What Happened This Year 1751

Historical Events from This Year 1751

Religion & Philosophy

Pope Benedict XIV establishes Udine and Gorizia

July 6th, 1751 273 years ago

Pope Benedict XIV suppressed the Patriarchate of Aquileia and created the Archdiocese of Udine and Gorizia, reallocating ecclesiastical authority in the region. This restructuring aimed to streamline church governance and reduce the influence of local powers. It was part of broader reform efforts initiated by the Pope to centralize authority within the Catholic Church and improve administration across territories, especially in northern Italy.

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Education & Academia

Foundation of the Theresian Military Academy

December 14th, 1751 273 years ago

The Theresian Military Academy was founded in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, as a prestigious institution for training military officers. Established by Empress Maria Theresa, its aim was to create a well-educated officer corps in response to the political and military needs of the Habsburg Monarchy. The academy has since played a crucial role in the development of military leadership and education in Austria, highlighting the emphasis on discipline, strategy, and ethics in the armed forces.

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Born in 1751 (View all 19)

Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies

King of the Two Sicilies, Bourbon dynasty
Born
January 12th, 1751 274 years ago
Died
January 4th, 1825 200 years ago — 73 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1759, Ferdinand I ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until his death in 1825. His reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the kingdom and attempts to balance various political factions. The Bourbon dynasty faced challenges from revolutionary movements during the Napoleonic Wars, leading to temporary exile. Ferdinand returned to power post-Napoleon and worked to restore traditional monarchy while implementing limited reforms. His government focused on economic recovery and rebuilding the royal authority after years of disruption. The kingdom experienced both social unrest and efforts for modernization under his leadership.

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Johann Heinrich Voss

German poet and translator of Homer
Born
February 20th, 1751 274 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1826 198 years ago — 75 years old

Recognized as a prominent poet and translator, significant contributions included poetic works as well as the German translations of Homer's 'Iliad' and 'Odyssey'. Active in the literary circles of his time and involved with the Göttingen School of Poets, engaged in discussions about aesthetics and literature. Held a professorship at the University of Heidelberg, influencing future generations of poets and scholars through both teachings and writings.

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James Madison

4th President of the United States
Born
March 16th, 1751 273 years ago
Died
June 28th, 1836 188 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the fourth president of the United States from 1809 to 1817. Played a crucial role in drafting and promoting the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Contributed significantly to the Federalist Papers, advocating for the ratification of the Constitution. Prior to presidency, held positions as Secretary of State and a member of the Continental Congress. Instrumental in the early establishment of the American political system.

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Judith Sargent Murray

American poet and playwright
Born
May 1st, 1751 273 years ago
Died
1820 205 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1751, this individual contributed significantly to American literature as a poet and playwright. The work 'On the Equality of the Sexes' outlined arguments for women's rights, emphasizing education and intellectual equality. An advocate for women's roles in society, writings often featured themes of gender equality and individualism. This person's literary career spanned several years, influencing contemporary thought on women's rights and social issues, while also providing a voice for women in the early United States.

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Stephen Badlam

American artisan and military officer
Born
May 7th, 1751 273 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1815 209 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1751, an artisan and military officer engaged in the American Revolution. Served as a captain in the Continental Army, contributing to military efforts in the fight for independence. Following the war, involved in various crafting endeavors, showcasing skills in woodworking and artistry. His work included creating intricate pieces that reflected the period's craftsmanship and style.

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Maria Anna Mozart

Austrian pianist and composer
Born
July 30th, 1751 273 years ago
Died
October 29th, 1829 195 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1751, a skilled pianist and composer emerged from Salzburg, Austria. Recognized early for musical talent, performed extensively across Europe. Shared the stage with the notable composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, often cited as a musical prodigy. Composed many pieces for piano, contributing to the development of classical music. Engaged in performances that showcased the artistry of the piano during a period of significant cultural development in Europe.

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People Who Died in 1751 (View all 10)

Tomaso Albinoni

Italian composer of Baroque music
Born
June 8th, 1671 353 years ago
Died
January 17th, 1751 274 years ago — 79 years old

A Baroque composer and violinist from Italy, contributed significantly to the development of instrumental music during the early 18th century. Best known for the 'Adagio in G minor', a piece that gained popularity long after his death. Albinoni's works include a substantial number of operas, concertos, and sonatas, influencing the musical landscape of his time. His compositions often featured intricate melodies and clear structures, typical of the Baroque style. Although his popularity waned in the years following his death, a resurgence of interest in his music during the 20th century highlighted his lasting influence on classical music.

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John Hervey

English politician and 1st Earl of Bristol
Born
August 27th, 1665 359 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1751 274 years ago — 85 years old

Served as a prominent English politician during the early 18th century. Held the title of 1st Earl of Bristol and was active in the House of Lords. Played a significant role in political affairs and was involved in various legislative matters. His influence extended through his family connections and peerage, establishing a legacy in British nobility.

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Paul Dudley

American lawyer and jurist
Born
September 3rd, 1675 349 years ago
Died
January 25th, 1751 274 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent figure in early American legal history, served as a judge on the Superior Court of Massachusetts. Contributed to the development of legal principles during his tenure. Played a significant role in shaping colonial laws and practiced law in Boston, working to establish legal precedents. Engaged in public service and held various political offices, influencing the legal landscape of the time. Actively participated in civic matters and legal reform.

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Henri François d'Aguesseau

French jurist, Chancellor of France
Born
1668 357 years ago
Died
February 5th, 1751 274 years ago — 83 years old

Served as Chancellor of France during the early 18th century and played a significant role in the development of French law. Promoted codification of legal principles and worked to streamline judicial processes. Authored numerous legal writings and reforms that influenced the French legal system for years. His tenure was marked by efforts to maintain judicial independence and uphold the law amidst political changes.

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Johann Heinrich Zedler

German publisher and encyclopedist
Born
January 7th, 1706 319 years ago
Died
March 21st, 1751 273 years ago — 45 years old

Established one of the first comprehensive encyclopedias in the German language, Zedler's Universal-Lexicon, which spanned 68 volumes and was published between 1732 and 1754. The work aimed to cover a wide array of subjects, serving as a valuable reference for the time and making significant contributions to the dissemination of knowledge in the German-speaking world. Zedler also operated a successful printing business in Leipzig, which helped promote literacy and education in the region.

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Christopher Polhem

Swedish physicist and inventor of machines
Born
December 18th, 1661 363 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1751 273 years ago — 89 years old

A prominent figure in the field of physics and engineering, contributions to mechanics and machine design were substantial. Developed the first mechanical computer, known as the calculating machine. Established an ironworks in Sweden that advanced the technology of iron production. His work laid foundational principles in mechanics that influenced future generations of engineers and inventors.

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