1731 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentWork is begun on building No. 10 Downing Street as the residence of British prime ministers. | ScienceMark Catesby (1683-1749), English naturalist, publishes "The National History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands," with 100 engravings of American birds.InventionsEnglish mathematician John Hadley (1682-1744) invents a quadrant for use at sea. | EducationLibraries: Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) founds a circulating library in Philadelphia, the Library Company of Philadelphia.EducationWelsh educator Bridget Vaughan (1698-1779) founds several schools in Wales. EducationEducation of Women: Laura Bassi (1711-1778) receives a doctorate in Italy and teaches anatomy and experimental physics.Arts and LettersDrama: George Lillo's (1693-1749) "The London Merchant" is the first serious play with a lower-class hero. | Washington, MarthaMartha Dandridge (1731-1802), future wife of the first President of the United States, George Washington (1732-1799) is born on June 2 at Chestnut Grove plantation on the Panumkey River in New Kent County,near Williamsburg, VA. | Daily LifeDr. John Arbuthnot advocates dieting. Daily LifeWork is begun on building Independence Hall in Philadelphia. | Popular CulturePublic concerts are held in Boston and Charleston, S.C. | ReligionAnti-Semitism: All Hebrew books in the Papal State are confiscated.ReformLabor Movement: English factory workers are forbidden to emigrate to America. |
1732 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresidents: George Washington (1732-1799), first President of the United States, is born on February 22 in Virginia.GovernmentJames Oglethorpe (1696-1785) receives a charter to found a colony in Georgia. | | EducationHigher Education: A department of mathematics and natural philosophy (science) is established at Harvard by Issac Greenwood (1702-1745). EducationLibraries: Louis Timothee is hired by Ben Franklin’s Library Company of Philadelphia as the first professional librarian in the United States.EducationEducation of Women: Mme. de Lambert (1647-1733) recommends a university education for women. Arts and LettersMusic: Covent Garden Opera House is opened in London. | | EconomicsTransportation: The first stagecoach line, between Burlington and Amboy, NJ, is established. | Sports The game of ninepins (bowling) is played for the first time in New York City.Popular CultureA theatrical company from London performs for the first time in New York City. Popular CultureBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) begins publishing "Poor Richard’s Almanack" (for the year 1733. | ReligionAnti-Semitism: Anti-Jewish laws in Rome are renewed by Pope Clement XII.ReligionThe first mass in the only Catholic church in the colonies is celebrated in Philadelphia. |
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1733 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawLatin is abolished in the English courts.GovernmentEngland passes the Molasses Act, which places heavy taxes on molasses, rum and sugar imported to the colonies.GovernmentJames Oglethorpe (1696-1785) founds the last of the 13 colonies, named Georgia in honor of King George II; he also founds the city of Savannah. | MedicineEpidemic: The first serious outbreak of influenza sweeps through New York City and Philadelphia; about three-fourths of the population is affected.InventionsJohn Kay (1704-c.1764) patents a flying shuttle loom. InventionsChester Moor Hall (1703-1771) invents the achromatic lens refracting telescope. | EducationCharter schools for Protestants only are founded in Ireland. Arts and LettersEssay: Alexander Pope (1688-1744) writes his "Essay on Man," including the words, “Hope springs eternal in the human breast.” IdeasFrancois Marie Arouet de Voltaire’s (1694-1778) "Letters Concerning the English Nation" is written, helping to define the liberal spirit of the Enlightenment. | | Daily LifeThe Society of Freemasons establishes its first American lodge in Boston.Daily LifeThe first polar bear is exhibited in America, in Boston.Daily LifeNewspapers: The New York "Weekly Journal" is published by John Peter Zenger (1697-1746), opposing policies of the colonial government. | | ReligionThe Corporation for the Propagation of the Gospel in New England is founded.ReligionFirst Great Awakening: Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) preaches on “The Great Awakening” in New England—a religious revival that emphasizes man’s sinful nature. |
1734 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
| ScienceThe role of pollen and various plant organs in the sexual reproduction of corn is described by James Logan (1654-1751), secretary to William Penn (1644-1718). | EducationChristian von Wolff advances the idea that the human mind is composed of powers or faculties. Called 'Faculty Psychology', the idea greatly influences American education through the 19th century and accounts for the shared experience of tedious drill and repetition of basic skills.Arts and LettersCharles de Secondat, Baron of Montesquieu (1689-1755) publishes "Considerations on the Causes of the Greatness of the Romans and Their Decline."IdeasVoltaire’s (1694-1778) "Lettres philosophiques" attack established religion and argue for religious tolerance; a warrant is issued for his arrest. | | Daily LifeNewspapers: In November, New York newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger (1697-1746) is arrested and accused of seditious libel by the Governor. | Sports Horse Racing: The first horse race in America is held in Charleston Neck, SC. | ReligionGeorge Sale (1697-1736) translates the Koran into English. Religion8,000 Protestants from Saltzburg settle in Georgia. |
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1735 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresidents: John Adams (1735-1826), 2nd President of the U.S., is born on October 30, in Massachusetts. | ScienceCarolus Linnaeus (1707-1778), Swedish botanist, devises a classification method for plants and animals. InventionsGeorge Hadley (1685-1768), English meteorologist, invents the Hadley Cell, a model of the Earth’s wind circulation. | Arts and LettersOpera: The first opera performed in the colonies, “Flora,” opens in Charleston, South Carolina. | | Daily LifeNewspapers: The “Evening Post” begins publishing in Boston. Daily LifeWomen’s status in the colonies changes due to increasing wealth. Newspapers tell of runaway wives and elopements.Daily LifeNewspapers: John Peter Zenger (1697-1746), printer and publisher of the "New York Weekly Journal," is acquitted of seditious libel in a landmark trial for freedom of the press. | | ReligionJohn Wesley (1702-1791) writes his “Journals.”ReligionThe first Moravian (United Brethern) community is established at Savannah, Ga.ReformTemperance Movement:
The sale of spirits (liquor) is prohibited in Georgia (until 1742). |
1736 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentEnglish statutes against witchcraft are repealed. | ScienceAnders Celsius (1701-1744) shows that the Earth’s poles are somewhat flat.MedicineThe first accurate and detailed description of scarlet fever is given.MedicineClaudius Aymand (1660-1740) performs the first successful operation for appendicitis. | Arts and LettersCharles Theodore Pachelbel (1690-1750) gives organ concerts in New York City, brings the Bach tradition to the New World. | | EconomicsFrench engraver and type founder Pierre-Simon Fournier (1712-1768) sets up a foundry in Paris. EconomicsTransportation: Regular stagecoach line service begins between Boston and Newport, RI. | | ReligionPope Clement XII (1652-1740) condemns Freemasonry.ReligionThe first Protestant missions are established at the Cape Colony in South Africa.Social IssuesPoverty:
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (1660-1744) builds the Marlborough Almshouses.
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1737 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentWilliam Byrd (1674-1744) founds the city of Richmond, VA. | InventionsJohn Harrison (1693-1776) invents the first stable nautical chronometer, thereby allowing for precise longitude determination while at sea. | Arts and LettersLexicographer Samuel Johnson (1709-1784) arrives in London. | | EconomicsAmerican Money: Copper money is first coined in Connecticut; the coins are stamped “I am good copper,” and “Value me as you will.” | | ReligionJohn Wesley’s (1702-1791) "Psalms and Hymns" is published in Charleston. |
1738 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
| ScienceMaria Agnesi (1718-1799), publishes essays on science and philosophy.ScienceJoseph Breintnall, a member of Franklin's Library Company, describes the aurora borealis.ScienceDaniel Bernoulli (1700-1782) examines fluid flow in "Hydrodynamica."MedicineJohn Lining (1708-1760) records daily weather observations and theorizes that weather affects—and may cause—certain diseases.MedicineEpidemic: A smallpox epdemic begins in South Carolina.InventionsThe bottle opener is invented. | Arts and LettersJohann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) writes the "B minor Mass."IdeasVoltaire (1694-1778) brings the ideas of Isaac Newton (1642-1727) to France. | | EconomicsThe first successful glass factory is founded in Salem county, New Jersey.EconomicsU.S. Population: Population in the colonies is estimated at 800,000.Daily LifeThe first cuckoo clocks appear in the Black Forest.Daily LifeNewspapers: Elizabeth Timothy (?-1757) begins publishing the weekly newspaper, the "South Carolina Gazette."Daily LifeUmbrellas come into use, despite much religious opposition, especially among Quakers. Daily LifeDancing: Strict codes of behavior in New England begin to relax somewhat; the teaching of French dancing is allowed. | | ReligionThe Great Awakening: John Wesley (1702-1791) and George Whitefield (1713-1779) immigrate to Georgia as leaders of the “Great Awakening.”ReligionSelina Hastings, (1707-1791), founds many chapels and begins a training college for Methodist ministers at Trefecca House.ReligionIn French Canada, Marguerite D’Youville (1701-1771) founds the Soeurs Grises (Gray Nuns), an order of uncloistered nurses who visited and cared for the sick in their homes; she also founded La Creche d’Youville, a home for abandoned children. |
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1739 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarWar of Jenkins' Ear:
England declares war on Spain; border skirmishes erupt between colonists in South Carolina and Georgia and the Spanish in Florida. | MedicineA Foundling Hospital is established in London.MedicineEpidemic: A measles epidemic breakes out in Boston. | IdeasDavid Hume (1711-1776) writes “A Treatise on Human Nature.” | | EconomicsJosiah Wedgewood (1730-1795) begins working in the family business in England.DiscoveryJean-Baptiste Lozier Bouvet (1705-1786) discovers Bouvet Island, near Antarctica.Daily LifeThe first camellias arrive in Europe from Far East. | Popular CultureAmerican music is influenced by the appearance of the American edition of Watts’ "Hymns and Spiritual Songs." | ReligionThe Moravian Church is founded in America by Bishop A. G. Spengenberg (1704-1792).ReligionMoravians introduce Saint Nicholas as a central feature of Christmas celebrations.Social IssuesSlavery:
Violent uprisings by black slaves occur on three separate occasions in South Carolina.
ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: "Women Not Inferior to Men" is published anonymously in England, probably written by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762). |
1740 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentFrederick the Great (1712-1786) introduces freedom of the press and freedom of worship in Prussia. | ScienceJohn Winthrop (1714-1779) observes and describes a transit of Mercury and a lunar eclipse. ScienceAnders Celsius (1701-1744) builds the Uppsala observatory in Sweden. TechnologyJacques de Vaucanson (1709-1782) demonstrates his clockwork powered carriage.TechnologyEnglish inventor Benjamin Huntsman (1704-1776) improves “crucible” process for smelting steel. | EducationAfrican American Education: Hugh Bryan, wealthy Presbyterian, opens a school for African Americans in Charleston, SC.Arts and LettersGeorg Frederic Handel’s (1685-1759) "Water Music" is published. Arts and LettersLiterature: Samuel Richardson (1689-1761) publishes "Pamela," considered the first English novel. | | DiscoveryGeorge Anson (1697-1762) sets out on a voyage around the world. Daily LifeDisasters: A great fire destroys half of Charleston, SC. | | ReligionThe Great Awakening: Large numbers of women join churches during the Great Awakening of the 1740s. Some have called this the “feminization of the church.” ReligionThe Great Awakening: Open-air preaching, the charismatic phenomena, and the involvement of the poor all gain more public attention for this movement. Support comes from most American Protestant denominations, but not from Anglicans. Social IssuesSlavery: Fifty black slaves are hanged in Charleston, SC, after plans for a revolt are found.Social IssuesSlavery: Slaves are prohibited from using drums because they are a means of communication. |
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1741 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
| ScienceAstronomer Elizabeth Pinckney (1722-1793) sights a comet whose appearance was predicted by Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727). | Arts and LettersGeorge Frederic Handel (1685-1759) writes "The Messiah" in 18 days. Arts and LettersDrama: English actor David Garrick (1717-1779) makes his first appearance as Richard III in London. IdeasEssay: David Hume (1711-1776) publishes his "Essays: Moral and Political." | | DiscoveryOn the last of a series of expeditions, Danish Captain Vitus Bering (1681-1741) discovers Alaska. Daily LifeMagazines: One of the first magazines in the colonies, Benjamin Franklin’s "The General Magazine and Historical Chronicle for All the British Plantations in America," goes on sale; it lasts for six months. | | ReligionThe Great Awakening: Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) delivers the sermon “Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God” at Enfield, MA. Social IssuesSlavery: A second slave uprising takes place in New York; 26 slaves are killed and 71 deported.ReformTemperance Movement: Drunkenness is so prevalent that each colony has laws to control drinking. Boston posts the names of drunkards.ReformLabor Movement: The first labor strike occurs in New York City when bakers protest the regulation of the price of bread. |
1742 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
| ScienceJohn Winthrop (1714-1779) begins 21 years of recording weather observations three times a day.ScienceSwiss mathematician Daniel Bernoulli (1667-1748) publishes work on integral calculus.InventionsSwiss astronomer Anders Celsius (1701-1744) invents the centigrade thermometer. | EducationEducation of Women: Moravians (Church of the United Bretheran) found a school in Germantown, Pa. (later Bethlehem); this will grow into the Moravian Seminary for Young Females (from 1805, the Young Ladies Seminary), one of the earliest American girls’ boarding schools. Arts and LettersGeorg Frederic Handel’s (1685-1759) "The Messiah" is performed in Bethlehem, PA. Arts and LettersArchitecture: Artist John Smibert (1688-1751) draws plans for Boston’s Faneuil Hall. | | EconomicsThe fishing industry grows in New England; there are nearly 1,000 fishing boats. Daily LifeAn edition of "The Complete Housewife," an English cookbook by Eliza Smith, appears in Williamsburg. VA. | | ReligionJohn Wesley (1703-1791) publishes his first collection of hymns, encouraging congregational singing. |
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1743 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresidents: Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), 3rd U.S. President, is born in Virginia.GovernmentDemocracy: The first American town meeting is held in Boston’s Faneuil Hall. | ScienceBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) establishes the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia to promote colonial science. | IdeasIn part, through the American Philosophical Society, ideas of the European Enlightenment come to America. These emphasize seculalrism, science, and human reason and clash with the religious dogma of the day, but greatly influence the thinking of prominent colonists, including Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. | | EconomicsFrench trappers reach Santa Fe and begin limited trade with the Spanish.EconomicsThe first settlement is made in South Dakota.EconomicsHandkerchiefs are first manufactured in Paisley, Scotland.DiscoveryFrench explorers reach the Rocky Mountains. | Sports Boxing: The earliest recorded rules for boxing (or prize fighting) are formulated. | Religion“The Christian History,” the first religious journal in the colonies, is published in Boston.Social IssuesImmigration: A “pesthouse” is established in Philadelphia to quarantine immigrants. |
1744 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentNative Americans: The Iroquois Confederation cedes the Ohio Valley territory north of the Ohio River to England. | InventionsBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) invents the Pennsylvania Fireplace (or Franklin Stove) which provides much more heat on much less fuel than regular fireplaces. | Arts and LettersBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) edits Cato’s "Cato Major" in Philadelphia. Arts and LettersJohann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) completes Part 2 of "The Well-Tempered Clavier." | Adams, AbigailAbigail Smith (1744-1818), future wife of President John Adams, is born on November 11, in Weymouth, MA. | EconomicsElizabeth (Eliza) Pinckney (1722-1793) develops indigo as a commercial crop in the Carolinas. EconomicsRubber is first used in Europe about this time. DiscoveryGeorge Anson (1697-1762) returns from trip around the world. | Sports Cricket: The first recorded cricket match is held in England.Popular Culture“God Save the Queen” is published in Thesaurus Musicus. | |
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1745 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
| ScienceWomen''s Firsts: Higher Education: Laura Bassi (1711-1778) lectures on physics at the University of Bologna, becoming the first woman physics professor at any university. MedicineThomas Cadwalader (1708-1779) publishes America’s first medical pamphlet describing the treatment of lead poisoning caused by drinking rum distilled in lead pipes. InventionsEwald Georg von Kleist (1700-1748), invents the capacitor. | EducationHigher Education: Yale College, Connecticut, receives a new royal charter. IdeasThe writings of Charles de Secondat (1689-1755), Baron of Montesquieu appear in American periodicals, influencing the formation of the Constitution. | | Daily Life“The Campbells Are Coming,” Scottish national song, is published. Daily LifeThe first meeting of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows takes place in England.Daily LifeDancing: The quadrille becomes a fashionable dance in France. | Popular CultureMen and women make Whist a popular card game. | ReligionJudaism: Jews are expelled from Prague.ReligionThe first carillon in America is installed in the belfry of Christ Church, Boston. |
1746 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarCharles Edward Stuart (1720-1788), the “Young Pretender” of Scotland, wins a victory at Falkirk, but is defeated finally at Colloden; with the help of Flora MacDonald he escapes to France. | ScienceBenjamin Franklin (1705-1790) explains weather patterns, pressure systems, and water spouts. He begins his experiments with electricity. | EducationHigher Education: The College of New Jersey is founded; it becomes Princeton University in 1896. Arts and LettersSamuel Johnson (1709-1784) contracts for "A Dictionary of the English Language." IdeasDenis Diderot (1713-1784) publishes "Pensées philosophiques." | | Daily LifeWearing of the tartan is prohibited in Great Britain until 1782. | Popular CultureLucy Terry's (c. 1730-1821) "Bars Fight" is published; it is the earliest existing poem by an African-American. | ReligionFirst Great Awakening: The establishment of the College of New Jersey (later, Princeton University) owes something to graduates of the Log College, founded in 1726 to train evangelical ministers during the First Great Awakening. |
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1747 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe first legal society, the New York Bar Association, is founded in New York City. | ScienceGerman chemist A. S. Marggraf (1709-1782) discovers sugar in beetroot. ScienceMark Catesby (1683-1749) publishes "On Migration," writing about migrating birds; he is later called the “Father of American Ornithography.” MedicineJames Lind (1716 – 1794) discovers that citrus fruits prevent scurvy. MedicineEpidemic: A measles epidemic sweeps through Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina. | Arts and LettersPoetry: English poet Thomas Gray (1716-1771) publishes "Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College," containing the lines, “Where ignorance is bliss,/’Tis folly to be wise.” Arts and LettersSamuel Johnson (1709-1784) publishes “A Plan of a Dictionary of the English Language.” Arts and LettersWilliam Stith (1689-1755) publishes "The History of the First Discovery and Settlement of Virginia," one of the most accurate accounts of a colonial settlement, covering the years to 1624. | | EconomicsThe Ohio Company is formed to extend colonial settlements of Virginia westward; rivalry for the West, especially for the upper Ohio Valley, increases between France and Great Britain. | Popular CultureThe Drury Lane Theatre begins to flourish under David Garrick (1717-1779). | |
1748 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentHalifax, Nova Scotia, is founded by the British. | ScienceJohn Mitchell (1690-1768) is the first to accurately describe the lifestyle and pouch of the opossum. ScienceSwiss mathematician Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) relates the functions of unknown quantities in equations.ScienceMaria Agnesi (1718-1799) discusses analysis in "Instituzioni Analitiche ad Uso della Gioventu Italiana." MedicineEnglish physician John Fothergill (1712-1780) describes diphtheria. | EducationLibraries: A circulating library opens in Charleston, SC. IdeasCharles de Secondat, Baron of Montesquieu (1689-1755), publishes his "Spirit of Laws."IdeasDavid Hume (1711-1776) publishes "An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding." | Jefferson, MarthaMartha Wayles (1748-1782), future wife of President Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), is born on October 30 in Charles City County, Virginia. | EconomicsPlatinum arrives in Europe from South America. EconomicsThe Dutch begin to trade on Africa’s east coast. DiscoveryExcavation begins at Pompeii. | Sports Cricket: Court of King’s Bench rules that “cricket is a legal sport.” | |
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1749 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentGeorgia becomes a Crown Colony. | InventionsBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) invents the lightning rod, installing one on his Philadelphia house. | EducationSpecial Education: Giacobbo Rodriguez Pereira (1715-1780) invents sign language for deaf-mutes. EducationChildren''s Books: Sarah Fielding (1710-1768), sister of Henry Fielding (1707-1754), publishes "The Governess," the first English novel written expressly for children. EducationHigher Education: The Philadelphia Academy is founded; it becomes the University of Pennsylvania in 1791.Arts and LettersLiterature: Henry Fielding (1707-1754) writes "A History of Tom Jones, a Foundling." IdeasEducation of Women: Dorothea Erxleben (1715-1762) publishes "Rational Thoughts on Education of the Fair Sex," advocating university study for women. | | EconomicsThe Ohio Company makes its first settlement around the forks of the Ohio River. | | Social IssuesSlavery: Black slavery is legalized in Georgia. |
1750 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe British Parliament passes The Iron Act, limiting the growth of the iron industry in the American Colonies | ScienceHigher Education: Maria Agnesi (1718-1799) is named honorary professor of mathematics at the University of BolognaScienceNicolas-Louis de Lacaille (1713-1762), French astronomer, plots 10,000 Southern Hemisphere stars. ScienceThomas Wright (1711-1786) discusses galaxies and the shape of the Milky Way in "An Original Theory or New Hypothesis of the Universe." | EducationEducation of Women: The word "bluestocking," is used as a put-down for learned womenArts and LettersPoetry: Thomas Gray (1716-1771) writes "Elegy Written in a Country Church Yard."Arts and LettersNeoclassicism as a reaction against baroque and rococo styles spreads over Europe. IdeasJean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) attacks science and art as tools of the rich in "Discours sur les sciences et les arts." IdeasDavid Hume (1711-1776) publishes "Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals." | Washington, MarthaMartha Dandridge (1731-1802) marries Daniel Parke Custis (1711-1757). They moves to his plantation, called White House, 33 miles from Williamsburg. | EconomicsThe first American coal mine opens on the James River in Virginia. EconomicsMovable type for printing music comes into use.EconomicsThe population of Europe is approximately 140 million. EconomicsU. S. Population: Over a million people live in colonial America. Daily LifeTransportation: The river flatboat and the Conestoga wagon first appear in Pennsylvania. | Sports Cricket: The Humbledon Cricket Club is founded in England. Sports Horse Racing: The English Jockey Club is founded in London to promote the sport of horse racing.Popular CultureAmerican Theatre: The first playhouse opens in New York City. | ReligionThe Great Awakening: The first Great Awakening ends when Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) is forced to resign from his church in Northampton, MA because of his emphasis on the sinful nature of man.ReformAmerican Protest Music: “Yankee Doodle” is written during the American Revolution by Dr. Richard Schuckburg. |
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1751 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentBritain passes the British Calendar Act, which places England and its colonies on the Gregorian Calendar beginning in 1752.GovernmentPresidents: James Madison (1751-1836), fourth President of the U.S., is born in Port Conway, Virginia. | ScienceBenjamin Franklin (1706-1791) publishes "Experiments and Observations on Electricity," using the terms positive and negative for the first time. | EducationHigher Education: Calculus is introduced into the Harvard curriculum by John Winthrop, Jr. EducationBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) helps found the first “English Academy” in Philadelphia. | Washington, MarthaDaniel Parke Custis, Jr. (1751-1754), first son of Martha and Daniel Parke Custis, is born. | EconomicsThe Ohio Company actively colonizes in the Ohio Valley. EconomicsThe first sugar cane grown in America is introduced in Louisiana by Catholic missionaries; it is used to make a kind of rum. Daily LifeThe 4th edition of Hannah Glasse’s (1708-1770) cookbook is printed.Daily LifeDancing: The minuet becomes Europe’s fashionable dance. | Sports Cricket: The first cricket match is held in New York City. Popular CultureTobias Smollett (1721-1771) writes "The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle." | ReformMental Health Movement:
The first mental asylums appear in London. |
1752 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentGreat Britain adopts the Gregorian calendar on Sept. 14 (Sept. 3-13 is omitted). WarFrench and Indian: The French begin building forts across Pennsylvania and into Ohio to stop British invasion of their territory. | ScienceBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) performs his famous kite experiment, proving that lightning is electricity. ScienceRené Antoine Réaumur (1683-1757) identifies gastric juices and their role in digestion.MedicineThomas Bond (1712-1784) establishes the first general hospital in the colonies in Philadelphia, treating all except those with incurable or infectious diseases. | EducationSt. Matthew Lutheran School, one of the first Lutheran 'parish schools' in North America is founded in New York City by Henry Melchior Muhlenberg (1711-1787).IdeasDavid Hume (1711-1776) writes "Political Discourses." | | EconomicsAn early fire insurance company is founded in Pennsylvania by Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790). | | ReligionMissionaries first arrive at the Cape Colony, South Africa. |
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1753 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) and William Hunter are appointed as postmasters general for the American Colonies.WarFrench and Indian: French troops from Canada seize the Ohio Valley in action leading up to the French and Indian War.
| ScienceCarolus Linnaeus (1707-1778) publishes "Species Plantarum," establishing the names of plant species. MedicineJohn Lining (1708-1760) publishes a detailed description of yellow fever. | EducationMuseums: The British Museum in London is granted a royal foundation charter, and begins its collection with 50,000 volumes, thousands of manuscripts, coins, and other artifacts left to England by London physician Sir Hans Slone. Arts and LettersLiterature: Charlotte Lennox’s (1720-1804) "Shakespear Illustrated," a pioneering study of Shakespeare’s sources, is published. | Washington, MarthaFrances Parke Custis (1753-1757), first daughter of Martha and Daniel Parke Custis, is born. | EconomicsTransportation: Railroad History: First steam engine arrives in the colonies from England.Daily LifeThe Liberty Bell is recast after it arrived from Europe with a crack in it; it cracked again after this casting. | Sports Horse Racing: The Jockey Club establishes a permanent track for horse racing at Newmarket, in London. | ReligionJudaism: English Act of Parliament permits naturalization of Jews. |
1754 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarFrench and Indian: The French and Indian War begins as Britain declares war on France in the American colonies. | ScienceScottish chemist Joseph Black (1728-1799) discovers carbonic acid gas. MedicineWomen's Firsts: Dorothea Erxleben (1715-1762) graduates from the University of Halle, the first woman to obtain a medical degree from a German university. MedicineJames Lind (1716-1794) publishes a paper that proves that citrus juice can be an effective way to combat scurvy.InventionsAfrican American Inventors: Benjamin Bannecker (1731-1806) makes the first clock built entirely in America. | EducationHigher Education: King’s College in New York City is founded; it becomes Columbia University in 1784.Arts and LettersArchitecture: The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg is completed by Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli (1700-1771). | Washington, MarthaDaniel Parke Custis, Jr. (1751-1754), son of Martha and Daniel Parke Custis, dies.Washington, MarthaJohn "Jacky" Parke Custis (1754-1781), second son of Martha and Daniel Parke Custis, is born. | | Sports Golf: St. Andrew’s Royal and Ancient Golf Club is founded in Scotland. | |
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1755 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarFrench and Indian: British General Edward Braddock (c.1695-1755) takes command of all English forces in America during the French and Indian War. He is mortally wounded in an ambush near Fort Duquesne in western Pennsylvania. WarFrench and Indian: Twenty-three year-old George Washington (1732-1799) assumes command of the retreating army of British and colonial troops | TechnologyThe first steam engine in America is installed to pump water from a mine. | EducationHigher Education: The first Russian institution of higher education, Moscow State University, is foundedArts and LettersSamuel Johnson (1709-1784) begins his work on "The Dictionary of the English Language." IdeasJean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778), publishes his "Discourse upon the Origin and Foundation of Inequality Among Mankind" (Second Discourse). | | Daily LifeMaps of Virginia and the Middle British Colonies are printed. Daily LifeSir Harry Frankland (1716-1768) marries his mistress, Agnes Surriage (1726-1783), according to legend, after she saves him from being buried alive following an earthquake. | | |
1756 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
War120 British soldiers are imprisoned and die in India (“Black Hole of Calcutta”). WarFrench and Indian: The French and Indian War is formally declared; the French under General Louis Montcalm (1712-1759) capture and destroy British colonial Fort Oswego in New York and drive Britain from the Great Lakes in North America.
