts Prints Asia East Asia Japan
1781	Maryland, ratifies the Articles of Confederation (the last state to do so), completing 'the Confederation of the United States' Go to Articles of Confederation (1781) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Politics War Wars and Revolutions North America United States William Herschel discovers Uranus, the first planet to be found by means of a telescope, and names it the Georgian star Go to Herschel, (Frederick) William (1738–1822) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Astronomy and space Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, now 25, leaves Salzburg to settle in Vienna Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria Joseph II passes an Edict of Toleration, for the first time allowing Protestant worship in Habsburg territories Go to Joseph II (1741–90) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Holy Roman empire Austrian empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity Austria Empires The Bank of North America is established by the Continental Congress to lend money to the fledgling Revolutionary government Go to Continental Congress (1774) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Commerce and industry War Society Wars and Revolutions North America United States US poet Philip Freneau describes in The British Prison Ship the horrors of his experiences as a prisoner Go to Freneau, Philip Morin (1752–1832) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry War Wars and Revolutions North America United States German philosopher Immanuel Kant publishes the first of his three 'critiques', The Critique of Pure Reason Go to Kant, Immanuel (1724–1804) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature German literature Philosophy Germany Ann Lee leads her Shaker colleagues in a missionary tour of New England lasting two years Go to Shakers in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion North America United States The reforming emperor Joseph II emancipates the serfs in the Habsburg territories Go to Joseph II (1741–90) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Austria Empires The British general Charles Cornwallis, isolated at Yorktown, is forced to surrender in the final engagement of the Revolutionary War Go to Cornwallis, Charles, 1st Marquis Cornwallis (1738–1805) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War War Battles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America United States
1782	Italian sculptor Antonio Canova sets up his studio in Rome and begins producing finely modelled nudes in the Greek style Go to Canova, Antonio (1757–1822) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Sculpture Italian art Rome Europe Italy Friedrich von Schiller's youthful and anarchic play The Robbers causes a sensation when performed in Mannheim Go to Schiller, Friedrich von in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama Germany The English actress Sarah Siddons, already well known in the province, causes a sensation when she appears in London at Drury Lane Go to Siddons, Sarah (1755–1831) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Performing arts Theatre Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain 12-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven publishes his first composition, Piano Variations on a March by Dressler Go to Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770–1827) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Germany French paper manufacturer Joseph Montgolfier sends a hot-air balloon 3000 feet (1000m) into the air, in front of a crowd in Annonay Go to Montgolfier, Michel Joseph de (1740–1810) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France
c. 1783	Some 40,000 Loyalists flee from British America to the previously French colonies, in particular Nova Scotia Go to New France in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution War British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions North America Canada United States US lexicographer Noah Webster publishes a Spelling Book for American children that eventually will sell more than 60 million copies Go to Webster, Noah (1758–1843) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States The empress Catherine the Great annexes the Crimean peninsula, giving Russia a presence in the Black Sea Go to Catherine II (1729–96) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Russia Empires 20-year-old John Jacob Astor emigrates from Germany to America and sets up in the fur trade Go to Astor, John Jacob (1763–1848) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Migration Germany Society North America United States Ten days after the first human ascent in a hot-air balloon the feat is repeated, again in Paris, in a version lifted by hydrogen Go to Montgolfier, Michel Joseph de (1740–1810) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France In the Treaty of Paris, negotiated by Adams, Franklin and Jay, the British government recognizes US independence Go to Paris, Treaty of (1783) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution American Revolutionary War Britain 1750-1900 Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British colonial America European empires from 1415 Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Britain North America United States Louis XVI watches through his telescope the first balloon flight with living passengers – a sheep, a cock and a duck Go to Louis XVI (1754–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France A hot-air balloon rises from a Paris garden, carrying the first human aeronauts – Pilàtre de Rozier and the marquis d'Arlandes Go to Montgolfier, Michel Joseph de (1740–1810) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France Jacques-Louis David, establishing a reputation with his severe classical paintings, is elected to the French academy Go to David, Jacques-Louis (30 Aug. 1748) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting French painting French art Europe France
