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Birth of Maria Theresa
Maria Theresa was born on this date in Vienna, Austria at Hoffburg Palace. She was the oldest daughter of Charles VI, which would mean eventually she would take his place as the leader of Austria. This would mean she was reforming the Salic law, which does not allow female heirs to replace their father. (Bernard 183) (Maria Theresa). -
European Discovery of Easter Island
In August of 1721, Jacob Roggeveen left with his 222 men to find the unknown island of "Southland". They sailed along the 27th parallell for 2,000 miles west of South Africa until they reached their destination. They finally arrived at the 66 square mile island on Easter Sunday, hence the name, Easter Island. (Powell 165). -
First Dry Mustard
Mustard had originally been used by crushing the seeds with a knife on the side of the plate. An easier method was developed in Durham, England. The first commercial Dry Mustard was manufactured by Durham Mustard. (Trager 284). -
Marriage
Charles, Maria's father decided not to have her marry a wealthy prince just for power. In 1736, Maria Theresa married Duke Francis Stephen of Lorraine (Francis I). He at first would not be accepted into their empire, and had to make the sacifice of trading his own successful privince for Tuscany, which had less value. Marie Antinoinette, future queen of France, was one of their sixteen chidren. In 1745, Francis became the Holy Roman Emperor.
(Bernard 183) (Maria Theresa). -
Becoming the Leader
Charles VI died when Maria Theresa was only twenty three. Just like it had been determined, she was now to take her fathers place. Maria was now ofically the leader of The Austrian Duchies, Netherlands, Bohemia and Hungary. (Bernard 183) (Maria Theresa). -
War of the Austrian Succession
The king of Prussia, Frederick II wanted one of Maria Theresa's provinces. He made a sect against her, and with the help of his army, invaded Silesia. Though Maria could not find an acceptable general, they still continued with the eight year war of the Austrian Succession. (Maria Theresa). -
End of Austrian Succession
Maria Theresa let Frederick II keep Selisia, which was the end to the war. Frederick had to give up three of his Italian provinces to France though. Maria wanted another chance to fight for Silesia back, and started another war with Prussia. This time, she had an alliance of her own. (Maria Theresa). -
Ben Franklin Proves Lightning Has Electricity
Ben Franklin wanted to see if lightning caused electrical charges. He attached a wire to a kite with a key on the end of the string. During a lightning storm, he held it out, and it did get struck by lightning which caused a spark moving down towards the key. This experiment helped with his later invention of the lightning rod, which protects hoses from lightning damage by directing it into the ground. Franklin's lightning rod is still used today. (Granger Collection 103-104). -
Liberty Bell
The 2,080 pound Liberty Bell was released by John Cast and John Stow in 1752. It is fabricated from bronze alloy, 23% tin and 77% copper, and has the biblical inscrpition of Leviticus 25:10 carved into it. It stood at the Pennsylvania State House, where it still stands today. During a test, it was slightly cracked, and cracked later on leaving it defective and not able to ring. (Trager 302). -
Treaty with Prussia
Queen Elizabeth, leader of Russia died in 1762, which resulted in Russia backing out of the war. Maria Theresa was now by herself, fighting in the Seven Years' War, with no ally. Even though she wanted her province back, she made a peace treaty with Frederick. The treaty allowed Prussia to accept Silesia as one of their provinces. (Maria Theresa). -
Emperor Francis Dies
Emperor Francis I died of a stroke, leaving the space for an Emperor open. Maria Theresa was a changed woman after her husband died, according to the ministers. she started wearing all black, and her fondness for religion became liberal. Maria even consideded retiring as the Holy Roman Emperor and letting her son Joseph take her place. (Bernard 185) -
Joseph as Emperor
Joseph was crowned Emperor by Maria Theresa, to take his father's place. Joseph shared his responsibility of making foreign policy with Kaunitz, the state Chancellor. Maria decided this because Joseph had no talent in the fields of diplomacy or warfare. Alot of struggles ocoured between Maria and Joseph. After Maria tried to expel some protestants from bohemia, Joseph threatened to back down. He knew Maria had a stronger liking for the peasants than she did for him. (Bernard 185) -
Boston Massacre
On this night, just after 9 o'clock, a group of people surrounded a soilder at the Customs House in Boston. They accused the soilder for striking a boy who said unacceptible comments about a British officer, and called for aid. Eight more men showed up and started throwing snowballs filled with rocks at him, but the British started firing back. Three Americans died on the spot, the first being Crispus Attucks, two died soon after and six were left injured. (Powell 531). -
Declaration of Independence
This was the date America gained independence from Great Britian. The Declaration was signed by Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston and Sherman and declares the original 13 colonies independent. Out of the 1,340 word document, only about 20% discusses human rights while about 60% is complaints about the British Government and King George III. This event is celebrated to this day, known as Independence Day or "The Fourth of July". (Hole) -
War of the Bavarian Succession
Joseph tried to capture Bavaria which lead to another war with Prussia. He thought he could handle it by himself, but ended up losing his temper because of so much struggling. Maria Theresa had to take over, and negotiate for him. This resulted in an unfavorable peacemaking for Austria, when Maria let Prussia obtain the Innviertes. (Bernard 185) -
Maria Theresa's Death
Maria Theresa died on this date in Vienna, Austria at Hoffburg Palace, where she ruled over Austria for 40 years. Historians know she died because of bad health, and most say it was a heart condition. Her responsibilities were passed down to her heir, Joseph II, the new Holy Roman Emperor. (Bernard 186) (Maria Theresa).