| | IdeasEdmund Burke (1729-1797) writes "Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful." | Washington, MarthaMartha "Patsy" Parke Custis (1756-1773), second daughter of Martha and Daniel Parke Custis, is born. | EconomicsTransportation: A stagecoach line is established between Philadelphia and New York CityEconomicsThe first chocolate factory is opened in Germany.Daily LifeNewspapers: The "New Hampshire Gazette," one of the longest running newspapers in America, is established.Daily LifeLouis François du Plessis, the Duc de Richelieu (1696-1788) invents mayonnaise. Daily LifeFashion: Cotton velvets are first made in England. | | |
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1757 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentWilliam Pitt (1708-1778) becomes England's Secretary of State.GovernmentBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) is sent to London as a representative of the Pennsylvania legislature to negotiate for the heirs of William Penn.WarFrench and Indian: William Pitt (1708-1778) escalates the War in the colonies by establishing a policy of unlimited warfare. | | IdeasDavid Hume (1711-1776) publishes "The Natural History of Religion." | Washington, MarthaFrances Parke Custis (1753-1757), first daughter of Martha and Daniel Parke Custis, dies.Washington, MarthaDaniel Parke Custis (1711-1757) dies, leaving Martha a 26-year-old, very wealthy widow with two young children to raise. | Daily LifeThe first street lights—whale-oil lamps designed by Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)—are used on a few streets in Philadelphia. | Popular CultureThe first public concert is held in Philadelphia. | |
1758 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresidents: James Monroe (1758-1831) 5th President of the U.S., is born on April 28, in Westmoreland County, Virginia.WarFrench and Indian: English forces at Lake George, New York, lose nearly two thousand men during a frontal attach against well-entrenched French forces at Fort Ticonderoga; French losses are 377.WarFrench and Indian: George Washington (1732-1799) and General John Forbes (1710-1759) take Fort Duquesne, later renamed Pittsburgh. | InventionsA hose-knitting machine is invented. InventionsJohn Dolland (1706-1761) reinvents the achromatic lens. | EducationAfrican American Education: A school for Negroes is established in Philadelphia by the Anglican missionary group. Arts and LettersFranz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) writes his first symphony. | Washington, MarthaMartha Dandridge Custis (1731-1802) becomes engaged to George Washington (1732-1799). | EconomicsTransportation: Railroad History: An Act of Parliament establishes the Middleton Railway in Leeds. Daily LifeNative Americans: Molly (Mary) Brant (c.1736-1796), a Mohawk woman, becomes the partner of Sir William Johnson. She is largely responsible for the alliance between the Iroquois and the British. Daily LifeNative Americans: A raiding party consisting of French and Shawnee warriors takes Mary Jemison (1743-1833) captive. She adopts Native American customs, which she retains all her adult life. | Popular CultureThe first English manual on playing the guitar is published. | Social IssuesNative Americans: The first North American Indian reservation is established on 3,000 acres in New Jersey. |
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1759 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarFrench and Indian: The French surrender to the British at Quebec. | MedicineEpidemic: A measles epidemic breaks out all over North America, wherever white people live. | EducationMuseums: The British Museum is opened at Montegu House.Arts and LettersLiterature: Voltaire (1694-1778) writes "Candide." | Washington, MarthaMartha Dandridge Custis (1731-1802) marries George Washington (1732-1799). The family moves first to Williamsburg, and then to Mount Vernon.
Adams, AbigailAbigail Smith (1744-1818) is received into her father’s Congregational Church in Weymouth on June 24. Later that summer, she meets John Adams (1735-1826) in her father’s parsonage.
| EconomicsIrish brewer Arthur Guinness (1725-1803) establishes a brewery in Dublin that will become the world’s largestEconomicsColonial shipbuilders are producing nearly 400 vessels each year. EconomicsThomas Penn (1702-1775) and Richard Penn establish the first recorded life insurance company, the Presbyterian Ministers fund, in Philadelphia. | | ReligionJudaism: Architecture: Peter Harrison (1716-1775) designs the first U.S. synagugue, the Touro synagogue in Newport, RI. |
1760 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentGeorge III (1738-1820) becomes King of Great Britain, Ireland, and the 1.6 million colonists living in America. WarFrench and Indian: British General Lord Jeffrey Amherst (1717-1797) captures Montreal and ends French resistance in Canada; France cedes Quebec to England. | MedicineNew York requires that all physicians and surgeons pass a test and be licensed to practice medicine. InventionsBenjamin Franklin (1706-1790) invents the first bifocal lenses for eye glasses. | EducationSpecial Education: The first British school for the deaf is opened by Thomas Braidwood (1715-1806), in Edinburgh. EducationAfrican American Education: The Bray School for African-American children is established in Williamsburg. EducationHigher Education: College of William and Mary students petition for better food; they ask for salt and fresh meat for dinner, and desserts 3 times a week.Arts and LettersThe Royal Society of the Arts is founded in London. | Jefferson, MarthaThomas Jefferson (1723-1826) enters the College of William and Mary in Virginia. | EconomicsJosiah Wedgewood (1730-1795) founds a pottery works at Etruria, Staffordshire, England. EconomicsU.S. Population: The population in the American colonies is estimated at 1.6 million. EconomicsWatermarks are used in woven paper.Daily LifeFashion: The first silk hats appear in Florence Italy. | Sports The first roller skates are introduced in London by musical instrument maker Joseph Merlin (1735-1803). Popular CultureThe rules of Whist (later to be bridge) are laid down by Edmund Hoyle (1672-1769). | |
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1761 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsJames Otis (1725-1783) opposes British writs of assistance, claiming they violate the natural rights of the British colonials. WarFrench and Indian: General Jeffrey Amherst (1717-1797) forbids presents of food and arms to Indians in the French and Indian War.WarFrench and Indian: The Iroquois present a war belt to the Detroit Indians, but it is rejected. | ScienceRussian scientist and poet Mikhail V. Lomonosov (1711-1765) discovers the atmosphere of Venus. ScienceJosef Kobreuter, German botanist, recognizes the role of the wind and insects in the pollination of plants.ScienceChemist Joseph Black (1728-1799) discovers that ice absorbs heat without changing temperature when melting.MedicineEpidemic: An epidemic of influenza breaks out in North America and the West Indies. | | Washington, MarthaGeorge Washington (1732-1799) begins experimenting with crop rotation, soil fertilization, and livestock management and breeding at Mount Vernon. | Daily LifeThe earliest recorded American folk ballad, “Springfield Mountain” is sung in New England. | | Social IssuesSlavery: Women''''s Firsts: Slavery: The first black American poet, Phillis Wheatley (c. 1753-1784) is bought as a young child off a Boston slave ship. |
1762 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentCatherine the Great (1729-1796) begins her 34-year reign as Empress of Russia. | InventionsJohn Harrison (1693-1776), English inventor, builds a marine chronometer. | EducationLibraries: Higher Education: The library of the Sorbonne is opened in Paris. EducationJean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) publishes "The Emile," his major treatise on education.IdeasJean Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) publishes "The Social Contract." | | EconomicsCast iron is converted into malleable iron for the first time in Scotland. EconomicsEthan Allen (1738-1789) establishes an ironworks and blast furnace in Connecticut which will make many of the cannons used in the Revolutionary War. Daily LifeHolidays: The first St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in New York City. | | ReligionThe Moravians publish a collection of hymns in the language of the Delaware Indians. |
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1763 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe British Proclamation of 1763 forbids the American colonists to settle the land beyond the Appalachian Mountains, and requires those already settled in those regions to return east in an attempt to ease tensions with Native Americans. WarFrench and Indian: General Thomas Gage (1721-1787) succeeds Lord Jeffrey Amherst (1717-1797) as head of British forces in America.WarFrench and Indian: The Treaty of Paris ends the French and Indian War; France cedes Canada and all its North American territories east of the Mississippi to Great Britain. | ScienceNicole-Reine Lepaute’s (1723-1768) maps and tables showing the precise times and extent of an annular eclipse of the sun across Europe is published by the Academy of Sciences for astronomers and navigators.MedicineAmerica’s first medical society is formed in New London, Connecticut.MedicineClaudius Aymand (1660-1740) performs the first successful appendectomy.MedicineEpidemic: A smallpox epidemic breaks out in Massachusetts.TechnologyThe technology of printing is established in all 13 colonies. | EducationFrederick the Great (1712-1786) establishes village schools in Prussia. IdeasVoltaire (1694-1778) writes his "Treatise on Tolerance." | Adams, AbigailA smallpox epidemic interferes with the wedding plans of John Adams and Abigail Smith; John has himself inoculated—a risky procedure—but has only mild effects from the inoculation. | EconomicsThe first Chambers of Commerce are established in New York and New Jersey. DiscoveryCharles Mason (1730-1787) and Jeremiah Dixon(1733-1779) begin surveying the Mason-Dixon line. | | Social IssuesSlavery: The beginning of the free Negro tradition is seen in New England; there are 5214 Negroes in Massachusetts (out of a total population of 235,810). |
1764 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsAt a town meeting in Boston, James Otis (1725-1783) raises the issue of taxation without representation and urges a united response to the recent acts imposed by England. GovernmentGreat Britain passes the Sugar Act to raise money to pay for the French and Indian War by taxing the colonies on lumber, food, molasses, and rum. | MedicineEpidemic: A smallpox epidemic sparks the opening of two inoculation hospitals in the Boston area. InventionsJames Watt (1736-1819) invents the condenser, the first step toward the steam engine.InventionsThe spinning jenny is invented in England. TechnologyPierre-Simon Fournier (1712-1768), French engraver and typographer, publishes a work on typefaces and printing. | EducationHigher Education: Brown University is founded in Providence, RI. IdeasAmerican James Otis (1725-1783) publishes "The Rights of the British Colonies Asserted and Proved." | Adams, AbigailAbigail Smith (1744-1818) marries John Adams (1735-1826) on October 25, at her father’s parsonage in Weymouth, Massachusetts; she is nineteen and he is twenty-nine.Madison, DolleyDolley Madison’s (1768-1849) father, John Payne, and her mother, Mary Coles Payne, apply to and are accepted into the Society of Friends (Quakers). | EconomicsBoston merchants begin a boycott of British luxury goods.EconomicsThe first permanent settlement (as a fur-trading post) is established by the French in St. Louis. Daily LifeThe practice of numbering houses is begun in London. Daily LifeNewspapers: The "Connecticut Courant," perhaps the American newspaper in longest continuing publication, is established in Hartford, CT. | | ReligionDancing: The first minister of the Dutch Reformed Church preaches in New York City; he tries to have dancing banned in the colony. |
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1765 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawSir William Blackstone (1723-1780) publishes "Commentaries on the Laws of England."PoliticsDelegates from nine colonies meet to draw up a declaration of rights and liberties.PoliticsPatrick Henry (1736-1799) presents seven Resolutions to the Virginia House of Burgesses, asserting that only the Virginia Assembly can legally tax Virginia residents; he says, “If this be treason, make the most of it.” PoliticsThe Sons of Liberty is formed in many colonial towns; using violence and intimidation, its members eventually force all of the British stamp agents to resign and also stop many American merchants from ordering British goods.GovernmentParliament passes the Stamp Act, taxing all colonists on every paper purchase. In addition, the Quartering Act requires colonists to house and feed British troops. | MedicineHigher Education: John Morgan (1736-1789) establishes the first medical school in America at the College of Philadelphia.InventionsJames Watt (1736-1819) designs a steam engine that produces power much more efficiently than the Newcomen engine of 1712.TechnologyLazzaro Spallanzani (1729-1799) suggests preserving food by means of hermetic sealing. | EducationHigher Education: A College of New Jersey (later, Princeton) student, William Patterson, founds the first college society of arts and letters in America. EducationPublic Education: Latin schools exist in at least 40 of 140 Massachusetts communities with more than 100 families. EducationCurriculum for well-to-do young Southerners includes Latin, Greek, Hebrew, reading, writing, arithmetic-vulgar, plane geometry, surveying, Italian bookkeeping, and navigation. | Adams, AbigailA daughter, Abigail – Nabby (1765-1813) – is born to Abigail and John Adams on July 14.Madison, DolleyDolley Madison‘s (1768-1849) parents, John Payne and Mary Coles Payne, move to North Carolina from Virginia. | EconomicsChocolate is first made at Dorchester, Massachusetts. EconomicsPhiladelphia, with its agricultural exports, shipbuilding and iron forging, is the leading economic center of the American colonies. Daily LifeThe potato is the most popular foodstuff in Europe. Daily LifeNewspapers: Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816) begins "The Providence Gazette" in Rhode Island. | Sports Horse Racing: Horse racing becomes popular in Maryland; the course at Annapolis is one of the best in the country. | |
1766 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsNew York residents continue to refuse to obey the Quartering Act.GovernmentGreat Britain repeals the Stamp Act but declares its right to tax the colonies. GovernmentThe New York legislature is suspended by the British crown. | ScienceHenry Cavendish (1731-1810) discovers that hydrogen is less dense than air. MedicineThe 8-volume "Physiological Elements of the Human Body," a milestone in medicine, is published by Albrecht von Haller (1708-1777). InventionsJohann Zumpe (1735-1800) builds the first pianoforte in England. | EducationHigher Education: Queen's College, later Rutgers University, is founded in New Jersey as a Dutch Reformed institution. Arts and LettersLiterature: Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) writes "The Vicar of Wakefield," a novel. | | EconomicsTransportation: A stagecoach line between New York City and Philadelphia advertises itself as a “flying-machine;” in good weather, trips take two days. DiscoveryCharles Mason (1730-1787) and Jeremiah Dixon (1733-1779) finish surveying the Mason-Dixon Line.Daily LifeThe first paved sidewalk is laid in Westminster, London. | Sports The first regular fox-hunting group, The Gloucester Fox Hunting Club, is established in New Jersey. Popular CultureAmerican Theatre: The first play on an American subject, "Ponteach," or "The Savages of America" is written by Major Robert Rogers (1731-1795).Popular CultureAmerican Theatre: An early, permanent playhouse, the Southwark Theatre, is built in Philadelphia. | ReligionCatherine the Great (1729-1796) establishes freedom of worship in Russia.ReligionThe oldest surviving church in Manhattan, St. Paul’s Chapel, is constructed. |