1784	Benjamin Franklin, irritated at needing two pairs of spectacles, commissions from a lens-grinder the first bifocals Go to Franklin, Benjamin (1706–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Medicine Technology Inventions and discoveries North America United States A 24-year-old, William Pitt the Younger, is appointed Britain's prime minister by George III Go to Pitt, William (1759–1806) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain English ironmaster Henry Cort patents a process for puddling iron which produces a pure and malleable metal Go to Cort, Henry (1740–1800) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain The first mail coach leaves Bristol for London, introducing a new era of faster transport Go to Bristol in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1785	Mozart and his friends perform for Haydn the Mozart quartets inspired by Haydn's 'Russian' quartets (op.33), which on publication are dedicated to him Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria The French queen Marie Antoinette is wrongly implicated in a scandal involving a diamond necklace Go to Marie Antoinette (1755–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe France Wars and Revolutions French physicist Charles Augustin de Coulomb begins publishing his discoveries in the field of electricity and magnetism Go to Coulomb, Charles Augustin de (1736–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Physics Europe France James Hutton describes to the Royal Society of Edinburgh his studies of local rocks , launching the era of scientific geology Go to Hutton, James (1726–97) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain William Withering's Account of the Foxglove describes the use of digitalis for dropsy, and its possible application to heart disease Go to Withering, William (1741–99) in The Continuum Encyclopedia of British Philosophy (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Medicine Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Napoleon graduates from his military college and is commissioned in an artillery regiment Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: War Europe France French sculptor Jean Antoine Houdon crosses the Atlantic to sculpt a statue of George Washington from the life at Mount Vernon Go to Houdon, Jean-Antoine (25 Mar. 1741) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Sculpture American art French art US presidents Europe France Rulers and politicians North America United States
1786	Mozart's Marriage of Figaro premieres in Vienna and then has a huge success in Prague Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Performing arts Music Opera Austria Empires The emperor Joseph II is reported to have told Mozart that his opera The Marriage of Figaro has 'too many notes' Go to Joseph II (1741–90) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Performing arts Music Opera Austria Empires US author Philip Freneau publishes his first collection of poems, dating back to 1771 Go to Freneau, Philip Morin (1752–1832) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States Daniel Shays is the most prominent figure in a violent protest movement by farmers against the government of Massachusetts Go to Shays, Daniel in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion North America United States Francisco de Goya is appointed painter to the king of Spain, Charles III Go to Goya (1746–1828) [Art] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Europe Spain
1787	French chemist Antoine Laurent Lavoisier publishes a system for classifying and naming chemical substances Go to Lavoisier, Antoine Laurent (1743–1794) in A Dictionary of Chemistry (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Chemistry Europe France The Continental Congress passes the Northwest Ordinance, a plan for the establishment of new states north and west of the Ohio river Go to Northwest Ordinance in The Oxford Companion to the Supreme Court of the United States (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization North America United States The French finance minister, Charles Alexandre de Calonne, is dismissed when his proposed reforms meet aristocratic opposition Go to French Revolution (1789) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Europe France Wars and Revolutions The Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade is founded in London, with a strong Quaker influence Go to quakers in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Slavery Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain The First Fleet (eleven ships carrying about 750 convicts) leaves Portsmouth for Australia Go to First Fleet in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia Britain A British ship lands a party of freed slaves as the first modern settlers in Sierra Leone, on the west coast of Africa Go to Sierra Leone in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Migration Slavery European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires Scottish engineer James Watt devises the governor, the first example of industrial automation Go to Watt, James (1736–1819) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Technology Inventions and discoveries Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain Delegates meeting in Philadelphia agree a final draft for a US constitution, to be submitted to the states for ratification Go to Constitution of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States The Federalist Papers, in support of the Constitution and mainly written by Alexander Hamilton, begin appearing in New York Go to Hamilton, Alexander in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Wars and Revolutions North America United States Mozart's opera Don Giovanni has its premiere in Prague Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Opera Bohemia Czech Republic Germany
