Historical Events from This Year 1718 (View all 7)
Foundation of New Orleans by Bienville
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, established the city of New Orleans in the region of Louisiana. This strategic location was chosen for its proximity to the Mississippi River, facilitating trade and settlement. By laying out the city grid, Bienville envisioned a vibrant port and cultural hub influenced by French colonial designs. His efforts were focused on creating a stronghold for the French in North America amidst the competition for colonial territories.
Continue ReadingDevastating Tongwei–Gansu Earthquake Impact
A powerful earthquake struck the Tongwei-Gansu region, causing widespread devastation and triggering catastrophic landslides. With an estimated death toll of at least 73,000 people, the natural disaster obliterated entire villages and caused significant damage to infrastructure. The event was a stark reminder of the seismic activity in the region, impacting the Qing Dynasty's approach to disaster response and management. Recovery efforts were hampered by the scale of the destruction, leading to long-term impacts on the local population and economy.
Continue ReadingTsarevich Alexei's Mysterious Death
Alexei Petrovich, the son of Peter the Great, died under mysterious circumstances after being sentenced to death by his father. Accused of plotting against Peter, Alexei's death raised questions regarding the political climate of Russia during his father's reign. The incident occurred within the confines of the Peter and Paul Fortress in Saint Petersburg, an emblematic site of Russian power and authority. His demise transpired shortly after receiving a harsh sentence, leading to speculation about whether it was an execution or an accident.
Continue ReadingTreaty of Passarowitz Concludes Conflicts
The Treaty of Passarowitz was signed between the Ottoman Empire, Austria, and the Republic of Venice, concluding a series of conflicts in the Balkans. This agreement was reached after negotiations that aimed to restore peace and redefine territorial boundaries after the Great Turkish War and the conflicts that followed. The treaty involved significant concessions and adjustments, particularly for the Ottoman Empire, which ceded territory to Austria and Venice, establishing a new balance of power in the region. It marked an important step toward stability in Southeast Europe.
Continue ReadingConstruction of Kadriorg Palace Initiated
Tsar Peter the Great of Russia commissioned the Kadriorg Palace for his wife, Catherine, in Tallinn. The construction began as a demonstration of Peter's architectural ambitions and a token of his affection. The palace was designed in the Baroque style, featuring beautiful gardens and artworks, symbolizing the Tsar's desire to extend Russian influence in the Baltic region. It marked a significant cultural development in Tallinn.
Continue ReadingRobert Maynard's Confrontation with Blackbeard
Royal Navy Lieutenant Robert Maynard led an assault against pirate Edward Teach, famously known as Blackbeard, off the North Carolina coast. Maynard's forces boarded Teach's ship in an intense naval battle that resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of Maynard's first officer, Mister Hyde, and the infamous pirate himself. This confrontation marked a pivotal moment in the decline of piracy in the region.
Continue ReadingBorn in 1718 (View all 26)
Israel Putnam
Served as a general in the American Revolutionary War. Participated in the Battle of Bunker Hill, where decisive leadership was exhibited. Spent early life as a farmer and gained experience in military affairs during the French and Indian War. His prominence grew as a military commander for the Continental Army, contributing to various campaigns.
Continue ReadingPaul Rabaut
Born in France in 1718, a significant figure in the French Protestant Reformation. Played a crucial role in the spread of the Evangelical Reformed faith within France during the 18th century. Faced persecution due to religious beliefs and emphasized the importance of faith and community among those adhering to Reformed Protestantism. Helped establish a network of churches and religious institutions to support Protestants in France, particularly during a time of severe repression. Contributed extensively to religious literature and preaching, inspiring future generations of protestants in the region. Died in 1794, leaving a lasting legacy for Protestant communities in France.
Continue ReadingJohan Ernst Gunnerus
Born in Norway, pursued a career in the church while simultaneously engaging in scientific observations. Contributed significantly to the study of botany and zoology. Founded the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters in 1760. Noted for extensive correspondence with other naturalists and for published works that included studies on local flora and fauna. Served as a bishop and was instrumental in promoting education and science within the church community.
Continue ReadingMariana Victoria of Spain
Born in 1718, Mariana Victoria of Spain was an Infanta of Spain and later became the Queen consort of Portugal through marriage. She was a daughter of King Philip V of Spain and Queen consort Maria Luis of Savoy. In 1729, she married King Joseph I of Portugal, thus solidifying an important political alliance between Spain and Portugal. During her time as queen consort, she contributed to the Portuguese court's cultural life and had a significant role in the upbringing of the royal children. Her marriage marked a period of relative peace between the two kingdoms, and she navigated the complex political landscape of the Iberian Peninsula.
Continue ReadingBenjamin Kennicott
Born in England in 1718, a prominent theologian and biblical scholar dedicated to textual criticism. The meticulous examination of manuscripts and key biblical texts led to significant contributions in the field of theology. Served as a fellow at Exeter College, Oxford, where scholarly pursuits flourished. Engaged deeply with Hebrew studies and published critical works that highlighted textual variants in the Old Testament, establishing a foundation for future scholars in theology. His efforts in the development of biblical scholarship paved the way for greater understanding of biblical texts among academics and theologians.
Continue ReadingHugh Blair
An important figure in the Church of Scotland, this individual served as a minister and became a prominent preacher. Recognized for preaching influential sermons, he also contributed to the literary world as an author. His works focused on eloquence and moral improvement. Notably, he published a series of sermons that reflected his views on ethics and religion, which gained significant attention during his time. Through his writings, he engaged with contemporary issues and offered insights into moral philosophy and public discourse.
Continue ReadingPeople Who Died in 1718 (View all 16)
Giovanni Vincenzo Gravina
Contributed significantly to the field of law through writings and legal theory. Focused on civil law and its applications, emphasizing the importance of legal certainty and the role of custom in law. Engaged in scholarly debates on the nature of law and ethics, influencing future generations of legal thinkers. Served as a professor of law, disseminating knowledge and shaping legal education in Italy during the early 18th century.
Continue ReadingBenjamin Church
Served as a colonel in the British Army during the early colonial period. Played a significant role in King Philip's War, leading colonial forces against Native American tribes in New England. Founded the Church Company, contributing to colonial military tactics. His military strategies were influential in the development of American colonial defense.
Continue ReadingMary of Modena
Married James II of England and became Queen consort. Played a significant role during the Glorious Revolution, which led to the overthrow of her husband. Fled to France after the revolution and lived in exile. Supported the Jacobite cause to restore her husband and later her son to the throne.
Continue ReadingArnold van Keppel
Served as a soldier and statesman in both Dutch and English armies during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Participated in the Williamite War in Ireland, distinguishing himself in various battles. Held the title of 1st Earl of Albemarle after being granted the honor by Queen Anne. His military service included important campaigns in the Low Countries.
Continue ReadingAlexei Petrovich
The son of Tsar Peter the Great, held the title of Tsarevich. Struggled with conflict regarding reforms initiated by his father. Opposed Peter's westernization policies and maintained traditionalist views. Faced arrest due to suspected opposition and conspiracy against Peter. Died in custody under controversial circumstances.
Continue ReadingÉtienne Baluze
Significant contributions were made to the fields of history and philology. Published works included critical editions of classical texts and important historical documents. Played a notable role in the academic community, especially in the study of the history of the Church and the French monarchy. Served as a librarian for the royal family and held positions at various prestigious institutions.
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