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1767 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsBoston residents agree not to import those items taxed by the Townshend Acts. GovernmentWith the Townshend Acts, Britain imposes taxes on imports of tea, glass, paper, and dyestuffs. GovernmentPresidents: Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), seventh President of the United States, is born in Waxhaw, South Carolina on March 15. GovernmentPresidents: John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), sixth President of the United States, is born on July 11, in Massachusetts. | ScienceJoseph Priestly (1733-1804) proposes an electrical inverse-square law.InventionsThe astronomer David Rittenhouse (1732-1796) invents a planetarium. | EducationThe first of the weekly numbers of the "Encyclopedia Britannica" is published; 100 are planned.EducationHigher Education: King’s College in New York City opens the second of America’s medical schools. EducationAustrian emperor Joseph II (1741-1790) and his mother, Maria Theresa (1717-1780), introduce educational reforms. Arts and LettersEssay: Adam Ferguson (1723-1816) publishes "An Essay on the History of Civil Society." | Adams, AbigailA son, John Quincy (1767-1848), is born to John and Abigail Adams on July 11th.Jackson, RachelRachel Donelson (1767-1828), future wife of President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), is born in Virginia on June 15. | EconomicsWomen''s Firsts: Anne Catherine Hoof Green (c.1720-1775) takes over her late husband''s printing and newspaper business, becoming the first American woman to run a print shop. DiscoveryJames Cook (1728-1779) sails on the first circumnavigation of the world; he returns in June 1771. DiscoveryStarting in North Carolina, Daniel Boone (1734-1820) makes his first exploration west of the Appalachian Mountains, traveling along the present-day Kentucky-West Virginia border. | Popular CultureAmerican Theatre: The first professional production of a native play, 'The Prince of Parthia,' by Thomas Godfrey (1736-1763) is mounted in Philadelphia. | ReligionThe Jesuits are expelled from Spain and France. |
1768 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsSamuel Adams (1722-1803) of Massachusetts writes a Circular Letter opposing taxation without representation.PoliticsBoston citizens refuse to quarter British troops. GovernmentThe Massachusetts Assembly is dissolved for refusing to assist in the collection of taxes. GovernmentNative Americans: treaties are negotiated between Great Britain and the six nations of the Iroquois.WarRevolutionary War: British troops sail to Boston, and two regiments come ashore to take up quarters in the city. | MedicineSmallpox inoculations in Norfolk, VA cause riots. | EducationHigher Education: The medical school at Philadelphia College graduates its first physicians. Arts and LettersThe Royal Academy is founded in London, with painter Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) as president. | Adams, AbigailA second daughter, Susanna (1768-1770), is born December 28 to Abigail and John Adams. The Adams family moves to Boston.Madison, DolleyDolley Payne (1768-1849), future wife of President James Madison (1751-1836), is born on May 20 in Guilford County, North Carolina. Monroe, ElizabethElizabeth Kortright (1768-1830), future Wife of President James Monroe (1758-1831), is born on June 30 in New York City, the first of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives. | EconomicsSheet music is published and sold in Boston.EconomicsAnne Catherine Green (c.1720-1775) is formally appointed provincial printer for the province of Maryland. DiscoveryExplorer James Cook (1728-1779) investigates islands in the south Pacific, and observes a transit of Venus in order to determine the size of the solar system.Daily LifeNewspapers: The "Boston Gazette" publishes “The Liberty Song,” possibly America''s first patriotic song. | | ReligionThe first Methodist Church is established in New York City. |
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1769 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Privy Council in London decides to retain the duty on tea in the American colonies. GovernmentThe Virginia Assembly is dissolved. GovernmentSan Diego is founded by Franciscan Friar Juniper Serra (1713-1784). | ScienceCharles Bonnet (1720-1793) suggests an evolutionary theory.ScienceNew mathematical symbols, such as pi are introduced by Leonhard Euler (1707-1783). ScienceDavid Rittenhouse (1732-1796) plots the orbits of Venus and Mercury.InventionsJames Watt (1736-1819) patents his steam engine. InventionsFrenchman Nicholas Cugnot (1725-1804) builds a steam carriage. | EducationThe Academie de Coiffure is established in France by Legros de Rumigny, who teaches hairdressing and wig-making skills.EducationThe first day nursery opens at Steintal, Alsace. EducationHigher Education: Native American Education: Dartmouth College is established to educate Native Americans. | Jefferson, MarthaThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) begins building Monticello in Albemarle County, Virginia. Madison, DolleyDolley Payne’s (1768-1849) father, John Payne, moves his wife and family back to his wife's family plantation at Cole's Hill, Virginia. | EconomicsThe first American-made printing fonts are produced by silversmith Abel Buell (1742-1822).EconomicsHenry William Stiegel (1729-1785) opens his glass works in Manheim, Pennsylvania.DiscoveryDaniel Boone (1734-1820) explores the Cumberland Gap. Daily LifeThe first lightning rod conductors are installed on high buildings. | | |
1770 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe British Parliament repeals the Townshend Acts, but retains the duty on tea. The Quartering Act is not renewed. WarRevolutionary War: The “Boston Massacre” occurs. | MedicineJohn Warren and several other Harvard students form a society for the secret dissection of animals; this society later becomes the Massachusetts Medical Society. InventionsAfrican American Inventors: Benjamin Bannecker (1731-1806) builds a wooden clock that keeps accurate time for more than 50 years. | EducationHigher Education: The College of Charleston is established in South Carolina as the first municipal college.EducationLeonhard Euler (1707-1783) publishes a mathematics textbook, "Introduction to Algebra."Arts and LettersPainting: Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788) paints “The Blue Boy.”IdeasEdmund Burke (1729-1797) writes "Thoughts on the Causes of the Present Discontent." | Adams, AbigailSusanna Adams (1767-1770), second daughter of Abigail and John Adams, dies at 13 months of age on February 4. It is widely reported that she was "sickly" from birth (usually a way of saying either that the cause was an unknown infection or that no one really knew what was wrong).
Adams, AbigailA second son, Charles (1770-1800), is born to Abigail and John Adams on November 30. John Adams is asked to defend the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre; he does, and they are acquitted. | EconomicsU.S. Population: The American colonies’ population is estimated at 2.2 million. Economics"The New England Psalm Singer," by William Billings (1746-1800), marks the beginning of publishing of American compositions. DiscoveryJames Cook (1728-1779) discovers Botany Bay in Australia. DiscoveryJames Bruce (1730-1794) discovers the source of the Blue Nile. | | |
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1771 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
| ScienceJoseph Priestly (1733-1804) discovers that plants convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.ScienceLuigi Galvani (1737-1798) discovers the electrical nature of the nervous impulse. MedicineNew York Hospital is founded. | EducationThe Encyclopedia Britannica publishes its first edition. EducationAn edict in Spain requires the modernization of textbooks. IdeasThe first issue of "Transactions," the journal of the American Philosophical Society, is published. | | EconomicsSir Richard Arkwright (1732-1792) produces the first spinning mill in England. Daily LifeQuaker Susanna Wright (1697-1784) acts as a legal counselor, unofficial magistrate, and physician for her neighbors in Pennsylvania. | | ReligionThe first separate Baptist Association was formed at a meeting in Orange County, Virginia. |
1772 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawSlavery: An English court rules that a slave is free on landing in England. PoliticsSamuel Adams (1722-1803) forms the Committees of Correspondence in Massachusetts for action against Great Britain.PoliticsThe Boston Assembly demands rights of colonies, threatens secession. | ScienceDaniel Rutherford (1749-1819) and Joseph Priestly (1733-1804) discover nitrogen. ScienceCaroline Herschel (1750-1848), with her brother, William Herschel (1738-1822) assists in the first sightings of eight comets and 14 nebulae. ScienceLeonhard Euler (1707-1783) clarifies the basic principles of optics, acoustics, mechanics, and astronomy. InventionsJohn Hobday of Virginia, invents the threshing machine. | EducationThe first schoolhouse west of the Allegheny Mountains is built in Schoenbrunn, Ohio, by Moravian missionaries.EducationHigher Education: Education of Women: Women’s Colleges: Salem Academy is founded in North Carolina and is chartered as a college in 1866. Arts and LettersPainting: Charles Wilson Peale (1741-1827) completes a life-sized portrait of George Washington. | Jefferson, MarthaMartha "Patsy" Washington Jefferson Randolph (1772-1836), daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, is born September 27. Adams, AbigailA third son, Thomas Boylston (1772-1832), is born to Abigail and John Adams on September 15. Jefferson, MarthaMartha Wayles Skelton (1748-1782) marries Thomas Jefferson on New Year's Day, when she is 23. | DiscoveryJames Bruce (1730-1794) traces the Blue Nile to its confluence with the White Nile.DiscoveryJames Cook (1728-1779) leaves England on his second voyage; this time he approaches the Antarctic Circle. | Sports The first military ski competitions are held in Norway. | ReligionThe Inquisition is abolished in France. |
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1773 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe Virginia House of Burgesses appoints a Provincial Committee of Correspondence. PoliticsThe Boston Tea Party takes place, dumping 340 chests of tea into Boston harbor in a protest against the duty on tea. GovernmentPresidents: William Henry Harrison (1773-1841), 9th Presdident of the United States, is born on February 9 in Berkeley, Virginia. | MedicineMental Health Movement: An early mental hospital, the Public Hospital for Persons of Insane and Disordered Minds, opens in Williamsburg, VA. | EducationMuseums: The Charleston (VA) Library Society opens the first American museum of natural history. Arts and LettersDrama: Oliver Goldsmith (1728-1774) writes the play, "She Stoops to Conquer." Arts and LettersPoetry: Women''s Firsts: Women''s Firsts: Black poet Phillis Wheatley (c.1753-1784) publishes "Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral," the first published works by an African American poet. Arts and LettersDance: A dance class begun in Moscow later becomes the Bolshoi Ballet Company. | Washington, MarthaMartha "Patsy" Parke Custis (1754-1773), second daughter of Martha Washington and John Parke Custis, and stepdaughter of George Washington, dies suddenly of epilepsy on June 19.Adams, AbigailAbigail Adams (1744-1818) establishes a friendship with Mercy Warren (1728-1814), sister of James Otis (1725-1783). | EconomicsTransportation: Oliver Evans (1755-1819) proposes steam-powered “horseless carriage.” DiscoveryJames Cook (1728-1779), captains the first ship to cross the Antarctic Circle. Daily LifeDancing: The waltz becomes fashionable in Vienna. Daily Life310 street lamps are installed and kept lighted in Boston from October to May. | | ReligionPope Clement XIV (1705-1774) dissolves the Jesuit Order. ReligionThe first annual conference of American Methodists meets in Philadelphia. |
1774 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe Virginia House of Burgesses calls a Continental Congress to meet at Philadelphia.GovernmentGeneral Thomas Gage (1721-1787) arrives from England to be Royal Governor of Massachusetts.GovernmentParliament passes the Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts); the port of Boston is closed. WarRevolutionary War: George Washington (1732-1799) orders a military campaign against the Iroquois. | ScienceJohann G. Gahn (1745-1818) isolates manganese. ScienceKarl W. Scheele (1742-1786) discovers chorine and barium. MedicineAustrian physician Franz Mesmer (1734-1815) uses hypnosis for health purposes. MedicineNative Americans: Benjamin Rush (1745-1813) describes Indian medical practices. InventionsScotsman James Watt (1736-1819) builds first "modern" stationary steam engine | EducationSwiss educator Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827) founds a school for orphaned and neglected children in Zurich (Switzerland).EducationEducation of Women: Leonhard Usteri founds the first school for girls in Zurich, Switzerland. IdeasThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) writes his first important work, "A Summary View of the Rights of British America." | Washington, MarthaJacky Custis (1755-1781) leaves King's College to marry Eleanor Calvert of Maryland and settle at Abingdon, his estate up the river from Mount Vernon.George Washington attends the First Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, as a delegate from the Virginia colony.Adams, AbigailJohn Adams (1735-1826) goes to the first Continental Congress.Jefferson, MarthaJane Randolph Jefferson (1774-1775), daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, is born on April 3. | EconomicsEnglish silversmith Hester Bateman (c. 1709-1794) registers her hallmark in London’s guildhall. Daily LifeMagazines: The Royal American Magazine is the first to use illustrations regularly, some engravings contributed by Paul Revere (1735-1818). | Sports Cricket: The rules for cricket are first drawn up. | ReligionThe Quebec Act, to secure Canada’s loyalty to Great Britain, establishes Roman Catholicism in Canada. ReligionAnne Lee (1736-1784) of Massachusetts settles in New York to begin a spiritualist revival (the Shakers). |
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1775 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentNative Americans: The Continental Congress establishes a Committee on Indian Affairs, appointing commissioners to create peace treaties with the Indians.WarRevolutionary War: England hires 29,000 German mercenaries for war in North America.WarRevolutionary War: Fort Ticonderoga is captured from the British. WarRevolutionary War: The American Revolution begins on April 19, with the battles at Lexington and Concord; the Battle of Bunker Hill follows shortly.WarRevolutionary War: George Washington becomes Commander-in-Chief, a navy is authorized. | ScienceJoseph Priestley (1733-1804) discovers hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. MedicineDigitalis is used for the first time as a diuretic in dropsy (water retention in the body).