1788	After a journey of eight months from England the First Fleet reaches Australia, anchoring in Botany Bay Go to First Fleet in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Migration British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia Arthur Phillip, selecting a suitable coastal site for the first penal colony in Australia, names the place Sydney Cove Go to Sydney (Australia, Canada) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Empires Australia The constitution of the United States is ratified by the states, but it is immediately agreed that amendments will be desirable Go to Constitution of the United States in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States Tiradentes (the 'puller of teeth') leads the first rebellion against Portuguese rule in Brazil Go to Brazil (and USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion Portuguese empire Empires Latin America Brazil South America The ministers of Louis XVI reluctantly announce that the estates general will meet in 1789, for the first time since 1614 Go to estates general in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Democracy and dissent Europe France Wars and Revolutions Spain's affairs are controlled by Manuel de Godoy, lover of the queen, Maria Luisa Go to Spain in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Spain
1789	England's champion pugilist, the Jewish prize-fighter Daniel Mendoza, publishes The Art of Boxing Go to pugilist noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain George Washington, unanimously elected first president of the United States, is inaugurated on Wall Street in New York Go to Washington, George (1732–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: American Revolution Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars and Revolutions North America United States Alexander Hamilton becomes secretary of the treasury in the administration of George Washington, whose federalist views he shares Go to Hamilton, Alexander in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics North America United States A pamphlet published in France by Emmanuel Joseph Sieyès asks a challenging question, What is the Third Estate? Go to Siéyès, Emmanuel‐Joseph, abbé (1748–1836) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Europe France Wars and Revolutions William Blake publishes Songs of Innocence, a volume of his poems with every page etched and illustrated by himself Go to Blake, William (1757–1827) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain In his Principles Jeremy Bentham defines 'utility' as that which enhances pleasure and reduces pain Go to Bentham, Jeremy (1748–1832) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Philosophy Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain A left-wing political club begins to meet in a Jacobin convent in Paris, thus becoming known as the Jacobins Go to Jacobin Club in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Europe France Wars and Revolutions The autobiography of Olaudah Equiano, a slave captured as a child in Africa, becomes a best-seller on both sides of the Atlantic Go to Equiano, Olaudah [Gustavas Vassa] (1745?–1801?) in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature American literature Literature in English Migration Slavery Society North America United States Alexander Mackenzie explores by canoe from central Canada through the Great Slave Lake to the Arctic Ocean Go to Mackenzie, Sir Alexander (c. 1764–1820) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America Canada Delegates of the Third Estate swear an oath in a tennis court at Versailles, pledging themselves not to disperse until France has a constitution Go to Tennis Court Oath in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Europe France Wars and Revolutions The painter Jacques-Louis David sketches the events in the Versailles tennis court Go to David, Jacques-Louis (30 Aug. 1748) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting French painting French art Europe France An excited Paris mob liberates the seven prisoners held in the forbidding fortress of the Bastille Go to Bastille in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Europe France Wars and Revolutions US painter and author William Dunlap has great success with his comedy The Father; or, American Shandyism Go to Dunlap, William (19 Feb. 1766) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States Parisians force their way into the palace at Versailles and insist on Louis XVI and his royal family accompanying them back to Paris Go to Louis XVI (1754–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Europe France Wars and Revolutions French doctor Joseph-Ignace Guillotin proposes a decapitation machine as a more humane form of capital punishment Go to guillotine in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Europe France Wars and Revolutions Fletcher Christian leads a mutiny on HMS Bounty against the captain, William Bligh Go to Christian, Fletcher (c. 1764–c. 1793) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Francisco de Goya is appointed court painter to the new Spanish king, Charles IV Go to Goya (1746–1828) [Art] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Europe Spain
