What Happened This Year 1793

Historical Events from This Year 1793

Education & Academia

Laying of the Old East Cornerstone

October 12th, 1793 231 years ago

The cornerstone for Old East was laid at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, marking a significant step in higher education infrastructure. This building, designed to serve as a residence for students and faculty, represents the institution's commitment to education. Local education leaders and community members celebrated the milestone, indicating the growing importance of education in the early American South. The event underscored the university's role as a pioneer in establishing state-sponsored higher education.

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Military & Warfare

Austro-Prussian Troops Defeat French Republicans

October 13th, 1793 231 years ago

At the First Battle of Wissembourg, Austro-Prussian forces achieved a decisive victory over Republican French troops. The battle was characterized by strategic maneuvers and significant artillery usage. The location, near Wissembourg in Alsace, provided an advantageous defensive position for the coalition forces. The reason for this confrontation stemmed from the ongoing conflict between the revolutionary French government and various European monarchies opposing its expansionist ambitions.

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Politics & Government

Marie Antoinette Convicted of Treason

October 15th, 1793 231 years ago

Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France, was tried for treason by the Revolutionary Tribunal. Following a swift and controversial trial, she was accused of high treason against the French Republic. The trial was marked by a lack of defense and due process, leading to her conviction. The verdict was reached in a highly charged atmosphere, reflecting the political tensions of the time, culminating in her execution shortly thereafter.

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Military & Warfare

French Forces Defeat Austrians at Wattignies

October 16th, 1793 231 years ago

The Battle of Wattignies marked a crucial victory for French forces against the Austrians during the War of the First Coalition. Taking place near Maubeuge, the French, under the command of General Jean-Baptiste Jourdan, successfully countered the Austrian siege efforts, compelling the Austrians to withdraw. The clash demonstrated the growing effectiveness of the republican soldiers and strategies employed by revolutionary France, who sought to thwart foreign intervention in their internal affairs.

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Politics & Government

Execution of Queen Marie Antoinette

October 16th, 1793 231 years ago

Queen Marie Antoinette was executed by guillotine in Paris, marking a pivotal moment in the French Revolution. After being imprisoned for over a year, she was tried and convicted of treason against the revolutionary government. Her execution symbolized the end of monarchy in France and the rise of republican ideals.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Olympe de Gouges is Guillotined for Activism

November 3rd, 1793 231 years ago

Olympe de Gouges, a prominent playwright and feminist, was executed by guillotine in Paris for her outspoken views and advocacy for women's rights. Known for her Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen, de Gouges faced accusations of counter-revolutionary activities amidst the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Her execution marks a significant moment in the struggle for gender equality and free expression during a period that emphasized radical social change.

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Politics & Government

Proclamation of the Goddess of Reason

November 10th, 1793 231 years ago

The French Convention, influenced by Pierre Gaspard Chaumette, proclaimed a new civic religion centered on the worship of Reason. In the wake of the Enlightenment, this movement sought to replace traditional religious practices with a focus on rationality and secularism. Chaumette, a fervent advocate for revolutionary ideals, played a pivotal role in this shift by promoting the celebration of Reason as a guiding principle for society. The event was marked by a ceremony held at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which was repurposed for this new form of worship.

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Politics & Government

Executions of Dissident Priests in Nantes

November 16th, 1793 231 years ago

Ninety dissident Roman Catholic priests were executed by drowning in Nantes as part of the revolutionary measures against those deemed counter-revolutionary. This event was a response to the refusal of these priests to support the revolutionary government and loyalty to the Catholic Church. The Nantes drownings were part of a larger campaign against counter-revolutionaries during a time of intense political upheaval in France.

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Military & Warfare

French Royalists Surrender La Lutine to Lord Hood

December 18th, 1793 231 years ago

The frigate La Lutine, previously captured by French Royalists, was surrendered to Lord Samuel Hood. This transition took place on December 18, and the ship was subsequently renamed HMS Lutine. Following its surrender, HMS Lutine became well-known for a treasure wreck later in history.

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