MedicineEpidemics: A world-wide epidemic of influenza occurs.InventionsJames Watt (1736-1819) perfects his invention of the steam engine. InventionsDavid Bushnell (1742-1824) invents a one-man, hand-operated submarine, the “American Turtle.” | IdeasEdmund Burke (1729-1797) writes his “Speech on Conciliation with America.” IdeasPatrick Henry (1736-1799) gives his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech. | Washington, MarthaGeorge Washington (1732-1799) attends the Second Continental Congress, where he accepts command of the Continental Army. In December, Martha (1731-1802) joins him at his headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts.Jefferson, MarthaJane Randolph Jefferson (1774-1775), second daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, dies at seventeen months in September.Madison, DolleyDolley Payne (1768-1849) attends school with her brothers at the Cedar Creek Friends meetinghouse in Virginia.Adams, LouisaLouisa Catherine Johnson (1775-1852), future wife of President John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), is born in London on February 12. She is the first First Lady to be born outside of the United States.Harrison, AnnaAnna Tuthill Symmes (1775-1864), future wife of President William Henry Harrison ((1773–1841) is born in Flatbrook, New Jersey on July 25. | EconomicsAmerican Money: American colonists issue paper currency for the Continental Congress to finance the Revolutionary War. EconomicsThe colonies supply nearly 15% of the world’s iron. DiscoveryJames Cook (1728-1779) returns from his second voyage. Daily LifeThe song “Yankee Doodle” becomes popular as a rallying song to taunt the British. Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816) became the first woman postmaster in the country (in Baltimore). | Sports Native Americans: Indians in Florida are described as playing lacrosse, using a deerskin ball and deerskin nets on sticks. Popular CultureSarah Siddons (1755-1831) appears for the first time at the Drury Lane Theatre in London. Popular CultureAmerican Theatre: Colonial government regulations curb sport and entertainment during the Revolution; theatres close. | Social IssuesSlavery: Thomas Paine (1737-1806) writes "African Slavery in America."ReformAbolition Movement: The first abolition society in the U.S. is organized in Philadelphia by Anthony Benezet (1713-1784); Benjamin Franklin becomes its president in 1787. ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: American political philosopher Thomas Paine (1737-1806) proposes women’s rights in an article in the Pennsylvania Magazine. |
1776 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Declaration of Independence, drafted by The Continental Congress, is signed on July 4. GovernmentThe Second Continental Congress names the new nation the United States of America.WarRevolutionary War: The British army occupies New York City.WarRevolutionary War: George Washington (1732-1799) crosses the Delaware River, defeating the Hessian troops at Trenton, NJ. | | EducationHigher Education: Phi Beta Kappa is founded at the College of William and Mary. Arts and LettersEdward Gibbon (1737-1794) writes "The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire." IdeasAdam Smith (1723-1790) writes "An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations." Ideas Thomas Paine’s (1737-1806) "Common Sense" is published.
| Washington, MarthaAgain, Martha Washington joins her husband at his headquarters in New York. She lends her name to a formal effort to recruit more women to volunteer on behalf of the Continental Army, especially to sew uniforms and knit warm clothes for the troops.Adams, Abigail(1744-1818) writes a letter to John in which she tells him to “remember the ladies” when writing the Declaration of Independence. | EconomicsTransportation: Railroad History: English tram road is laid down with cast iron angle bars on timber ties.DiscoveryJames Cook’s (1728-1779) third voyage to the Pacific begins. DiscoveryFranciscan friars Dominguez and Escalante (1769–1779) explore route from New Mexico to California. Daily LifeDisasters: Fire destroys most of the old parts of New York City. | | ReligionSan Francisco is established by Spanish missionaries.Social IssuesNative Americans: Cherokee leader Nancy (or Nanye’hi) Ward (c. 1738-1824) heads the Woman’s Council and sits as a member of the Council of Chiefs. ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: New Jersey grants women the right to vote (revoked in 1807). |
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1777 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Continental Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union. GovernmentAmerican Flag: On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passes the first Flag Act which states: "That the flag of the United States be made of thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation." WarRevolutionary War: The Marquis de Lafayette’s (1757-1834) French volunteers arrive in America. WarRevolutionary War: British General John Burgoyne (1722-1792) is defeated and surrenders to the Americans at Saratoga, NY. | ScienceAntoine-Laurent Lavoisier (1743-1794) proves that air consists mainly of oxygen and nitrogen, and coins the term oxygen.MedicineGeorge Washington (1732-1799) orders his soldiers to be inoculated against smallpox. | Arts and LettersDrama: Playwright Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816) writes the comedy "The School for Scandal." | Washington, MarthaMartha spends some time in her husband’s camp in Morristown, Pennsylvania.Jefferson, MarthaThe only Jefferson son was born May 28 and died a short while later on June 14. Over the course of time, this child's name has been lost. | EconomicsWomen''s Firsts: Baltimore postmaster Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816) is the first person to print the Declaration of Independence.Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816) became the first printer to offer copies of the Declaration of Independence that included the signers' names. | | ReligionThe New Testament of the Bible is published in English for the first time in America. ReligionThe chapel of the San Juan Capistrano mission, the oldest building still in existence in California, is built. Social IssuesSlavery: Vermont abolishes slavery, becoming the first colony to do so. Social IssuesCivil Rights Movement: New York enfranchises all free propertied men regardless of color or prior servitude. |
1778 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentSlavery: An Act of Congress prohibits the import of slaves into the U.S.GovernmentCongress ratifies a treaty with France and rejects a British peace offer. WarRevolutionary War: British Tories and Indians massacre inhabitants of Wyoming Valley, PA and Cherry Valley, NY.WarRevolutionary War: Mary McCauley (1754-1832)
(Molly Pitcher), carries water to American soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth; she then mans her husband’s cannon when he is killed.
| MedicineWilliam Brown (1748-1792), Virginia physician, publishes "Pharmacopoeia," a guide to medicines and drugs. InventionsJoseph Bramah (1748-1814) from Yorkshire constructs an improved water closet (toilet). | EducationPhillips Andover Academy is founded in Massachusetts, with a broader curriculum than the Latin Grammar School. | Washington, MarthaDuring the bitter winter at Valley Forge, Martha Washington endeared herself to the soldiers as she brought food and warm clothing to the freezing men and worked hard to get local women to do the same.Adams, AbigailA sixth child is stillborn to Abigail (1744-1818) and John Adams (1735-1826).Jefferson, MarthaMary "Polly" "Maria" Jefferson (1778-1804), daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, is born on August 1. | EconomicsAmerican Money: The dollar sign ($) is created by Oliver Pollack. DiscoveryJames Cook (1728-1779) discovers Hawaii (then called the Sandwich Islands). | | Social IssuesNative Americans: Frances Slocum (1773-1847) is captured by Delaware Indians; she is discovered in 1835 but refuses to return to her family, preferring to die where “the Great Spirit will find me.” Social IssuesSlavery: Rhode Island forbids the removal of slaves from the state.Social IssuesSlavery: Virginia prohibits the importation of slaves. |
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1779 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarRevolutionary War: John Paul Jones (1747-1792) makes his famous statement, “I have not yet begun to fight!” aboard the American warship Bonhomme Richard.WarRevolutionary War: The British surrender to Americans at Vincennes. | MedicineLazzaro Spallanzani (1729-1799) studies the role of semen in fertilization. | EducationHigher Education: Under Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), William and Mary College creates schools of medicine, law and modern languages, and pioneers in a system allowing students to choose courses. EducationPublic Education: Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) proposes a two-track educational system, with different tracks in his words for "the laboring and the learned." Scholarship would allow a very few of the laboring class to advance, Jefferson says, by "raking a few geniuses from the rubbish." | | Daily LifeThe first “velocipedes” (bicycles) appear in Paris. Daily LifePolitical cartooning blossoms in England with satires of King George III (1738-1820) drawn by James Gillray (1756-1815). | Sports Horse Racing: Quarter-mile horse races become popular around Charlottesville, VA. Sports Horse Racing: The Derby is established at Epsom racetrack in England. | ReligionJohn Murray (1741-1815) establishes the First Universalist congregation at Gloucester, Massachusetts. ReligionThe Great Awakening: Olney Hymns are published; it includes the original form of “Amazing Grace,” written by John Newton (1725-1807), a converted slave trader. |
1780 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe capital of Virginia is moved to Richmond. | ScienceThe American Academy of Sciences is founded in Boston. MedicineThe Philadelphia Humane Society is established to teach first aid (reviving drowning victims). Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) proposes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. InventionsThe circular saw is invented by Gervinus. InventionsScheller invents the first fountain pen. TechnologyBattery Technology: The modern battery development dates as far back as the late 18th century. The cause was championed by the work carried out by Luigi Galvani (1737-1798) from 1780 to 1786. | | Jefferson, MarthaLucy Elizabeth I (1780-1781), daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, is born on November 3. | EconomicsPopulation: U.S. population is estimated at 2.7 million. Daily LifeNewspapers: The first Sunday newspapers appear in London. Daily LifeDancing: The bolero, a lively Spanish dance, is introduced by Sebastian Cerezo. | Sports Cricket: The first six-seamed cricket ball is manufactured in England. | Social IssuesSlavery: Delaware makes it illegal to enslave imported Africans.Social IssuesSlavery: Pennsylvania begins gradual emancipation of slaves.Social IssuesSlavery: Women''s Firsts: Elizabeth Freeman (1742-1829), great-grandmother of W.E.B. DuBois (1868-1963) and the first slave to be emancipated in the American colonies is given her freedom in Massachusetts. |
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1781 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThomas Barclay (1728-1793) is appointed as the first diplomat of the Continental Government, representing the new nation in France.WarRevolutionary War: The American Revolution ends when British General Charles Cornwallis (1738-1805) surrenders to General George Washington (1732-1799) at Yorktown, Virginia. | ScienceAstronomer William Herschel (1738-1822) discovers the planet Uranus. | EducationJohann Pestalozzi (1747-1827) writes his educational aims in the novel, "Leonard and Gertrude." | Washington, MarthaJohn "Jacky" Parke Custis (1754-1781), second son of Martha Washington and stepson of George Washington, dies of dysentery while serving under Washington during the Revolutionary War. The Washingtons take his two younger children, George Washington Parke Custis and Eleanor (Nelly) Custis, to raise.Jefferson, MarthaLucy Elizabeth I (1780-1781), fourth daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, dies 5 months after birth on April 15, perhaps as a result of exposure to wintry cold as she fled with her family from the British. | EconomicsBlue laws get their name in New Haven, CT, when a town ordinance printed on blue paper prohibits work on Sunday. EconomicsConstruction begins on the Siberian highway. Economics The Bank of North America is chartered.EconomicsAmerican Money: Also to support the Revolutionary War, the continental Congress charters the Bank of North America in Philadelphia as the nation's first "real" bank. | | ReligionFranciscan monks settle at Los Angeles. |
1782 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Great Seal of the United States is adopted. GovernmentPresidents: Martin Van Buren (1782-1862), 8th President of the United States, is born on December 5 in Kinderhook, New York.WarPreliminary peace negotiations between England and the United States occur in Paris. WarCongress passes a national conscription act to require “each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the republic” to serve in the U.S. militia. | MedicineHigher Education: Harvard Medical school opens. InventionsJames Watt (1736-1819) invents a double-acting rotary steam engine. TechnologyHot Air Balloons: The Montgolfier brothers, Joseph (1740-1810) and Jacques (1745-1799), build an hot air balloon. | EducationCatholic Education: The first Catholic parochial school is founded by St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Philadelphia. Arts and LettersThe Royal Irish Academy is founded in Dublin. | Jefferson, MarthaLucy Elizabeth II (1782-1784), daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, is born on May 8. Jefferson, MarthaMartha Wayles Skelton Jefferson (1748-1782), wife of Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), dies on September 6 at Monticello. She is the first First Lady to die before her husband was elected to office. | EconomicsThe Bank of North America is established in Philadelphia. | | ReformTemperance Movement: A Town Meeting in Worcester, Massachusetts opposes a state liquor tax because it is felt that liquor is necessary for the morale of farm workers. |
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1783 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarRevolutionary War: Great Britain recognizes the independence of the U.S. and the war is officially over with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. WarRevolutionary War: George Washington (1732-1799) resigns as Commander-in-Chief and the Continental Army is disbanded. | ScienceAntoine Lavoisier (1743-1794) suggests that water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen. InventionsJohn Broadwood (1732-1812) patents his piano pedals. InventionsD. Domenico Salsano invents the seismograph for measuring the strength of earthquakes. | EducationHigher Education: Enrollment at Yale College is 270. EducationEducation of Women: Choderlos de Laclos (1741-1803) publishes "De l’éducation des femmes" (On the Education of Women). EducationNoah Webster (1758-1843) publishes "The American Spelling Book," called the “Blue-Backed Speller,” which helps standardize spelling of American English.Arts and LettersThe first works of Ludwig van Beethoven’s (1770-1827) are published. | Washington, MarthaAs the Revolutionary War ends, Martha (1731-1892) and George Washington (1732-1799) return to Mount Vernon.Madison, DolleyDolley Madison’s (1764-1849) father, John Payne, influenced by his Quaker tenets and desiring a better education for his children, frees his slaves, sells his plantation, and moves his family to Philadelphia.Van Buren, HannahHannah Hoes (1783-1819), future wife of President Martin Van Buren ((1782–1862), is born on March 8th in Kinderhook, New York. She is the first First Lady to be born an American citizen; all First Ladies before her were British subjects. She is also the second of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives. | EconomicsPopulation: Population of the U.S. is estimated at 2.4 million.Daily LifeNewspapers: At the war's end, there are forty-three newspapers in print. The press plays a vital role in the affairs of the new nation; many more newspapers are started, representing all shades of political opinion.Daily LifeSociety of the Cincinnati, an elite American Revolutionary group, is established.Daily LifeNewspapers: The first daily newspaper in the U.S., "The Pennsylvania Evening Post," begins publication. Daily LifeTransportation: It takes Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) five days to travel from Philadelphia to Baltimore, about 90 miles. | Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: The first recorded manned flight in a hot air balloon takes place in Paris; the Montgolfier brothers pilot their paper and silk balloon for 22 minutes. | Social IssuesSlavery: Virginia emancipates those slaves who served in the colonial forces against Britain, provided that the slave's master gives permission.Social Issues Slavery: Affluent free blacks in New Orleans, Louisiana, organize the Perseverance, Benevolence and Mutual Aid Association to support their own interests and assist the poor. |