1790	Mozart's opera Così fan Tutte has its premiere in Vienna, in the court theatre of Joseph II Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Austrian empire Habsburgs Performing arts Music Opera Austria Empires A second great revivalist movement sweeps northeast America, inspired by the earlier example of Jonathan Edwards Go to Great Awakening, The in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity North America United States Joseph Haydn sets off for England, where impresario Johann Peter Salomon presents his London symphonies Go to Haydn, Joseph (1732–1809) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Austria Britain A second fleet arrives in Sydney, bringing more convicts and a regiment, the New South Wales Corps, to keep order Go to New South Wales Corps in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Migration British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia The Potomac is chosen as the navigable river on which the new US capital city will be sited Go to Potomac in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States The USA becomes the first nation to establish a regular census as a systematic check on the size of the population Go to census in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Social and domestic Society North America United States Anglo-Irish politician Edmund Burke publishes Reflections on the Revolution in France, a blistering attack on recent events across the Channel Go to Burke, Edmund (1729–97) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Literature French literature English literature Literature in English Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Ireland Wars and Revolutions Britain English painter J.M.W. Turner is only 15 when a painting of his, a watercolour, is first exhibited at the Royal Academy Go to Turner, Joseph Mallord William (1775–1851) in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1791	Under the guidance of Alexander Hamilton the First Bank of the United States is established in Philadelphia Go to Hamilton, Alexander in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry Society North America United States The Canadian Constitution Act divides Quebec into Upper Canada (today's Ontario) and Lower Canada (today's Quebec) Go to Constitutional Act (1791) in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics North America Canada Scottish poet Robert Burns publishes Tam o' Shanter, in which a drunken farmer has an alarming encounter with witches Go to ‘Tam o' Shanter’ in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain French inventor Claude Chappe develops a hilltop signalling system, for which he coins the words telegraph and semaphore Go to semaphore in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries Europe France A stranger arrives in Vienna with a mysterious commission for Mozart to write a requiem mass, just months before the composer's death Go to requiem in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria Louis XVI and his family attempt to flee from Paris to the border but are captured at Varennes Go to Louis XVI (1754–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe France Wars and Revolutions Stationed at Valence, Napoleon becomes president of the local Jacobin club and makes radical speeches against the nobility and clergy Go to Jacobin in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Europe France Wars and Revolutions An Indian raid on an American military camp beside the Maumee river leaves more than 600 US soldiers dead Go to Harmar's Defeat in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians North America United States The Ordnance Survey is founded in Britain, to make detailed maps of the country for military purposes Go to Ordnance Survey in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Naval officer George Vancouver sails from Britain on the voyage which will bring him to the northwest coast of America Go to Vancouver, George (1757–98) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Exploration Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires Britain North America Canada Mozart's opera The Magic Flute has its premiere in Vienna in a popular theatre run by the librettist, Emanuel Shikaneder Go to Zauberflöte, Die in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Opera Austria Wolfe Tone is one of the founders in Belfast of the Society of United Irishmen Go to United Irishmen, Society of in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Mozart dies, at the age of just 35, leaving his Requiem unfinished Go to requiem in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, are ratified by the states Go to Bill of Rights in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Thomas Paine publishes the first part of The Rights of Man, his reply to Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France Go to Rights of Man, The in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Literature French literature English literature Literature in English Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain
1792	The Swedish king Gustavus III is assassinated at a midnight masquerade in Stockholm – an event later dramatized by Verdi Go to Gustavus III in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe Sweden France declares war on the Austrian emperor, an event that plunges Europe into more than 20 years of conflict Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Austrian empire Habsburgs War Europe Austria France Empires Wars and Revolutions In a first demonstration of the guillotine, a highwayman is beheaded in a Paris square Go to guillotine in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Europe France Wars and Revolutions A French officer, Rouget de Lisle, writes a stirring anthem for France, soon to be known as the Marseillaise Go to Marseillaise, La in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Performing arts Music Europe France Wars and Revolutions Scottish painter Henry Raeburn depicts the Reverend Robert Walker skating on Duddingston Loch See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain George Washington is unanimously elected for a second term as president of the USA Go to Washington, George in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States The Brazilian rebel Tiradentes is beheaded in public in Rio de Janeiro as a warning to would-be revolutionaries Go to Brazil in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion Portuguese empire Empires Latin America Brazil South America Charlotte Square in Edinburgh begins to be built to the design of Robert Adam Go to Adam, Robert (1728–92) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain English author Mary Wollstonecraft publishes a passionately feminist work, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Thomas