What Happened This Year 1771

Historical Events from This Year 1771

Politics & Government

Gustav III Ascends the Throne of Sweden

February 12th, 1771 254 years ago

Gustav III became the King of Sweden following the death of his father, King Adolf Frederick. The ceremony took place in Stockholm, where he was crowned as the monarch. Known for his ambitions to strengthen the Swedish monarchy and enhance the arts, Gustav III's reign was marked by significant cultural advancements. His coronation symbolized a new era for Sweden that sought to revitalize the country following a period of turmoil.

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Military & Warfare

Confrontation at Alamance: Regulators vs Militia

May 16th, 1771 253 years ago

The Battle of Alamance featured a conflict between North Carolina's local militia and a group known as the Regulators. This group originated from grievances against colonial government corruption and taxation. The confrontation occurred near what is now Alamance County, with the militia being led by Colonel Hugh Waddell and the Regulators under the leadership of men like David Fanning. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the militia, reinforcing the authority of colonial governance against insurrectionist movements.

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Religion & Philosophy

Foundation of Mission San Antonio de Padua

July 14th, 1771 253 years ago

Franciscan friar Junípero Serra established Mission San Antonio de Padua in California. Located near today's King City, it was the third mission in the California Mission Chain. The mission played a crucial role in expanding Spanish influence in California and serving the local Native American population.

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Military & Warfare

Matonabbee Guides Hearne in Deadly Encounter

July 17th, 1771 253 years ago

Matonabbee, a Chipewyan chief, guided Samuel Hearne during his Arctic expedition. In a violent encounter, he orchestrated the massacre of an unsuspecting Inuit group at Bloody Falls. This event highlighted the turbulent relationships between Indigenous groups and marked a significant moment in Hearne's journey through the northern territories.

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Arts & Culture

Mozart's Ascanio in Alba Premieres in Milan

October 17th, 1771 253 years ago

The opera Ascanio in Alba, composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the tender age of 15, premiered in Milan, Italy. This work, commissioned by the Italian nobility, showcases Mozart's remarkable ability to blend lyrical melodies with Italian operatic traditions. Performed at the prestigious Teatro Regio Ducale, the premiere captivated the audience, highlighting Mozart's prodigious talent early in his career and establishing his reputation in the opera scene.

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Born in 1771 (View all 27)

Antoine-Jean Gros

French painter of historical subjects
Born
March 16th, 1771 253 years ago
Died
1835 190 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1771, a prominent French painter who specialized in large-scale historical and military scenes. Studied under Jacques-Louis David and became a celebrated artist during the Napoleonic era. Notable for combining romanticism with realism, Gros's work includes portraits of notable figures and dramatic representations of battles. His famous painting, 'Napoleon Visiting the Plague-Stricken in Jaffa,' gained significant acclaim. Later in his career, he served as a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts, influencing the next generation of artists. Gros's contributions to the genre of historical painting solidified his reputation in French art history.

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Heinrich Clauren

German author of romantic novels
Born
March 20th, 1771 253 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1854 170 years ago — 83 years old

An influential German author contributed significantly to the romantic literature of the early 19th century. Clauren's works often blended elements of fantasy and adventure with emotional and moral dilemmas. His most notable work, 'Die Geister', exemplified the gothic and romantic themes prevalent in his writing. He engaged with contemporary literary movements and was admired for his storytelling abilities. His writings not only entertained but also reflected the values and concerns of his time, appealing to a broad audience across Europe. Clauren's contributions to literature helped shape the evolving narrative styles of the Romantic period.

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Richard Trevithick

Engineer and inventor of the steam engine
Born
April 13th, 1771 253 years ago
Died
April 22nd, 1833 191 years ago — 62 years old

Born in Cornwall, an engineer and inventor focused on steam power. Developed the high-pressure steam engine, which was a significant advancement in engine technology. Constructed the first full-scale working railway steam locomotive in 1804, which operated on the Penydarren Ironworks' tramway in South Wales. His innovations laid foundational work for the future of locomotion and industrial machinery, influencing transportation and engineering.