1784 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentSlavery: Congress narrowly defeats Thomas Jefferson’s (1743-1826) proposal to ban slavery in new territories after 1800.GovernmentPresidents: Zachary Taylor (1784-1950), 12th President of the U.S., is born November 24, near Barboursville, Virginia.GovernmentNorth Carolina cedes its western lands to the U.S. The state of Franklin (present-day east Tennessee) exists until 1888, when settlers accept renewed jurisdiction of North Carolina. WarRevolutionary War: The U.S. ratifies the treaty with England ending the Revolutionary War. | MedicineJohann von Goethe (1749-1837) discovers the human intermaxillary bone. InventionsSwiss inventor Aimé Argand (1755-1803) designs an oil burner. InventionsJoseph Bramah (1748-1814), English engineer, invents a pick-proof lock. | EducationSpecial Education: The first school for the blind is established in Paris. EducationHigher Education: King’s College in New York City becomes Columbia University.IdeasThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) publishes "Notes on Virginia." | Adams, AbigailAbigail Adams (1744-1818) joins husband, John (1735-1826), in Paris, where he is an ambassador.Jefferson, MarthaLucy Elizabeth II (1782-1784), daughter of Thomas and Martha Jefferson, dies October 13 from the "complicated evils of teething, worms and hooping cough." | EconomicsThe "Empress of China" sails from Salem, Massachusetts to Canton, China, establishing a route for the New England-China trade. Daily LifeThe first political cartoons by Thomas Rowlandson (1756-1827) are published. Daily LifeMagazines: "Gentlemen and Ladies’ Town and Country Magazine" begins publication as does "The American Mercury." | Sports Deer hunting at night in the Carolinas is made a misdemeanor because of the accidental slaughter of many cows and horses. Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: Vincent Lunardi (1759-1806) first ascends in a hot air balloon in England. Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: Elisabeth Thible becomes the first woman to go aloft as a passenger in a hot air balloon over Lyons, France. | ReligionThe first American bishop for the colonies is appointed. ReligionThe Great Awakening: John Wesley (1702-1791) publishes his Deed of Declaration, and Weslayan Methodism is chartered. ReligionWomen''s Firsts: Hannah Adams (1755-1832), the first American woman to support herself as a writer, publishes "An Alphabetical Compendium of the Various Sects." |
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1785 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentCongress passes the Land Ordinance of 1785 (Northwest Ordinance). GovernmentThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) becomes Minister to France and John Adams (1735-1826) becomes Minister to Great Britain. | InventionsChlorine bleach is invented. InventionsThe steam-powered loom is invented. | EducationThe London Society for the Establishment of Sunday Schools is founded. EducationPublic Education: The Northwest Ordinance stimulates the establishment of public schools through land grants by stipulating that certain amounts of land must be set aside for public education purposes.IdeasHot Air Balloons: Philip Freneau (1752-1832) suggests that hot air balloons could be used to travel to other planets. | Adams, AbigailAbigail Adams (1744-1818) continues as a diplomatic wife in London when John (1735-1826) is appointed the first U.S. minister to Great Britain. | EconomicsAmerican Money: The dollar becomes the official currency of the United States. EconomicsAnn Timothy holds the post Printer to the State of South Carolina. EconomicsTransportation: Regular stagecoach routes linking New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia begin operations. | Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: The first hot air balloon flight across the English Channel takes place. | Social IssuesSlavery: New York passes a gradual emancipation law, prohibits the importation of slaves, and allows masters to manumit slaves without posting bonds.Social IssuesSlavery: Virginia deems any person with black blood to be a mulatto and declares that the use of the term Negro is understood to include mulattos. |
1786 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
| ScienceGerman chemist M. H. Klaproth (1743-1817) discovers uranium. MedicineBenjamin Rush (1745-1813) suggests that some illnesses may be psychosomatic. MedicinePennsylvania Hospital opens an outpatient dispensary, a forerunner of free clinics. InventionsAmerican inventor James Rumsey (c.1743-1792), designs the first mechanically driven boat. | EducationEducation of Women: A government boarding school for girls is founded in Vienna for the education of teachers and governesses. EducationMuseums: The Philadelphia Museum is founded by Charles Wilson Peale (1741-1827).Arts and LettersPoetry: Robert Burns (1759-1796) publishes "Poems, chiefly in the Scottish dialect." Arts and LettersOpera: Mozart’s (1756-1791) "The Marriage of Figaro" is produced in Vienna. | Monroe, ElizabethElizabeth Kortright (1768-1830) marries James Monroe (1738-1851) in February when she is seventeen.Monroe, ElizabethEliza Kortright Monroe (1786-1835), daughter of President James Monroe and Elizabeth Monroe, is born. | EconomicsDebt-ridden farmers in western Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays (c.1745-1825), revolt against the state government, protesting high taxes, shortage of money, and insistent creditors. Shays’ Rebellion is crushed in 1787. EconomicsThe first ice cream is made commercially in New York City. | Sports Golf: The Charleston, NC Golf Club is established. Sports Mt. Blanc in the Alps is climbed for the first time. | ReligionA collection of sacred music for schools is the first book in the U.S. published with moveable type. ReligionThe Religious Freedom Act abolishes religious tests for voting in Virginia.Social IssuesNative Americans: The U.S. establishes first Native American reservation and policy of dealing with each tribe as an independent nation. |
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1787 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsA constitutional convention meets in Philadelphia to frame a Constitution; the Constitution of the U.S. is signed. GovernmentNew State: Delaware ratifies the Constitution and becomes the 1st state in the Union; Pennsylvania is 2nd state in the Union; New Jersey becomes the 3rd.GovernmentCongress enacts the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.GovernmentNational Capital: The new Constitution provides the the creation of a separate national capital, and the search for a site begins. | InventionsAmerican inventor John Fitch (1743-1798) launches a steamboat on the Delaware River. | EducationHigher Education: The College of Physicians of Philadelphia opens. EducationChildren''s Books: The first American edition of "Mother Goose Rhymes" is published by Isaiah Thomas (1749-1831Arts and LettersMozart (1756-1791) composes "Don Giovanni;" it premieres in Prague.IdeasJohn Adams (1735-1826) writes "A Defense of the Constitution of Government of the U.S.A." IdeasJames Madison (1751-1836) writes "The Vices of the Political System of the United States." | Washington, MarthaGeorge Washington (1732-1799) attends a concert given by Alexander Reinagle (c.1750-1809), finest pianist in the U.S. at the time; he later engages Reinagle to give music lessons to his daughter. | EconomicsThe first American cotton mill opens in Beverly, Massachusetts. Daily LifeOne of the first non-religious song books, A Select Collection of the Most Favorite Scots Tunes, is published in the U.S. by Alexander Rienagle. | | ReligionLucy Wright (1760-1821), successor to Ann Lee, dominates the period of the Shaker society’s greatest growth. ReligionBlack preacher Richard Allen (1760-1831) founds the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.ReformAbolition Movement: The Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade is formed by British Quakers. |
1788 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentNew State: Georgia ratifies the new Constitution and becomes the 4th state admitted to the Union; Connecticut becomes the 5th; Massachusetts is the 6th; Maryland is the 7th; South Carolina is the 8th; New Hampshire is the 9th; Virginia is the 10th; New York is the 11th.GovernmentNational Capital: New York City becomes the federal capital of the U.S.GovernmentNational Capital: Maryland and Virginia give land for a new federal capital. | ScienceThe Marquis Pierre Simon de Laplace (1749-1827) writes "Laws of the Planetary System."MedicineMobs riot in New York and Boston protesting the use of cadavers for dissection in medical schools.InventionsAndrew Meikle (1719-1811), Scottish millwright, patents a thrasher for removing husks from grain. | EducationHannah More (1745-1833) opens a school for illiterates in England and receives much opposition for educating laborers.EducationPublic Education: The Constitution gives the power to establish schools and license teachers to individual states rather than to the federal government.Ideas"The Federalist Papers" are published.IdeasEmmanuel Kant (1724-1804) writes "A Critique of Pure Reason." | Adams, AbigailAbigail (1744-1818) and John Adams (1735-1826) return to Braintree, MA from abroad.Taylor, MargaretMargaret “Peggy” Mackall Smith (1788-1852), future wife of President Zachary Taylor (1784–1850), is born in Calvert County, MD on September 21. | Economics"Northwest America," the first American ship built on the west coast, is launched.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Botany Bay in Australia becomes an English penal colony.Daily LifeThe first hortensia and fuchsia are imported to Europe from Peru.Daily LifeDisasters: Fire destroys more than 800 buildings in New Orleans. | | Social IssuesSlavery: New York passes a new comprehensive slave law, confirming that all current slaves are slaves for life.Social IssuesSlavery: Connecticut and Massachusetts forbid residents from participating in the slave trade. |
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1789 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Federal Judiciary Act creates the Supreme Court.LawChief Justices: President George Washington (1732-1799) nominates John Jay (1745-1829) as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court on September 24th. The Senate confirms the appointment on September 26th. After serving as Chief Justice for five years, Jay resigns from the Supreme Court on June 29, 1795. He is elected Governor of New York in 1796.LawThe Constitution of the United States goes into effect; the first ten amendments to the Constitution are introduced by the Congress.PoliticsGeorge Washington (1732-1799) is elected President of the U.S., and John Adams (1735-1826)is elected Vice President. PoliticsFirst Political Parties: The Federalist Party is formed.PoliticsTammany (Hall) is founded in New York City. PoliticsPolitical buttons first appear. GovernmentNew State: North Carolina ratifies the Constitution and becomes the 12th state admitted to the Union.WarFrench Revolution: The French Revolution begins. | MedicineEdward Holyoke (1728-1829), physician, publishes life expectancy table showing the Americans live longer than Europeans. InventionsEnglishman William Jessup designs first wagons with flanged wheels. | EducationHigher Education: Georgetown University is established in what is now Washington, D.C.EducationThe first modern chemistry textbook, "Elements of Chemistry," is published by Antoine Lavoisier (1743-1794); all illustrations are provided by his wife, Marie. EducationOne of the earliest complaints about a textbook is made by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison against a geography book written by Jedidiah Morse, who object to the popular text’s characterization of the young men of Virginia, as “gamblers, cockfighters, and horse-jockies”.IdeasJeremy Bentham (1748-1832), English barrister, publishes "An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation." | Washington, MarthaMartha Washington (1731-1802) becomes the nation’s first First Lady. She does not attend her husband''''s presidential inauguration, but joins him several weeks later in New York City, the nation''s first capital.Adams, AbigailJohn Adams (1735-1826) becomes Vice President; serves two terms under George Washington.Madison, DolleyDolley Paine’s (1764-1849) father loses his business in Philadelphia and is expelled from the Pine Street Monthly Meeting for failure to pay his debts. | EconomicsChristopher Colles (c.1738-1821) publishes the first American road map. EconomicsWomen''s Firsts: Mary Katherine Goddard (1738-1816) opens a Baltimore bookstore, probably the first woman in America to do so.Daily LifeChrysanthemums are introduced to Britain from the Orient. Daily LifeHolidays: Thanksgiving Day is celebrated as a national holiday for the first time. Daily LifeMagazines: The first periodical designed for children, "The Children’s Magazine," is published in Hartford, CT. | | ReformAbolition Movement: The Maryland Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Relief of Free Negroes and Others Unlawfully Held in Bondage is founded.ReformTemperance Movement: The first organized temperance group is formed by 200 farmers in Connecticut, who pledge not to drink alcoholic beverages during farming season. |
1790 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe first session of the Supreme Court takes place. GovernmentThe Copyright Act is passed with the help of Noah Webster.GovernmentPresidents: John Tyler (1790-1862), 10th President of the U.S., is born in Greenway, Virginia.GovernmentCongress gives George Washington (1732-1799) the power to choose the site for the new capitol.GovernmentU.S. President George Washington (1732-1799) delivers the first State of the Union address. GovernmentNew State: Rhode Island becomes the 13th state to ratify the Constitution and join the United States. | MedicineSamuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) rages against the prevalent practice of bloodletting as a universal cure and founds homeopathy.InventionsA foot-powered dental drill is invented by John Greenwood (1760-1819). | EducationEducation of Women: Catherine Macaulay’s (1731-1791) "Letters on Education" influences Mary Wollstonecraft’s thinking in "A Vindication of the Rights of Women" (1792). EducationPublic Education: Pennsylvania state constitution calls for free public education but only for poor children. It is expected that rich people will pay for their children's schooling. | Washington, MarthaThe Washingtons move to Philadelphia when the capital does.Madison, DolleyDolley Payne (1764-1849) marries John Todd, Jr., a Quaker lawyer, on January 7.Tyler, LetitiaLetitia Christian (1790-1842), first wife of President John Tyler (1790–1862), is born on her family''''s plantation, Cedar Grove, in Virginia on November 12. | EconomicsThe first American steam-powered cotton-processing machines are built, marking the beginning of the Industrial Revolution in the U.S. EconomicsPopulation: The first national census shows the American population at 4 million—about 25% in New England, 25% in the Middle States, and 50% in the South. | | ReligionThe first Roman Catholic bishop consecrated in America is John Carroll (1735-1815) of Baltimore. ReligionWomen’s Firsts: Mother Bernardina Matthews (1732-1800) establishes a Carmelite convent near Port Tobacco, Maryland, and the first community of Roman Catholic nuns in the Thirteen Colonies. ReligionThe first Roman Catholic Bible is published in the U.S. by Mathew Carey. Social IssuesSlavery: The First United States Census reveals that nearly 700,000 slaves live and toil in a nation of 3.9 million people.Social IssuesSlavery: Congress denies naturalization to anyone who is not a free white.Social IssuesSlavery: Congress advocates the expansion of slavery into the Southwest.Social IssuesImmigration: The federal government requires two years of residency for naturalization.ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: French philosopher Condorcet (1743-1794) writes "On the Admission of Women to Citizens’ Rights." |
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1791 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe first ten amendments of the U.S. Constitution (Bill of Rights) are ratified and become known as the Bill of Rights. GovernmentCongress passes the first internal revenue law, a tax of 20 to 30 cents on a gallon of distilled spirits. GovernmentNew State: Vermont becomes the 14th state in the U.S., ending 14 years as a republic. GovernmentNational Capital: The design of Washington, DC is developed by Pierre-Charles L’Enfant (1754-1825); President Washington (1732-1799) chooses a site along the Potomic River for the federal district; Congress names it the Territory of Columbia and the capital the City of Washington.
