What Happened This Year 1754

Historical Events from This Year 1754

Arts & Culture

Sir Horace Walpole Coins 'Serendipity'

January 28th, 1754 271 years ago

Sir Horace Walpole, an English writer and art historian, coined the word 'serendipity' in a letter to a friend. This term, inspired by a Persian fairy tale, highlights the unexpected discoveries that can arise from accidents or chance. Walpole was known for his expansive vocabulary and appreciation of language, and in this correspondence, he reflected on how fortunate events can change the course of one's life. The incorporation of this word into English enriched the language and offered a new way to express fortunate occurrences that arise without intention.

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Military & Warfare

George Washington's Victory at Jumonville Glen

May 28th, 1754 270 years ago

In an early conflict of the French and Indian War, Virginia militia led by 22-year-old Lieutenant Colonel George Washington engaged a French reconnaissance party at Jumonville Glen in Pennsylvania. Despite being outnumbered, Washington's forces managed to defeat the French soldiers, marking an important early success in the war that set the stage for future military engagements.

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Military & Warfare

George Washington Surrenders Fort Necessity

July 3rd, 1754 270 years ago

At Fort Necessity, George Washington faced off against French forces, leading to his notable surrender. Washington and his troops had constructed the fort during an expedition in the Ohio Valley but found themselves overwhelmed by a superior French force, marking a crucial early conflict in the French and Indian War as tensions escalated between British and French colonial interests in North America.

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Born in 1754 (View all 37)

Paul I

Russian Emperor and Reformer
Born
September 7th, 1635 389 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1801 223 years ago — 165 years old

Ruled as Emperor of Russia from 1796 until assassination in 1801. Implemented significant reforms including changes to military organization and administration. Promoted the rights of nobility and revisited policies of Peter the Great, aiming to restore strict monarchic traditions. His reign was marked by tensions with various factions within the nobility and military. Prior to ascension, served as Grand Duke of Russia for several decades.

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Richard Martin

Irish activist and animal welfare advocate
Born
January 15th, 1754 271 years ago
Died
1834 191 years ago — 80 years old

Born in Ireland in 1754, Richard Martin was a prominent activist and politician. Martin played a crucial role in the formation of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in 1824, which was one of the first organizations dedicated to the welfare of animals. As a member of the British Parliament, Martin advocated for animal rights and worked to pass legislation to protect animals from cruelty. His efforts were instrumental in drawing attention to the need for animal welfare legislation and laid the groundwork for future reforms.

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Andrew Ellicott

American soldier and surveyor
Born
January 24th, 1754 271 years ago
Died
August 28th, 1820 204 years ago — 66 years old

Served as a soldier during the American Revolutionary War and later became a prominent surveyor. Contributed significantly to the surveying of the boundaries of the District of Columbia and coordinated surveys for several important landmarks. Modernized surveying techniques and implemented them in various projects. Worked closely with Thomas Jefferson on navigating boundary disputes and land surveys.

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Moses Cleaveland

American politician, founder of Cleveland
Born
January 29th, 1754 271 years ago
Died
November 16th, 1806 218 years ago — 52 years old

A general, lawyer, and politician played a significant role in the establishment of Cleveland, Ohio. Participated in the Connecticut Land Company, which aimed to settle the Western Reserve. Led an expedition to survey and map the area, laying the groundwork for future development. Served as the first mayor of Cleveland after its incorporation. His contributions helped shape the city into a prominent urban center.

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John Lansing Jr.

American lawyer and politician
Born
January 30th, 1754 271 years ago
Died
1829 196 years ago — 75 years old

A prominent lawyer and politician during the late 18th century. Contributed significantly to the development of New York's constitution. Played a crucial role in the Continental Congress and served as the mayor of Albany. Participated in the Constitutional Convention but later withdrew due to disagreements over the proposed Constitution.

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Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord

French politician and Prime Minister
Born
February 2nd, 1754 271 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1838 186 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent French politician and diplomat, served as Prime Minister during the tumultuous times of the French Revolution and the subsequent Napoleonic Era. Played a pivotal role in the Congress of Vienna and was instrumental in shaping European diplomatic relations in the early 19th century. Held various significant positions under different regimes, including the Ancien Régime, the Revolutionary government, and both Napoleonic and Bourbon restorations. Renowned for his diplomatic skills and adaptability, he maneuvered through shifting political landscapes with acumen.

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People Who Died in 1754 (View all 19)

Edward Cave

English publisher, founder of The Gentleman's Magazine
Born
1691 334 years ago
Died
January 10th, 1754 271 years ago — 63 years old

An English publisher established The Gentleman's Magazine in 1731, which was one of the first magazines to be published in the country. This publication played a pivotal role in setting the format and style for future periodicals. The magazine included articles on a wide range of topics including politics, literature, and science, providing a platform for contemporary writers. Cave's efforts in publishing contributed to the development of magazine journalism in England and influenced the public's engagement with literature and current events.

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Ludvig Holberg

Historian and philosopher, founder of modern comedy
Born
December 3rd, 1684 340 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1754 271 years ago — 69 years old

Born in Norway and later settled in Denmark, significant contributions were made to literature, philosophy, and history. Holberg is recognized for establishing the foundation of modern comedic theatre in Denmark. His most renowned works include the comedies 'Jeppe on the Hill' and 'Erasmus Montanus,' which showcased the human condition through humor. Holberg also wrote extensively on philosophy and history, influencing future scholars and writers. His writings established a connection between the Enlightenment ideals and the Scandinavian context while promoting the importance of reason and knowledge.

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Richard Mead

English physician and author
Born
August 11th, 1673 351 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1754 271 years ago — 80 years old

Trained at Edinburgh, practiced medicine in London. Published books on various medical topics, including the influence of environment on health. Advocated for public health measures and sanitation reforms. Served as physician to prominent figures, including royalty. Developed a reputation as an expert in infectious diseases and contributed to the understanding of the impact of environment on health outcomes.

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Henry Pelham

British Prime Minister during the 1750s
Born
September 25th, 1694 330 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1754 271 years ago — 59 years old

Served as Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1743 until death in 1754. Oversaw significant political developments during the War of the Austrian Succession and the early stages of the Seven Years' War. Advocated for a government aligned with Whig principles and worked to stabilize the economy in post-war Britain. Instrumental in negotiating peace with France, contributing to the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748.

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Christian Wolff

German philosopher and academic
Born
January 24th, 1679 346 years ago
Died
April 9th, 1754 270 years ago — 75 years old

A significant figure in the development of modern philosophy, utilized rationalist principles to analyze metaphysics, ethics, and epistemology. Contributed to the fields of logic and mathematics, and sought to systematize philosophy. Advocated for the study of philosophy through a scientific lens and created a comprehensive philosophical system that integrated various disciplines. Served as a professor at the University of Halle.

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Jacopo Riccati

Italian mathematician and academic
Born
May 28th, 1676 348 years ago
Died
April 15th, 1754 270 years ago — 77 years old

Contributions to mathematics focused on algebra, calculus, and differential equations. Developed the Riccati equation, a significant mathematical concept. Engaged in academic pursuits, influencing the study of mathematics through teaching and writing. Served as a professor and was involved in early mathematical societies.

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