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Nicolas Chopin

French-Polish educator and teacher
Born
April 15th, 1771 253 years ago
Died
1844 181 years ago — 73 years old

Born in France, contributed significantly to education in Poland. Emigrated to Warsaw where established a reputation as an influential educator. Actively involved in the educational system, teaching many prominent students. His dedication to education laid foundational principles for future pedagogical practices in the region.

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Karl Philipp

Austrian Prince and Field Marshal
Born
April 18th, 1771 253 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1820 204 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1771, served in the Austrian Army and played a significant role during the Napoleonic Wars. Achieved the rank of field marshal and commanded Austrian troops in various battles. Instrumental in the victory at the Battle of Znaim in 1809. Later appointed as the governor of the Austrian province of Lombardy.

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Robert Owen

Social reformer and businessman
Born
May 14th, 1771 253 years ago
Died
1858 167 years ago — 87 years old

A Welsh businessman and social reformer, developed innovative ideas in the areas of education and labor rights during the early 19th century. Established the New Lanark Mills, which served as a model of progressive industrial management. Advocated for the establishment of cooperative societies and played a key role in the development of the utopian socialist movement. Promoted education for children and supported the reduction of working hours to improve conditions for workers.

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People Who Died in 1771 (View all 15)

John Russell

English Politician, 4th Duke of Bedford
Born
September 30th, 1710 314 years ago
Died
January 5th, 1771 254 years ago — 60 years old

Served as the 4th Duke of Bedford and held the position of Secretary of State for the Southern Department during the 18th century. Engaged in various political affairs and contributed to governmental decisions in England. Participated in discussions and policies that shaped the political landscape of the time.

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Jean-Baptiste de Boyer

French philosopher and author of essays
Born
June 24th, 1704 320 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1771 254 years ago — 66 years old

A prominent philosopher and author, contributed significantly to the intellectual landscape of the 18th century. Published numerous essays that explored various themes including religion, morality, and society. Engaged with Enlightenment ideas, promoting rational thought and empirical evidence. Corresponded with leading figures of the time and completed several important works that reflected the spirit of the age. Held the title of Marquis d'Argens, which symbolized social status within French nobility. His writings often challenged traditional beliefs and advocated for a more informed approach to philosophy and ethics.

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Adolf Frederick

King of Sweden
Born
May 14th, 1710 314 years ago
Died
February 12th, 1771 254 years ago — 60 years old

Ruled as King of Sweden from 1751 until death in 1771. The reign included efforts to balance power among the monarchy, nobility, and bourgeoisie. Aimed for a neutral foreign policy to preserve Sweden’s autonomy. Celebrated for a focus on domestic stability and economic reforms, which contributed to a stronger central government. Notable for abolishing certain taxes and introducing state-controlled monopolies for trade.

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Jean-Jacques d'Ortous de Mairan

Geophysicist and astronomer
Born
November 26th, 1678 346 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1771 254 years ago — 92 years old

Contributed to celestial mechanics and the study of atmospheric phenomena. Devised explanations for the variations in the length of day and night. Researched the nature of tides and lunar influence on Earth. Served as a member of the French Academy of Sciences, contributing to the development of scientific knowledge in the 18th century.

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Christopher Smart

English actor, playwright, and poet
Born
April 11th, 1722 302 years ago
Died
May 21st, 1771 253 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1722, this individual made significant contributions to English literature through poetry and plays. His best-known work includes the poem 'Jubilate Agno', which was written during a time of mental turmoil. The poem is celebrated for its innovative structure and religious themes. Besides poetry, involvement in the theatrical world also marked his career as a playwright, where several of his works were performed during his lifetime. His struggles with mental health impacted his life and career, yet left a lasting legacy in English literary circles.

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George Montagu-Dunk

English politician, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Born
1716 309 years ago
Died
June 8th, 1771 253 years ago — 55 years old

Served as the 2nd Earl of Halifax and held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Played a significant role in British politics during the mid-18th century, influencing colonial administration and governance. Participated actively in local and national politics, focusing on the administration of Ireland during a turbulent period.

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