GovernmentPresidents: James Buchanan (1791-1868), 15th President of the U.S., is born April 23 in Cove Gap (near Mercersburg), Pennsylvania. | ScienceM.H. Klaproth (1743-1817) names the element titanium. | EducationHigher Education: The Philadelphia Academy becomes the University of Pennsylvania.Arts and LettersOpera: The first performance of Mozart’s (1756-1791) "Magic Flute" takes place in Vienna. Arts and LettersThe first opera house in the U.S. opens in New Orleans.IdeasThomas Paine (1737-1806) writes "The Rights of Man, Part I" in defense of the French Revolution. | Madison, DolleyDolley Payne Todd’s father, John Payne, dies; her mother opens a boarding house in Philadelphia.Jackson, RachelRachel Donelson Robards (1767-1828) marries Andrew Jackson )1767-1845) in New Orleans. | EconomicsThe first successful sugar refinery is opened in New Orleans. EconomicsAmerican Money: After adoption of the Constitution in 1789, Congress charters the First Bank of the United States until 1811 and authorizes it to issue paper bank notes to eliminate confusion and simplify trade. Daily LifeNewspapers: The ratification of the Bill of Rights at last guarantees the freedom of the press, and America's newspapers begin to take on a central role in national affairs.Daily LifeDancing: The waltz becomes fashionable in England. | | ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: The first French feminist magazine, Etrennes nationales des dames is founded on the principle that “women are equal to men in rights and in pleasure.” ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Etta Palm d’Aelders (1743-1799) speaks before the French National Assembly, promoting equal education for girls and equal rights for women. |
1792 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFirst Political Parties: The Democratic-Republican Party is formed under Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826). PoliticsGeorge Washington (1732-1799) and John Adams (1735-1826) are re-elected President and Vice President of the U.S. GovernmentNational Capital: The cornerstone of the White House is laid.GovernmentA U.S. mint is established in Philadelphia. GovernmentNew State: Kentucky becomes the 15th state in the U.S. WarCongress passes a national conscription act to require “each and every free able-bodied white male citizen of the republic” to serve in the U.S. militia. WarSlavery: Congress excludes blacks from military service. | | Arts and LettersLudwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) begins studying with Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809) in Vienna. Arts and LettersArchitecture: Irish-American architect James Hoban (1762-1831) begins to build the White House in Washington, DC. Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: Dance: Suzanne Vaillande (1778-1826) appears in "The Bird Catcher," in New York, the first ballet presented in the U.S. She was also probably the first woman to work as a choreographer and set designer in the United States.IdeasThomas Paine (1737-1806) writes "The Rights of Man, Part II."IdeasEducation of Women: Mary Wollstonecraft (1759-1797) writes "A Vindication of the Rights of Women." | Madison, DolleyDolley and John Todd, Jr. have a son, John Payne Todd (1792-1852) on February 29. He was later adopted by James Madison after Dolley and Madison were married. | EconomicsTwenty-four merchants meet on what is now Wall Street, signing the Buttonwood Agreement, creating the New York Stock Exchange. EconomicsAmerican Money: The federal monetary system is established with the creation of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, and dollar coins are minted for the first time in the U.S. DiscoveryThe Columbia River is discovered by Captain Robert Gray (1755-1806). | Popular CultureThe French national anthem, "La Marseillaise," is composed by Claude-Joseph Rouget de Lisle (1760-1836). | ReligionThe Baptist Missionary Society is founded in London. ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820) begins a series of essays titled "The Gleaner.” |
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1793 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentGeorge Washington (1732-1799) and John Adams (1735-1826) are inaugurated as President and Vice President of the U.S. GovernmentNational Capital: The cornerstone of the Capital Building is laid by President Washington (1732-1799).GovernmentSlavery: The Fugitive Slave Act compels escaped slaves to be returned to their masters.WarFrench Revolution: The Reign of Terror begins. | ScienceJean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744-1829) links fossils with similar living organisms. MedicineEpidemics: Yellow fever kills 5,000 people in Philadelphia. InventionsEli Whitney (1765-1825) invents the cotton gin. InventionsFrench engineer Claude Chappe (1763-1805) invents the mechanical semaphore. InventionsWomen's Firsts: Mrs. Samuel Slater obtains the first patent given to a woman in the U.S. for a method of producing cotton thread. | EducationAfrican American Education: Katy Ferguson (c.1774-1854), an ex-slave, founds her school for the poor in New York City; students include 28 Black children and 20 white children. EducationHigher Education: African American Education: Lucy Terry Prince (1724-1821) defends her son’s admission to Williams College, eloquently presenting African-American people’s desire for an education. Arts and LettersThe Louvre in Paris becomes a national art gallery. Arts and LettersPoetry: William Wordsworth (1770-1850) publishes his first poems. | Madison, DolleyA second son, William Temple Todd (1793-1793), is born to Dolley and John Todd, Jr. Several months later, an epidemic of yellow fever takes the life of this baby, as well as that of his father and his paternal grandparents. | EconomicsAmerican Money: The first American coins are struck. Daily LifeThe first public zoo opens in Paris. Daily LifeFrance becomes the first country to use the metric system. | Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: French aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard (1753-1809) makes the first hot air balloon flight over the North American continent. | ReligionRoman Catholicism is banned in France. |
1794 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution, limiting the power of the federal courts, is passed by Congress. GovernmentAmerican Flag: The Act of January 13, 1794 states that15 stripes and 15 stars will be added to the flag after May 1795. WarThe U.S. Navy is established. | ScienceErasmus Darwin (1731-1802), English physician, suggests the theory of evolution 50 years before his grandson, Charles Darwin (1809-1882) writes his own theory. InventionsThe cotton gin is patented by Eli Whitney (1765-1825). TechnologyThe first "telegraph"--a visual semaphore system--is developed by Claude Chappe (1763-1805) and established between Paris and Lille in France. | EducationTeacher Education: The Ecole Normale is founded in Paris to educate teachers. EducationHigher Education: The world’s first technical college, the Ecole Polytechnique, opens in Paris.Education"Elements of Geometry," by French mathematician Adrien-Marie Legendre (1752-1833) becomes the standard geometry text in Europe and North America. IdeasThomas Paine (1737-1806) writes "The Age of Reason." | Madison, DolleyDolley Payne Todd (1764-1849) is introduced to James Madison (1751-1836) by Aaron Burr (1756-1836) Madison and Dolley Todd are married on September 15 at her sister's estate in what is now West Virginia. Mrs. Madison is disavowed by the Quakers. Jackson, RachelRachel (1767-1828) and Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) marry a second time in Nashville on January 17. | EconomicsThe “Whiskey Rebellion”—a protest over the excise tax place on liquor--occurs in Pennsylvania. Daily LifeDuncan Phyfe (c.1768-1854), a cabinetmaker in New York, brings the elegant Sheraton and Regency furniture styles to the U.S. Daily LifePostal rates are usually paid by the person receiving the mail; amount is set by length of distance the mail travels. Daily LifeFashion: Men no longer powder their hair. | Popular CultureThe song, "Auld Lang Syne" is published; it was written by Robert Burns (1759-1796) in 1781. | |
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1795 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President George Washington (1732-1799) nominates John Rutledge (1739-1800) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He serves in that position as a recess appointee for four months, but the Senate refuses to confirm him.LawThe Eleventh Amendment to the Constitution, limiting the power of the federal courts, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.GovernmentThe Naturalization Act establishes a five-year residence requirement for citizenship. Members of the nobility entering the U.S. must give up their titles. GovernmentThe Treaty of San Lorenzo between the U.S. and Spain draws the boundary with Florida and gives the U.S. the right to navigate the Mississippi River. GovernmentPresidents: James Knox Polk, 11th President of the U.S., is born in Mecklanburg County, North Carolina. | ScienceMartin H. Klaproth (1743-1817) names the element titanium.InventionsRobert Fulton (1765-1815) patents the first power-shovel for digging canals.TechnologyFrancois Appert (1750-1841) designs a preserving jar for foods. | EducationHigher Education: The University of North Carolina, the first state university in the U.S., accepts its first student, Hinton James.EducationPublic Education: Connecticut sells its land in the Western territories for $1.2 million and uses the proceeds to establish a permanent school fund.Arts and LettersThe American Academy of Fine Arts holds its first exhibition in Philadelphia. | | EconomicsTransportation: Railroad History: The first horse-drawn railroad appears in England. EconomicsThe metric system is officially adopted in France.Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Anne Parrish establishes, in Philadelphia, the House of Industry, the first charitable organization for women in America. | | ReligionFreedom of worship is declared in France. ReformLabor Movement: The Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers (shoemakers) is founded, one of the earliest unions in the U.S. |
1796 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President George Washington (1732-1799) nominates Oliver Ellsworth (1745-1807)as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He is immediately confirmed by the Senate as remains as Chief Justice until his resignation in 1800.PoliticsGeorge Washington (1732-1826) refuses a third term, warns against the dangers of foreign entanglements.PoliticsJohn Adams (1735-1826)and Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) are elected President and Vice-President.GovernmentNew State: Tennessee becomes the 16th state in the U.S. | ScienceHorace de Saussure (1740-1799) coins the term geology in his work Travels in the Alps.MedicineEnglish physician Edward Jenner (1749-1823) introduces vaccination against smallpox.TechnologyJames Finley (1768-1822) builds America’s first suspension bridge across Jacob’s Creek in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania. TechnologyBattery Technology: From 1796 - 1799, Alessandro Volta (1745 – 1827) experimented with zinc and silver plates to produce electric currents at the Pavia University. Volta stacked the two to form a "pile", the first "dry" battery. | Arts and LettersLiterature: The first complete works of William Shakespeare (1564-1616) are published in the U.S. | Harrison, AnnaElizabeth "Betsey" Bassett Harrison Short (1796-1846), the oldest daughter of William Henry and Anna Harrison, is born September 29. | EconomicsZane’s Trace, which becomes one of the main routes traveled by migrants to the west, begins construction. Daily LifeThe elephant is brought to the United States from India. | Sports Billiards is a popular game in the South. | |
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1797 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
Government John Adams (1735-1826) and Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) are inaugurated as President and Vice-President of the United States.