Paine moves hurriedly to France, to escape a charge of treason in England for opinions expressed in his Rights of Man Go to Rights of Man, The in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Britain 1750-1900 Literature French literature English literature Literature in English Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain A French revolutionary army defeats the Austrians and Prussians at Valmy, and thus saves Paris from attack Go to Valmy, Battle of (1792) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Battles Europe France Wars and Revolutions After their success at Valmy, French republican armies overrun much of the Austrian Netherlands Go to Valmy, Battle of (1792) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Battles Europe Belgium France Netherlands Wars and Revolutions During four September days, thugs are encouraged to massacre some 1400 aristocrats and priests held in Paris prisons Go to Septembermorde in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe France Wars and Revolutions Alexander Mackenzie reaches the Pacific coast of Canada, becoming the first known person to cross the north American continent See this event in other timelines: Exploration European empires from 1415 Europe Society Empires North America Canada The National Convention abolishes royalty in France and establishes the first republic See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Politics War Europe France Wars and Revolutions The first political parties, Hamilton's Federalists and Jefferson's Republicans, emerge in the USA Go to Democratic Republican Party in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States George III sends Lord Macartney on an embassy to the Chinese emperor Qianlong Go to Macartney's embassy in An Oxford Companion to the Romantic Age (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia China Europe Empires Britain Beethoven leaves Bonn and goes to Vienna to study composition with Haydn Go to Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770–1827) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria Germany
1793	Louis XVI is guillotined after a majority of just one in the national Convention has voted for death without delay Go to Louis XVI (1754–93) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe France Wars and Revolutions Britain joins other European nations in war against France, mainly in naval engagements in the West Indies and Atlantic Go to Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Britain 1750-1900 War Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Wars and Revolutions Britain Russia and Prussia agree on a second partition of Poland Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Germany Poland Russia Empires Eli Whitney invents the cotton gin, enormously speeding up the process of separating cotton fibres from the seeds Go to cotton gin in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Technology Inventions and discoveries North America United States Rebellion breaks out in the Vendée and a peasant army marches against republican Paris Go to Vendée revolt (1793–4) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Europe France Wars and Revolutions George Washington lays the cornerstone for the Congress building on Capitol Hill See this event in other timelines: Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States 25-year-old Charlotte Corday gains access to prominent republican Jean-Paul Marat and stabs him in his bath See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe France Wars and Revolutions France becomes the first nation to attempt national conscription, calling up bachelors between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five Go to levée en masse (23 August 1793) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Europe France Wars and Revolutions The US Congress passes Fugitive Slave Laws, enabling southern slave owners to reclaim escaped slaves in northern states Go to Fugitive Slave Acts in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Slavery Society North America United States Horatio Nelson, with his ship docked in Naples, meets Lady Hamilton, wife of the British envoy See this event in other timelines: Social and domestic Europe Italy Society The French Convention adopts imaginative names for the months in their new republican calendar See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Social and domestic Europe France Society Wars and Revolutions Toussaint L'Ouverture, a former slave, joins a Spanish force invading the French colony of Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture, Pierre Dominique (c. 1743–1803) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion French empire Empires Latin America Caribbean The Terror begins in republican France, with executions rising to more than 3000 in December Go to the Terror in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe France Wars and Revolutions English revolutionary Thomas Paine spends nearly a year in a French prison after opposing the execution of Louis XVI Go to Paine, Thomas (1737–1809) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Protest and rebellion Europe France Wars and Revolutions Napoleon's soldiers capture Toulon and his artillery fire forces the Anglo-Spanish fleet to withdraw from the harbour Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Battles Europe France Wars and Revolutions
