What Happened This Year 1770

Historical Events from This Year 1770 (View all 16)

Politics & Government

Ebenezer Richardson Fires Into Protest Crowd

February 22nd, 1770 255 years ago

A protest erupted in North End, Boston, where British customs officer Ebenezer Richardson, feeling threatened by the crowd, fired his weapon without aiming, resulting in the tragic death of 11-year-old Christopher Seider. This shooting sparked outrage among the colonists and heightened tensions regarding British authority and law enforcement in the American colonies. Seider's death marked a pivotal turning point, illustrating the escalating conflict between British officials and American colonists resisting British rule.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Crispus Attucks and Five Others Killed

March 5th, 1770 255 years ago

In Boston, a confrontation between British troops and American colonists escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of five individuals, including Crispus Attucks, who is widely recognized as the first martyr of the American Revolution. Tensions had been high due to the presence of British soldiers enforcing unpopular tax laws. The incident, sparked by a mob taunting the soldiers, culminated in the troops firing into the crowd, igniting outrage among colonists and escalating anti-British sentiments.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Daskalogiannis Leads Sfakia in Uprising

March 25th, 1770 254 years ago

Daskalogiannis, a prominent leader from Sfakia, organized a significant uprising against Ottoman rule. This rebellion emerged from the growing resentment of the inhabitants of Crete towards oppressive Ottoman policies. The revolution gained momentum as local leaders rallied the people of Sfakia, united against the common oppressor, and aimed for liberation from centuries of subjugation.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Marie Antoinette's Proxy Wedding to Louis XVI

April 19th, 1770 254 years ago

Marie Antoinette married Louis XVI in a proxy ceremony held in Vienna, Austria. The wedding served as a strategic political move to solidify the alliance between Austria and France. As the future Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, a daughter of Empress Maria Theresa, represented a critical link between the two nations. The official ceremony would follow in France, but the proxy union marked the beginning of her journey into a foreign court and a new role. This marriage was part of a long-standing diplomatic arrangement aimed at easing tensions between the two powers.

Continue Reading
Exploration & Discovery

James Cook Discovers Eastern Australia Coastline

April 19th, 1770 254 years ago

Captain James Cook, holding the rank of lieutenant, sighted the eastern coast of Australia while on his voyage aboard the Endeavour. The remarkable sighting occurred as Cook was navigating the waters of the Pacific Ocean. Ascending a hill on what is now called Point Hicks, he made notations of the new land, marking the beginning of European exploration in this region. The sighting initiated further interest in Australia as a significant landmass and sparked the eventual colonization by Britain.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Erekle II Defeats Ottomans at Aspindza

April 20th, 1770 254 years ago

Erekle II led his forces to a decisive victory against the Ottoman Empire at Aspindza despite being abandoned by his Russian ally Count Totleben. With strategic prowess, Erekle capitalized on the vulnerability of the Ottoman troops, utilizing the terrain effectively. The engagement was crucial for the Kingdom of Kartli-Kakhetia during a period of regional instability, showcasing Erekle’s leadership and military capabilities amid shifting alliances.

Continue Reading

Born in 1770 (View all 32)

Anton Reicha

Composer and flautist, prominent in classical music
Born
February 26th, 1770 255 years ago
Died
1836 189 years ago — 66 years old

This Bohemian composer and flautist significantly contributed to the development of wind instrument music. Active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the individual composed numerous works, including symphonies and chamber music, that expanded the repertoire for wind instruments. Close associations with notable composers including Beethoven shaped the musical landscape during this time. Teaching roles at the Paris Conservatoire influenced several generations of musicians, fostering a rich environment for musical education. This figure's theoretical writings also contributed to music analysis and pedagogy, emphasizing the importance of harmony and balance in composition.

Continue Reading

Louis-Gabriel Suchet

French general during Napoleonic Wars
Born
March 2nd, 1770 255 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1826 199 years ago — 55 years old

Served as a prominent general in the French army during the Napoleonic Wars. Participated in the campaign in Italy, contributing significantly to French victories. Achieved the rank of Marshal of France and held various commands, including the Duke of Albufera. Played a key role in the Siege of Gerona and the Battle of Toulouse, demonstrating strategic military capabilities.

Continue Reading

Joseph Jacotot

French philosopher and educator
Born
March 4th, 1770 255 years ago
Died
1840 185 years ago — 70 years old

Philosopher and academic contributed to the field of education through innovative teaching methods. Developed the concept of 'universal teaching' based on his experiences of teaching French to students who knew no French. This approach emphasized the idea that students could teach themselves with the correct guidance and resources. Published works in educational philosophy that influenced both contemporaries and later educators. His techniques were applied beyond traditional classroom settings, impacting educational practices in various contexts.