GovernmentTennessee Senator William Blount (1749-1800) becomes the first senator to be impeached.WarThe U.S.S. Constitution, “Old Ironsides,” is launched in Boston Harbor. | MedicineThe Royal Society in England rejects Edward Jenner’s (1749-1823) smallpox vaccination technique. TechnologyA washing machine is patented by Nathaniel Briggs.TechnologyAmerica’s first iron plow is patented by Charles Newbold, amid rumors that the iron would poison the soil and increase weeds. TechnologyThe vacuum bottle is designed. | | Washington, MarthaMartha (1731-1802) and George (1732-1799) Washington retire to their home at Mount Vernon. Martha wrote to a friend, “The General and I feel like children just released from school.”Madison, DolleyJames (1751-1836) and Dolley Madison (1764-1849) move from Philadelphia to their home at Montpelier, in Orange County, the Virginia piedmont. | EconomicsOne pound notes are issued for the first time by the Bank of England. | Sports Hot Air Balloons: The first parachute jump from a balloon is made by Andre-Jacques Garnerin (1770-1823). | ReligionAnn Griffiths (1776-1805) joins the Methodists and begins composing hymns for them. ReligionThe Pocket Hymn Book, containing words but not music, is published; it is widely used at revival camp meetings. |
1798 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Federalist majority in Congress adds nine years to the requirement for citizenship. GovernmentCongress passes the Alien and Sedition Acts, permitting the arrest and deportation of any “dangerous” alien and restricting political opposition.GovernmentThe U.S. Public Health Service and the U.S. Marine Hospital is authorized. | ScienceLouis Nicholas Vauquelin (1763-1829) discovers the element beryllium.MedicineEpidemics: A yellow fever epidemic kills over 2,000 people in Philadelphia. MedicineThe English dermatologist, Robert Willan (1757 ~ 1812) recognizes psoriasis as an independent disease.InventionsGerman inventor Aloys Senefelder (1771-1834) invents lithography. InventionsEli Whitney (1765-1825) invents a milling machine. InventionsRobert Fulton (1765-1815) invents a four-man, hand-operated submarine. | EducationHannah More (1745-1833) is forced to close her school for working-class children on a trumped-up charge of being an unregistered meeting place for Dissenters. Arts and LettersPoetry: "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" is published by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834). IdeasThomas R. Malthus (1766-1834) writes his "Essay on the Principle of Population." | Harrison, AnnaJohn Cleves Symmes Harrison (1798-1830), son of William Henry and Anna Harrison, is born October 28.Fillmore, AbigailAbigail Powers (1798-1853), future wife of President Millard Fillmore (1800–1874), is born in Stillwater, New York, on March 13. She is the fourth of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives. | | Popular CultureJoseph Hopkinson (1770-1842) writes the patriotic song, “Hail Columbia.” | ReligionCatholic women forced to do penance for kindling Sabbath fire for Jews. |
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1799 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe first U.S. printed ballots were authorized in Pannsylvania.GovernmentCongress standardizes U.S. weights and measures.GovernmentGracie Mansion, home of New York City mayors, is completed. | ScienceThe Rosetta Stone is found near Rosetta, Egypt; when it is translated, it makes the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphics possible. TechnologyAirplanes: Sir George Cayley (1773-1857), a baronet in Yorkshire, near Scarborough, England, conceives a craft with stationary wings to provide lift and "flappers" to provide thrust. It also has a movable tail to provide control. | EducationJohann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827) opens his school in Burgdorf, Switzerland. EducationA 14-year-old boy graduates from Rhode Island College. Such ability among children is not uncommon; infants of 3 are sometimes taught to read Latin as soon as they are taught English. | Washington, MarthaGeorge Washington (1732-1799), first President of the U.S., dies of a throat infection at his home at Mount Vernon.Monroe, ElizabethJ.S Monroe (1799-1801), the only son of President James Monroe and Elizabeth Monroe, is born. | EconomicsAlexander Hamilton (1755-1804) describes American industry in "Report on the Subject of Manufactures." EconomicsRussia grants the Russian-American Company a monopoly of trade in Alaska.DiscoveryA perfectly preserved mammoth is found in Siberia. Daily LifeThe metric system is established in France. | | Social IssuesSlavery: Virginia banishes white mothers of mulattos with their children.ReformLabor Movement: The first recorded use of the term scabs, used to refer to those who take the place of striking workers, occurs during a Philadelphia shoemakers’ strike. |
1800 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) is elected the 3rd President of the U.S. and Aaron Burr (1756-1836) is elected the 3rd Vice President.GovernmentNational Capital: Washington, DC is established as the capital of the United States; Congress meets there for the first time.GovernmentThe U.S. Congress passes the first bankruptcy law; founding father Robert Morris is released from debtors’ prison. GovernmentSpain cedes the Louisiana territory to France.GovernmentCongress divides the Northwest Territory into two territories, Indiana and Ohio. GovernmentPresidents: Millard Fillmore (1800-1874), 13th President of the U.S., is born in Locke Township (now Summerhill), New York. | ScienceWilliam Herschel (1738-1822) discovers infrared light. MedicineBenjamin Waterhouse (1754-1846) gives the first smallpox vaccination in the U.S. to his son. MedicineHumphry Davy (1778-1829) announces the anaesthetic properties of nitrous oxide.InventionsRailroad History: Oliver Evans (1755-1819), an American, creates the earliest successful non-condensing high pressure stationary steam-engineInventionsAlessandro Volta (1745-1827) invents the electric battery. InventionsAn iron-framed printing press is invented by Charles Stanhope (1753-1816), thus allowing large sheet printing. TechnologyBattery Technology: By 1800 Volta (1745-1827) had created the "crown of cups", a modified arrangement of zinc and silver discs dipped in a salt solution. | EducationLibraries: The Library of Congress is proposed by John Adams. Arts and LettersPoetry: William Wordsworth (1770-1850) begins the period known as European Romanticism. Arts and LettersParson Weems (1759-1825) writes "The Life of Washington," creating a number of myths about the first American president. Arts and LettersC.B. Brown (1771-1810) publishes "Arthur Mervyn," a realistic description of the yellow fever epidemic in Philadelphia that took the lives of Dolley Madison’s husband and infant son. | Adams, AbigailJohn Adams (1735-1826) and Abigail Adams (1744-1818) are the first U.S. President and First Lady to actually live in the new capital, Washington, DC. Abigal is also the first wife of a president to live in the White House. Adams, AbigailCharles Adams (1770-1800), son of Abigail and John Adams, dies at age 30 of cirrhosis of the liver.Harrison, AnnaLucy Singleton Harrison Este (1800-1826), daughter of William Henry and Anna Harrison, is born in September. Fillmore, AbigailAbigail Powers' (1898-1853) father, a Baptist minister named Lemuel Powers, dies when she is two. | EconomicsPopulation: The population of Washington, DC is 2,464 free citizens and 623 slaves.EconomicsPopulation: The second national census puts the U.S. population at 5.3 million, including more than 800,000 slaves. EconomicsWilliam Young of Philadelphia is the first American shoemaker to make different shoes for the left and right feet. Daily LifeFireboats are in use in New York harbor. | Sports Boxing: Bill Richmond (1763-1829), a former slave, becomes one of the first popular boxers. Popular CultureMount Vernon Gardens becomes the site of the first summer theatre in the U.S.Popular CultureU.S. Marine Band gives its first concert near the future site of the Lincoln Memorial. | ReligionJohn Chapman (1774-1845) (Johnny Appleseed) begins spreading religious tracts and apple seeds in pioneer communities in the midwest.ReligionThe Church of the United Brethren in Christ is founded in the U.S.ReligionThe Boston Female Society for Missionary Purposes is founded to fund the education of missionaries, initially male, but later also female.Social IssuesSlavery: A slave named Gabriel Prosser (1775-1800), believing himself called by God, organizes a plot to kill all whites in Virginia, sparing only Quakers, Methodists, and French. The conspirators meet under the pretense of holding religious meetings. ReformElizabeth Peck Perkins (1735?-1807) founds the Boston Female Asylum, the first charitable institution for women there.ReformUtopian Movement: Robert Owen (1771-1858) takes over New Lanark mills in Scotland and begins social reforms there. |
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1801 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President John Adams (1735-1826) nominates John Marshall (1755-1835) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He serves for 34 years, longer than any other Chief Justice. GovernmentGreat Britain and Ireland unite, creating the United Kingdom; its flag is the Union Jack. GovernmentThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) presents his first annual message to Congress in writing.GovernmentThomas Jefferson (1743-1826) and Aaron Burr (1756-1836) are inaugurated as the 3rd President and Vice President of the U.S.
GovernmentNational Capital: Congress takes jurisdiction over the District of Columbia.WarNorth African War: The North African state of Tripoli declares war on the United States to compel the young nation to pay tribute to commerce-raiding Arab corsairs. | ScienceThe first asteroid is discovered by Italian monk and professor of astronomy Giussepe Piazzi (1746-1826). ScienceJ.J. Lalande (1732-1807) catalogues 47,300 stars. ScienceLamarck (1744-1829) develops a classification system for invertebrate animals. InventionsRobert Fulton (1765-1815), civil engineer, produces the first submarine, “Nautilis.” InventionsRichard Trevithick (1771-1833) invents the first steam powered locomotive (designed for roads). | EducationCatholic Education: The first Roman Catholic school in New York is established.EducationLibraries: The Library of Congress is established by a vote of the Congress.EducationThe Royal College of Surgeons is founded in London.Arts and LettersIn France Napoleon opened the Louvre to the public.IdeasGerman philosopher Friedrich von Schelling (1755-1829) writes "System of Transcendental Idealism," a treatise on the philosophy of nature, which influences the development of Romanticism in Europe. | Adams, AbigailJohn (1735-1826) and Abigail (1744-1818) Adams retire to Braintree.Madison, DolleyJames Madison (1751-1836) becomes Secretary of State and the Madisons move to the new capital, Washington, DC. Dolley Madison (1768-1849) finds herself a social leader in the city. Madison, DolleyDolley Madison (1768-1849) becomes an unofficial White House hostess for Jefferson, whose wife, Martha, died in 1782. Madison, DolleyJames Madison’s father dies; Madison inherits Montpelier.Monroe, ElizabethJ.S Monroe (1799-1801), the only son of President James Monroe and Elizabeth Monroe, dies on September 28 at age two. Cause of death is unknown. Adams, LouisaGeorge Washington Adams (1801-1829), son of President John Quincy Adams and Louisa Adams, is born April 12. | EconomicsGreat Britain’s first complete census finds the population at 11 million, one quarter of it urban. DiscoveryMastodon fossils are discovered on a New York farm, the first such fossils of the extinct mammal. DiscoveryLewis and Clark: Lewis (1774-1811) is asked by President Jefferson (1743-1826) to be his secretary-aide. Daily LifeNewspapers: The New York "Evening Post" is first published. | | ReligionThe “Plan of Union” permits Congregationalists and Presbyterian ministers to serve in each other’s churches, thus helping to spread Protestantism to frontier communities. ReligionCatholics are excluded from voting in the United Kingdom and Ireland. |
1802 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentNational Capitol: Congress passes an act calling for the establishment of a library within the U.S. capitol. GovernmentGeorgia cedes her western lands to the U.S., the last of the original states to do so. WarRevolutionary War: The U.S. and Great Britain settle Revolutionary War claims for $2,664,000. | ScienceSamuel Hutton explains the natural processes involved in changes in the earth’s crust.ScienceThe role of capillaries in pumping blood is explained by Scottish physicist John Leslie. ScienceJohn Dalton (1766-1844) introduces atomic theory into chemistry. ScienceThe term “biology” is coined by German naturalist Gottfried Treviranus (1776-1837). MedicineJames Smith opens a clinic in Maryland that offers free smallpox vaccinations to the poor. | EducationHigher Education: The U.S. Military Academy at West Point is founded. EducationLibraries: The Library of Congress issues its first catalog: total holdings, 964 volumes and 9 maps. EducationLibraries: John Beckley (1757-1807) becomes the first Librarian of Congress; he is paid $2/day. IdeasEducation of Women: German feminist Amalie Holst publishes "On the Capacity of Women for Higher Education." IdeasDaniel Webster (1782-1852) writes "The Rights of Neutral Nations in Time of War." | Washington, MarthaMartha Dandridge Custis Washington (1731-1802) dies of “severe fever” on May 22 at Mt. Vernon. Harrison, AnnaWilliam Henry Harrison (1802-1838), son of William Henry and Anna Harrison, is born September 3. | EconomicsMerino sheep are imported to the U.S. from Spain. DiscoveryMatthew Flinders (1744-1814) lands on a 96-mile-long island south-west of Adelaide and slaughtered 31 kangaroos for a feast. This 3rd largest island off Australia was thus named Kangaroo Island. | Sports Horse Racing: New York State prohibits public horse races, only allowing them at private jockey clubs. Popular CultureThe first comic book, "The Wasp," is published. Popular CultureThe first chess book, "Chess Made Easy," is published in Philadelphia. | Religion"The Genius of Christianity," by Chateaubriand (1768-1848), attempts to answer the attacks of the Enlightenment by stressing its role in the growth of European culture.ReformLabor Movement: The first important labor law protecting children is passed in Great Britain. |
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