1794	Robespierre and St Just succeed in sending Danton and his faction to the guillotine in April See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe France Wars and Revolutions French chemist Antoine-Laurent de Lavoisier is guillotined for having been involved with tax collection in the ancien régime Go to Lavoisier, Antoine‐Laurent de (1743–94) in The New Oxford Companion to Literature in French (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Persecution and repression Europe France Wars and Revolutions The treaty agreed by US envoy John Jay restores some degree of friendship between the USA and Britain Go to Jay's Treaty in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Politics Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain North America United States Goethe and Schiller become friends, and together create the movement known as Weimar classicism Go to Weimar classicism in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama Fiction Poetry Europe Germany In his Science of Knowledge Johann Gottlieb Fichte contrasts the I, or Ego, and its opposing non-I, or non-Ego See this event in other timelines: Literature German literature Philosophy Germany Robespierre and his faction go to the guillotine in July, in the final bloodletting of the Terror See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Politics Terrorism and assassination Europe France Wars and Revolutions George Washington uses military force to assert government authority on rebels in Pennsylvania refusing to pay a federal tax on whisky Go to Whiskey Rebellion in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Virtuoso violinist Nicolo Paganini gives his first public performances, in churches in his native Genoa See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Europe Italy William Blake's volume Songs of Innocence and Experience includes his poem 'Tyger! Tyger! burning bright' See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
c. 1795	Dutch Boers begin calling themselves Afrikaners, to emphasize that Africa is their native land Go to Afrikaner in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Social and domestic Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa Europe Society Empires Beethoven makes his first public appearance in Vienna as a pianist, playing either his first or second piano concerto See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria Mungo Park sets off on his first expedition to explore the Niger on behalf of the African Association Go to Park, Mungo (1771–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Germany Society Empires Two extra stars are added to the American flag for Vermont and Kentucky, two new states that have joined since the original union of thirteen Go to United States of America in World Flags (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics North America United States The Netherlands, forced by invasion into the French camp, is transformed into the Batavian republic Go to Batavian Republic in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Politics War Europe Netherlands Wars and Revolutions Indian tribes, at peace talks in Fort Greenville, cede much of Ohio to the USA Go to Greenville, Treaty of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics American Indians North America United States Thomas Paine publishes his completed Age of Reason, an attack on conventional Christianity Go to Age of Reason, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Religion Christianity Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain After the Fort Greenville concessions, the Shawnee leader Tecumseh emerges as a champion of Indian territorial rights Go to Tecumseh (c. 1768–1813) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion American Indians North America United States A secret Protestant group, the Orange Society, is formed in Co. Armagh to resist Irish nationalism Go to Orange order in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Ireland Britain The 26-year-old Napoleon Bonaparte comes to public attention for his part in saving the Convention in Paris from an assault by rebels Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Politics Protest and rebellion War Europe France Wars and Revolutions With the Dutch entering the war on the side of the French, Britain seizes their valuable Cape colony in South Africa Go to Cape Colony in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Dutch empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Europe Empires Wars and Revolutions Poland's neighbours – Russia, Prussia and Austria – are all on hand for the final partition of the kingdom Go to Poland (and Kiritmati, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Poland A treaty negotiated by US minister Thomas Pinckney provides a temporary resolution of disputes between Spain and the USA Go to Pinckney's Treaty (1795) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe Spain North America United States
1796	Napoleon marries Josephine de Beauharnais, widow of Alexandre de Beauharnais, guillotined in 1794 Go to Joséphine (1763–1814) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Europe France Wars and Revolutions After two rapid victories in north Italy, Napoleon marches on Turin and the king of Sardinia asks for an armistice Go to Napoleonic Wars in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Italy Wars and Revolutions In Berkeley, Gloucestershire, Edward Jenner inoculates a boy with cowpox in the pioneering case of vaccination Go to Jenner, Edward (1749–1823) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Medicine Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain In the armistice of Cherasco the king of Sardinia cedes to France his territories of Savoy and Nice Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars War Italy Wars and Revolutions Napoleon Bonaparte takes command of the French army of Italy, with astonishingly successful results Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Europe Italy Wars and Revolutions French astronomer Pierre-Simon Laplace publishes his nebular hypothesis, arguing that the planets formed from a mass of incandescent gas Go to Laplace, Pierre Simon, Marquis de (1749–1827) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Astronomy and space Europe France US author Joel Barlow publishes his mock-heroic poem The Hasty Pudding, inspired by a dish eaten in 1793 in France Go to Hasty Pudding, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States George Washington selects the Cherokee Indians for an experiment in adaptation to 