What Happened This Year 1682

Historical Events from This Year 1682

Exploration & Discovery

La Salle Claims Mississippi River for France

April 9th, 1682 342 years ago

Robert Cavelier de La Salle explored the Mississippi River, reaching its mouth where he claimed the expansive territory for France. Naming it Louisiana after King Louis XIV, La Salle's journey marked a significant moment in the French colonization of North America, expanding French interests and influence in the region. His voyage was pivotal in establishing French territories and has since been identified as a key exploration in the age of discovery.

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Politics & Government

Louis XIV Establishes Court at Versailles

May 6th, 1682 342 years ago

In a strategic move to centralize power, Louis XIV relocated his court from Paris to the lavish Palace of Versailles. This change allowed the sun king to exert greater control over his nobility by inviting them to live in the palace under his watchful eye. The grand opening of Versailles symbolized the absolute monarchy and marked the beginning of a new cultural era in France, with elaborate ceremonies and celebrations reflecting the king's authority.

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Politics & Government

William Penn Acquires Delaware for Pennsylvania

August 24th, 1682 342 years ago

William Penn received a charter for the area now known as Delaware, formally incorporating it into his larger colony of Pennsylvania. This acquisition was significant as it extended the geographic and political reach of Pennsylvania, establishing a framework for further colonial governance and settlement. The land was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples and represented both opportunities and challenges for Penn and his settlers as they sought to create a Quaker society in a diverse environment.

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Education & Academia

Founding of Bishop Gore School in Swansea

September 14th, 1682 342 years ago

Bishop Gore School, established in Swansea, Wales, was founded to provide quality education for local boys. It emerged from the efforts of Bishop William Gore, who aimed to promote scholarly endeavors and moral upbringing. This institution has stood the test of time, evolving and growing, while maintaining its commitment to education. Known for its rigorous standards, Bishop Gore School became one of the leading educational establishments in Wales.

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Politics & Government

Philadelphia Established by William Penn

October 27th, 1682 342 years ago

In 1682, William Penn laid the foundation for Philadelphia, named to honor his friend, Sir William Penn. This city was envisioned as a place of religious freedom and tolerance, specifically for Quakers and other persecuted groups. Located in present-day Pennsylvania, the city was strategically placed at the confluence of major transportation routes, making it a hub for trade and commerce. The town was meticulously planned with a grid layout, which was relatively progressive at the time, symbolizing Penn's ideals of order and community.

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Born in 1682 (View all 15)

Giovanni Battista Morgagni

Italian anatomist, father of pathology
Born
February 25th, 1682 343 years ago
Died
December 6th, 1771 253 years ago — 89 years old

Contributions to medical science include foundational work in pathology, establishing the importance of anatomical study in understanding disease. Writings included 'De Sedibus et Causis Morborum,' which emphasized the correlation between clinical symptoms and autopsy findings. This work laid the groundwork for modern pathology and greatly influenced subsequent medical practices. Held a prominent academic position at the University of Padua, contributing to the education of future generations of physicians.

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John Hadley

Mathematician and inventor of the octant
Born
April 16th, 1682 342 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1744 281 years ago — 61 years old

Contributions to mathematics and navigation included the invention of the octant, an important navigational instrument used at sea. The octant allowed sailors to measure angles up to 90 degrees and later influenced the development of more advanced tools. Hadley published works detailing the principles of the octant and its applications in navigation, contributing to the field of celestial navigation. His innovations aided explorers and navigators in more accurately determining their positions at sea, proving crucial during the Age of Discovery.

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Bartholomew Roberts

Welsh pirate with numerous ship captures
Born
May 17th, 1682 342 years ago
Died
1722 303 years ago — 40 years old

Born in 1682, a notable figure in the Golden Age of Piracy who became one of the most successful pirates of the early 18th century. Stole over 400 ships across the Atlantic and West Indies, establishing a reputation for both daring and efficiency. Commanded a fleet that threatened shipping lanes and maintained a base of operations off the coast of West Africa. Captured several notable ships, including the Royal Fortune and the Chappell. Killed in action in 1722 while engaging a British naval vessel.

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Charles XII

Swedish King and military leader
Born
June 17th, 1682 342 years ago
Died
1718 307 years ago — 36 years old

A monarch who reigned over Sweden from 1697 to 1718, presiding over a significant military campaign known as the Great Northern War. Ascended to the throne at the age of 15, leading troops into battle against a coalition of Denmark-Norway, Russia, and Saxony-Poland. Demonstrated remarkable leadership in battles such as the Battle of Narva and the Battle of Poltava. During the war, faced a series of challenges that resulted in Sweden's territorial changes and eventually led to his death in battle. His ambitions and military strategies have been studied in historical contexts regarding warfare and statecraft.

