What Happened This Year 1766

Born in 1766

José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia

Paraguayan lawyer and dictator
Born
January 6th, 1766 259 years ago
Died
September 20th, 1840 184 years ago — 74 years old

Served as the first dictator of Paraguay from 1814 until death in 1840. Played a significant role in shaping the early government of Paraguay following its independence from Spain. Implemented significant reforms aimed at consolidating power and creating a centralized state. Held strict control over the political landscape, limiting foreign influence and promoting self-sufficiency.

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Benjamin Smith Barton

Botanist and physician, natural history.
Born
February 10th, 1766 259 years ago
Died
1815 210 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1766, a notable figure in American botany and medicine. Played a significant role in the advancement of natural history in the United States. Served as a professor at the University of Pennsylvania and authored several influential works on plants and medical practices. Contributed to early studies in botany by cataloging American plant species and emphasizing the importance of observational methods in science.

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Thomas Robert Malthus

Economist and scholar of population theory
Born
February 13th, 1766 259 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1834 190 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1766, a prominent English economist and scholar focused on population growth and resource scarcity. Malthus published 'An Essay on the Principle of Population' in 1798, which argued that population growth would always outpace food production, leading to inevitable shortages. His ideas propelled discussions on economics, social policy, and ecology, emphasizing the potential consequences of unchecked population increase. Malthus's theories laid the groundwork for future demographic studies and influenced various fields, including economics, sociology, and environmental science.

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Claudius Buchanan

Scottish theologian and missionary
Born
March 12th, 1766 259 years ago
Died
1815 210 years ago — 49 years old

A Scottish theologian and missionary, contributions included pivotal work in the field of Christian theology and missionary activities in India. Played a key role in translating the Bible into local languages, which facilitated the spread of Christianity. Authored works that addressed the principles of Christian education and the importance of missions in the 19th century. His efforts in establishing educational institutions and promoting literacy among Indian communities were significant.

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Jean-Frédéric Waldeck

French antiquarian and explorer
Born
March 16th, 1766 258 years ago
Died
1875 150 years ago — 109 years old

An antiquarian, cartographer, artist, and explorer, contributed significantly to the understanding of Mesoamerican culture. Conducted extensive explorations in Mexico during the early 19th century, focusing on the Maya civilization. Created detailed drawings and maps of archaeological sites, which documented ruins and artifacts. Worked to compile information about ancient cultures, bridging interests in art and archaeology.

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Wilhelm von Kobell

German painter and educator
Born
April 6th, 1766 258 years ago
Died
1853 172 years ago — 87 years old

Birth occurred in 1766 in Germany. Involved in the artistic movement of the 19th century, contributed to landscape and battle paintings. Served as an educator, influencing the next generation of artists. Work primarily reflected themes of nature and historical events. Achievements included recognition in the German art community and participation in exhibitions.

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Germaine de Staël

French author and political philosopher
Born
April 22nd, 1766 258 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1817 207 years ago — 51 years old

An influential French author and political philosopher, this individual contributed significantly to the literary and political discourse of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Works such as 'On Germany' showcased insights into German culture and philosophy, greatly impacting French intellectual thought. A central figure in the salons of Paris, participation in the political climate of the Revolution and the Napoleonic era marked her career. The individual faced exile due to political views but continued to write, producing important critiques on society and culture.

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Alexander Wilson

Ornithologist and poet, author of 'American Ornithology'
Born
July 6th, 1766 258 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 1813 211 years ago — 47 years old

Born in Scotland, a significant contribution was made to the study of birds through comprehensive observation and classification. Authored 'American Ornithology', which was one of the first significant works on North American birds. Illustrated many of the species covered in the book, enhancing the understanding of avian life in the region. Worked on describing and illustrating a range of bird species, paving the way for future ornithological studies.

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Guillaume Philibert Duhesme

French general during the Napoleonic Wars
Born
July 7th, 1766 258 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1815 209 years ago — 48 years old

Born in 1766, a French general served during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars. Duhesme held several key military positions, notably leading troops in the campaigns in Italy and against the Austrians. He achieved the rank of general and played a significant role in various battles, including at the Siege of Barcelona. Duhesme also contributed to the military reforms and strategies of the time, solidifying his place in military history.

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