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Death of Isaac Newton
Newton was a gifted English scientist and mathematician, as well as a professor. His works and discoveries greatly influenced the world around him, and led us to the current technology we have now. We owe him for creations such as the telescope (Notablebiographies.com "Isaac Newton"). -
Birth
Catherine the Great, birth name Sophie Friederike Auguste, was born on May 2nd, 1729. She was born in what was then, Stettin, Prussia, and now, Szczecin, Poland as a minor German princess. She was born to Christian August, prince of Anhalt-Zebst, and princess Johanna Elisabeth of Holstein-Gottorp. -
Invention of the Franklin Stove
After drafting this with his friend, Robert Grace, Benjamin Franklin invented the Franklin stove. It was made to provide warmth, comfort, and cleaner heating at a cheaper cost. As it was designed for use in existing hearths, it did not resemble the Franklin stoves of today (Encyclopedia.com "Franklin Stove"). -
Introduction of the Celsius Temperature Scale
The Celsius temperature scale was invented by Swedish scientist Anders Celsius. Freezing point on that scale is 0, while boiling is 100. It is based off of the point at which pure water at sea level air pressure would freeze or boil. -
Moving to Russia
in 1744, at the age of 15, Catherine is brought by her mother to Russia. Despite her young age, she was brought to marry Peter the Great. Her name would then be changed from Sophie to Yekaterina, or Catherine (Lee and Thomas 165). -
Creation of the Electric Battery
Alessandro Volta was a pioneer of electrical science. He invented the first electrical battery, which was, at the time, called a "voltaic pile." His invention led to new discoveries in science as it gave scientists the opportunity to produce steady flows of electrical currents (Famousscientists.org "Alessandro Volta"). -
Marriage
On August 21st, 1745, Catherine married Peter the Great. However, the two would be found to be an unsuccessful couple. Instead of paying attention to his wife, Peter preferred playing with toy soldiers and his mistresses. Catherine would find her own pastimes as well, favoring reading (Biography.com Editors "Catherine II"). -
Birth of Catherine's Son, Paul
On September 20th, 1754, Catherine's son, Paul, would be born. However, it is a subject of great debate whether he was Peter's son as well. Many historians believe that the true father of the child was Sergei Saltykov, a Russian noble, and member of the court. Catherine would not be left with much time to bond with her child either way; Empress Elizabeth would soon take over the raising of the child herself (Biography.com Editors "Catherine II"). -
Death of Empress Elizabeth
Shortly after Elizabeth's death in 1761, Peter would take the throne of Russia. He would now be titled Peter III, and Catherine would gain the title of Empress Consort. The couple's relationship was openly hostile at this point, leading them to lead separate lives. Peter would often discuss removing her, to allow his mistress to rule alongside him (Biography.com Editors "Catherine II"). -
Death of Peter
With the help of her lover, Gregor Orloff, Catherine made plans to take the throne for herself. After overthrowing him in a coup, he would be murdered only a few days later. This allowed for Catherine to assume rule of Russia (Lee and Thomas 165). -
Henry Cavendish Isolates Hydrogen
Henry was the first to discover hydrogen gas. He showed that, when burnt, it would produce dew, and that it was much less dense than air. Antoine Lavoisier would rename it hydrogen, from the original "inflatable air" (Doug Stewart "Henry Cavendish"). -
The Nakaz is Written
After devoting two years to compiling the ideas of the Legislative Commission together, along with her own, Catherine finalized the Nakaz. The Nakaz is a statement of legal principles written by Catherine. It sponsored equality and freedom for all citizens. However, serfs and the poor were left unmentioned. This would come to be translated in four other languages, allowing it to influence those outside of Russia as well (Rice 142). -
Partition of Poland
Along with Prussia and Austria, under Catherine Russia would sign a treaty that would partition Poland. Russia gained all of the Polish land east of the Dvina and Dnieper rivers. The rest of the land would be split between Austria and Prussia (The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica "Partitions of Poland"). -
Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji Singed with the Ottoman Empire
This treaty was signed near the end of the Russo-Turkish War. It allowed Russia to gain a grip on the Black Sea, ending the Ottoman Empire's full control. This would also provide Russia with a diplomatic basis for intervening in internal affairs of the Ottoman Empire (The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca). -
Laki Volcano Erupts in Iceland
The eruption of this Icelandic volcano began after a series of earthquakes, and would continue until February the next year. As well, the eruption of this volcano would leave affects visible years later in regions outside of Iceland. Europe, North America, and North Africa suffered from odd changes in weather (Lord "The Eruption of Laki: An Icelandic Volcano in 1783). -
Colonization of Western Australia
George Vancouver claiming the region of Albany in the name of King George III began the British colonization of Australia. The first two attempts at making colonies earlier ended poorly, due to bad planning. With the help of Aboriginal people, the new colony ran smoother than the first attempts (Australian Government "European discovery and the colonisation of Australia"). -
Death
After ruling for 35 years, Catherine dies. Having been found unconscious on her bathroom floor, many believe that she had suffered from a stroke. She was buried at the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, next to her husband, Peter (Biography.com Editors "Catherine II").