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Roger Cotes

Mathematician, co-editor of 'Principia'
Born
July 10th, 1682 342 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1716 308 years ago — 33 years old

An English mathematician and astronomer contributed significantly to the field of mathematics during the early 18th century. Cotes served as the Plumian Professor of Astronomy and Experimental Philosophy at the University of Cambridge. He worked closely with Isaac Newton, co-editing the second edition of 'Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica', a foundational text in physics and mathematics. Cotes is recognized for his advancements in calculus and his work on the nature of light. His life was cut short at the age of 39, but his contributions to mathematics and astronomy remained influential.

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Louis, Duke of Burgundy

Noble leader during the French regency
Born
August 16th, 1682 342 years ago
Died
1712 313 years ago — 30 years old

Born into the French royal family, held the title of Duke of Burgundy and served as the second in line to the French throne. Actively participated in courtly affairs and military campaigns during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His marriage to the Spanish Infanta Maria Anna solidified political alliances. His premature death at the age of 29 curtailed his potential influence in the kingdom.

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People Who Died in 1682 (View all 18)

Alessandro Stradella

Italian composer of Baroque music
Born
1639 386 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1682 343 years ago — 43 years old

An influential composer during the Baroque period, produced numerous operas, oratorios, and sacred music. Active primarily in the late 17th century, his compositions showcased innovative harmonic techniques and expressive melodies. Worked in various cities including Rome and Venice, where he collaborated with prominent musicians and was involved in the development of early opera. Despite a tumultuous life marked by personal conflicts and struggles, left a significant legacy in Italian music, influencing later composers.

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Jacob van Ruisdael

Dutch landscape painter and etcher
Born
1628 397 years ago
Died
March 10th, 1682 343 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent Dutch landscape painter and etcher of the 17th century, this artist specialized in depicting natural scenes and rural life. Renowned for masterful use of light and shadow, the painter produced many notable works that greatly influenced landscape painting. The mastery of paint technique is evident in works such as 'View of Haarlem with Bleaching Fields' and 'The Jewish Cemetery'. This artist's impactful contributions to the Dutch Golden Age of painting established a lasting legacy in the art world.

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Franz Egon of Fürstenberg

Bavarian bishop and prince-elector
Born
1625 400 years ago
Died
April 1st, 1682 342 years ago — 57 years old

This individual served as a prominent Bavarian bishop in the 17th century. Ascending to the position of prince-elector, he played a significant role in the ecclesiastical and political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. His tenure was marked by a commitment to the Catholic Church and the Counter-Reformation. The bishopric under his leadership saw efforts to bolster the power of the Church in Bavaria amidst various political challenges. The contributions to the ecclesiastical governance during this period remained influential in shaping local religious policies.

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Bartolomé Esteban Murillo

Spanish painter of religious works
Born
1618 407 years ago
Died
April 3rd, 1682 342 years ago — 64 years old

Born in Seville, a prominent figure in Spanish Baroque painting. Developed a distinctive style characterized by warm color palettes and naturalistic figures. Focused on religious themes, producing notable works for churches and private collections. Contributed to the artistic education of others and was influential in the art community of his time. His legacy includes a vast body of work that has been studied and revered for centuries.

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Avvakum

Russian priest and saint
Born
November 20th, 1620 404 years ago
Died
April 14th, 1682 342 years ago — 61 years old

A priest in the Russian Orthodox Church, played a significant role in the 17th-century church schism known as the Old Believers' movement. Advocated for traditional practices and resisted reforms introduced by the Patriarch of Moscow. Imprisoned multiple times due to opposition to the church leadership and reforms. Canonized as a saint after death, leading to recognition among the Old Believers.

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Feodor III of Russia

Tsar of Russia known for domestic reforms
Born
June 9th, 1661 363 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1682 342 years ago — 20 years old

Ruled as Tsar of Russia from 1676 until death in 1682. Focused on administrative reforms and strengthening central authority. Reorganized local governments and minimized the power of the nobility. Engaged in military campaigns against Poland and the Crimean Khanate while addressing internal issues. Died at a young age, leaving a significant impact on subsequent rulership.

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