'civilization' Go to Cherokee in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization American Indians US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States George Washington, resisting pressure for him to accept a third presidential term, delivers a farewell address to guide the nation's future Go to Washington's Farewell Address in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Napoleon creates in northern Italy the Cisalpine Republic, formed from occupied territores including the papal states of Bologna and Ferrara Go to Repubblica Cisalpina in The Oxford Companion to Italian Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Papacy War Italy Wars and Revolutions The election in the USA brings in a Federalist president (John Adams) and a Republican vice-president (Thomas Jefferson) Go to Adams, John (1735–1826) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Irish nationalist Wolfe Tone sails from France to invade Ireland with a force of 14,000 French soldiers Go to Tone, Wolfe (1763–98) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Politics Protest and rebellion War British Isles Europe Ireland Wars and Revolutions Britain German physician Samuel Hahnemann coins the term 'homeopathy' and describes this new approach to medicine Go to Hahnemann, Samuel (1755–1843) in A Dictionary of Dentistry (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Science Medicine Germany
1797	Napoleon marches against Vienna and is only two days from the city when the emperor requests an armistice Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Austria Wars and Revolutions In Venice Napoleon deposes the last of the doges and sets up a provisional democracy Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars War Venice Italy Wars and Revolutions Pope Pius VI is seized by a French army in Rome and is taken off to captivity in France Go to Pius VI (1717–99) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe France Italy On 18 Fructidor (September 4) Napoleon organizes, from a distance, a coup d'étât in Paris on behalf of three of the Directors Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution Napoleonic era Europe France Wars and Revolutions Samuel Taylor Coleridge says that while writing Kubla Khan he is interrupted by 'a person on business from Porlock' Go to ‘Kubla Khan: a Vision in a Dream’ in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Napoleon achieves the peace of Campo Formio, by which Austria cedes the Austrian Netherlands and northern Italy to France Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Austrian empire Habsburgs Napoleonic era Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Austria Empires Wars and Revolutions By the Treaty of Campo Formio the free republic of Venice, created by Napoleon, is handed over to Austrian rule Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Austrian empire Habsburgs Napoleonic era Politics Conquest and colonization War Venice Europe Austria Italy Empires Wars and Revolutions
1798	After four years in Copenhagen, German artist Caspar David Friedrich makes his life-long home in Dresden Go to Friedrich, Caspar David (1774–1840) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Arts Painting Germany Napoleon, with distinguished scientists in his fleet, sails to invade Egypt Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Politics Conquest and colonization War Africa North Africa Europe Wars and Revolutions British explorer George Bass sails round Tasmania in an open whaleboat, discovering the strait which now bears his name Go to Bass Strait in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Exploration British empire European empires from 1415 Australia and Oceania Europe Society Empires Australia Austrian author Alois Senefelder, experimenting with grease and water on stone, discovers the principles of lithography Go to lithography in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Printing Arts Prints Austria Napoleon's campaign in Egypt begins well with the Battle of the Pyramids, a victory over an Egyptian army Go to Pyramids, Battle of the (21 July 1798) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic era War Battles Africa North Africa Egypt Wars and Revolutions The US public is outraged by news of the XYZ Affair, in which the French ask for bribes before being willing to negotiate a treaty Go to XYZ Affair in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Europe France North America United States Irish nationalist Wolfe Tone, convicted of treason for his failed invasion, cuts his throat to cheat the British gallows Go to Tone, Wolfe (1763–98) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Politics Protest and rebellion War British Isles Europe Ireland Wars and Revolutions Britain US author Charles Brockden Brown publishes Wieland, the first of four novels setting Gothic romance in an American context Go to Brown, Charles Brockden (1771–1810) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The British acquire a foothold in the Persian Gulf by making Oman a protectorate Go to Oman in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Asia West Asia Europe Empires Disaster strikes the French in Egypt when Nelson finds their fleet in Aboukir Bay and destroys it in the Battle of the Nile Go to Nile, battle of the (1798) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars War Battles Africa North Africa Egypt Wars and Revolutions Controversial Alien and Sedition Acts are passed by the US Congress as emergency measures in response to the perceived threat of war with France Go to Alien and Sedition Acts in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: North America United States English poets Wordsworth and Coleridge jointly publish Lyrical Ballads, a milestone in the Romantic movement Go to Lyrical Ballads, with a Few Other Poems in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' is published in Lyrical Ballads Go to Ancient Mariner, The Rime of the