What Happened This Year 1733

Historical Events from This Year 1733

Politics & Government

James Oglethorpe Establishes the Colony of Georgia

February 12th, 1733 292 years ago

James Oglethorpe, an Englishman, established Georgia, the 13th colony of the Thirteen Colonies, by settling at Savannah. Oglethorpe aimed to create a refuge for debtors and others in need, providing them an opportunity for a new life. The land received its royal charter and was strategically located between British South Carolina and Spanish Florida, serving as a buffer against Spanish expansion. Savannah became the first city, planned out with a grid layout, reflecting Oglethorpe’s vision and ideals of reform and philanthropy.

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Crime & Law

Settlers' Rights to Enslave Natives Affirmed

May 29th, 1733 291 years ago

In Quebec City, settlers received judicial confirmation of their rights to enslave Indigenous peoples in New France. This decision followed ongoing tension and escalated skirmishes between settlers and Native communities. The ruling underscored the legal framework supporting colonial power dynamics over Indigenous populations, providing a precedent that prioritized settler interests. The implications of this ruling contributed to the marginalization of Native societies.

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Cultural Traditions

First Masonic Grand Lodge Constituted in USA

July 30th, 1733 291 years ago

The first Grand Lodge of Freemasons in the future United States was formed in Massachusetts. This foundational event marked the establishment of a fraternal organization that would significantly influence American society and values. The Grand Lodge was founded under a charter from the Premier Grand Lodge of England, reflecting the connection between American and British Freemasonry. Members included prominent locals who sought to promote the principles of brotherhood, charity, and moral uprightness through ritual and community engagement.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Start of the Slave Insurrection on St. John

November 23rd, 1733 291 years ago

On November 23, enslaved Africans on St. John in the Danish West Indies initiated a large-scale uprising against their enslavers. This revolt, driven by the oppressive conditions and desire for freedom, quickly escalated as the enslaved population coordinated efforts to resist their captivity. The insurrection showcased the resilience and unity of the enslaved individuals in their struggle for liberation, marking a significant moment in Caribbean history.

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