Continue Reading

Daniel Lambert

English animal breeder and exhibitor
Born
March 13th, 1770 255 years ago
Died
1809 216 years ago — 39 years old

An English animal breeder gained attention for breeding large livestock, particularly large sheep and pigs. Lambert exhibited these animals at various agricultural shows, where they drew considerable admiration and were pivotal in livestock breeding circles. His prowess in breeding led to significant discussions on animal husbandry practices during his time. In addition to his work with livestock, Lambert himself became a figure of interest due to his large physical stature, making him a recognized character across England. His contributions to animal breeding left a lasting legacy in the realm of agricultural practices.

Continue Reading

Theodoros Kolokotronis

Greek general during the War of Independence
Born
April 3rd, 1770 254 years ago
Died
February 4th, 1843 182 years ago — 72 years old

A key military leader in the Greek War of Independence, played a crucial role in the struggle for Greece's liberation from Ottoman rule. He organized and led significant battles, showcasing exceptional leadership and strategy. His contributions were instrumental in the success of the revolution, securing a position as a national hero in Greece's history. After the war, held various roles in the newly established state, influencing the military and political landscape of the country.

Continue Reading

William Wordsworth

English Romantic poet
Born
April 7th, 1770 254 years ago
Died
April 23rd, 1850 174 years ago — 80 years old

A leading figure of the Romantic movement, contributed significantly to English literature through poetry. Collaborated with Samuel Taylor Coleridge on 'Lyrical Ballads', which marked the beginning of the English Romantic age. Served as the Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1843 until death. Influenced future generations with works celebrating nature and human emotion.

Continue Reading

People Who Died in 1770 (View all 20)

Carl Gustaf Tessin

Swedish politician and diplomat
Born
September 5th, 1695 329 years ago
Died
January 7th, 1770 255 years ago — 74 years old

Engaged in Swedish politics during the 18th century, served as a diplomat and an influential member of the council. Participated in negotiations with foreign powers and contributed to the development of Swedish international relations. Played a significant role in the political landscape of Sweden, influencing various reforms during a period marked by territorial challenges. Held various governmental positions and was instrumental in shaping policies that affected Sweden's diplomatic engagements. Contributed to the cultural life of Sweden, supporting art and architecture during his tenure.

Continue Reading

Charles Yorke

English lawyer and Lord Chancellor
Born
December 30th, 1722 302 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1770 255 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent English lawyer and politician, served as the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain. Played a significant role in the legal and parliamentary systems during the 18th century. Participated actively in the political discourse of the time, advocating for various legal reforms. His tenure as Lord Chancellor was marked by efforts to address legal complexities and improve judicial procedures.

Continue Reading

Giovanni Pietro Francesco Agius de Soldanis

Maltese linguist and historian
Born
October 30th, 1712 312 years ago
Died
January 30th, 1770 255 years ago — 57 years old

Pioneered the study of Maltese language and history. Contributed to the understanding of Maltese cultural heritage through scholarly writings. Served as a cleric, engaging in the education and religious life of Malta. His works include significant grammatical studies and historical accounts, influencing subsequent generations in the study of linguistics and history in Malta.

Continue Reading

Christopher Seider

First American killed in the Revolution
Born
1758 267 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1770 255 years ago — 12 years old

Christopher Seider was the first American to die in the American Revolution, an event that galvanized colonial opposition to British rule. His death occurred during a riot in Boston in 1770, where he was mortally wounded during a confrontation involving customs officials and local patriots. This tragic incident is often cited as a catalyst for the growing unrest that led to the American Revolutionary War. His funeral drew significant attention and became a politically charged event, rallying support for the colonial cause against British oppression.

Continue Reading

Giuseppe Tartini

Italian violinist and composer, creator of 'Devil's Trill Sonata'
Born
April 8th, 1692 332 years ago
Died
February 26th, 1770 255 years ago — 77 years old

An Italian violinist and composer, recognized for contributions to Baroque music. Created the 'Devil's Trill Sonata', a pivotal work in the violin repertoire. Served as concertmaster and developed teaching methods for violin. Founded a violin school in Padua, which influenced future generations of musicians. Wrote several treatises on music theory and composition, which became important resources for violinists and composers.

Continue Reading

Crispus Attucks

American slave and revolutionary figure
Born
1723 302 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1770 255 years ago — 47 years old

Crispus Attucks was an American slave who became a leader in the fight against British oppression in colonial America. He participated in the Boston Massacre on March 5, 1770, where he was killed, becoming one of the first martyrs of the American Revolution. His role in the events of that night helped to galvanize public sentiment against British rule and contributed to the revolutionary fervor spreading across the colonies. Attucks's life and death symbolized resistance to tyranny, and he remains a significant figure in discussions about African American history and activism.

Continue Reading