in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1799	Napoleon's soldiers discover a black basalt slab, the Rosetta Stone, near the village of Rashid in Egypt Go to Rosetta stone in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic era Science Africa North Africa Egypt Napoleon leads a costly, unsuccessful and plague-ridden expedition against the Turkish garrisons in Syria Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic era War Turks Lebanon and Syria The tsar, Paul I, establishes the Russian-American Company with the express purpose of developing Alaska Go to Russian American Company in The Oxford Companion to World Exploration (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Commerce and industry Europe Russia Society North America United States Haydn's oratorio The Creation has its first public performance in Vienna, in the Burgtheater Go to Creation, The in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Performing arts Music Austria Napoleon, in Syria, orders 3000 captured defenders of Jaffa to be killed by bayonet or drowning to save ammunition Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic era War Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Wars and Revolutions In a famous moment of calculated courage Napoleon visits and touches the sick in a plague hospital in Jaffa Go to French Revolutionary Wars (1792–1802) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic era Social and domestic Palestine and Israel Society A Sikh maharajah, Ranjit Singh, captures Lahore and makes it his capital in his campaign to unify the Punjab Go to Ranjit Singh in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) English surveyor William Smith compiles a manuscript, Order of the Strata, revealing chronology through fossils in rocks Go to Smith, William in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Science Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain British prime minister William Pitt introduces income tax at 10% to pay for the war against France Go to income tax in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Society Britain The British parliament passes a Combination Act, classing any association of labourers as a criminal conspiracy Go to Combination Acts in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Britain 1750-1900 Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain A Portuguese prince regent, the future John VI, rules on behalf of his deranged mother, Queen Maria Go to John VI (1767–1826) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Portugal Tipu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, is killed fighting the British at Seringapatam Go to Tipu Sultan (c. 1753–99) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Politics Conquest and colonization War British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Empires Napoleon abandons his army in Egypt and returns hastily to Paris at a time of great political opportunity Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic era Politics Dynasties and royalty War Africa North Africa Egypt Europe France Wars and Revolutions Napoleon contrives a military coup that ends the Directory and gives him sweeping powers as First Consul Go to Napoleon I (1769–1821) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolution French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars Napoleonic era Politics Dynasties and royalty War Europe France Wars and Revolutions
1800	Napoleon appoints a commission to prepare a code of civil law, which becomes known as the Code Napoléon Go to Code Napoléon in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Europe France Italian physicist Alessandro Volta describes to the Royal Society in London how his 'pile' of discs can produce electric current Go to Volta, Alessandro in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Physics Europe Italy Toussaint L'Ouverture emerges as the leader of Saint-Domingue, ruling without French colonial control Go to Toussaint L'Ouverture in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 French empire Europe Empires Latin America Caribbean The Library of Congress, the US national library in all but name, is founded in Washington Go to Library of Congress in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States US president John Adams moves into the newly completed White House, named for its light grey limestone Go to White House in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Architecture American architecture US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Welsh industrialist Robert Owen takes charge of a mill at New Lanark and develops it as an experiment in paternalistic socialism Go to Owen, Robert in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Communism Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 Wales British Isles Europe Society Britain Beethoven seeks medical advice for a very alarming condition, an increasing deafness Go to Beethoven, Ludwig van in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Austria Napoleon takes a French army through the Alps before the snows have cleared, and defeats the Austrians at Marengo Go to Marengo, Battle of in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: French Revolutionary Wars Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era War Battles Europe France Italy Wars and Revolutions Republican Thomas Jefferson and Federalist Aaron Burr have an identical number of Electoral College votes in the US presidential election Go to Burr, Aaron (1756–1836) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Democracy and dissent US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Nelson and the Hamiltons visit Haydn, who composes a cantata on the Battle of the Nile for Emma Hamilton to sing Go to Hamilton, Emma (1765–1815) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Social and domestic Austria Society

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date: 21 March 2023

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