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John Dryden
John Dryden is named the first official poet laureate. -
Two Treaties on Government
John Locke publishes his essay Two Treaties on Government, stating the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. -
Great Britain
England, Wales, and Scotland unite as Great Britain. -
Robinson Crusoe published
Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe is considered by many to be the first novel published in english. -
Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole, the first political leader to be called prime minister, takes office. -
Dictionary of the English Language
Samuel Johnson signs a contract to write A Dictionary of the English Language -
Britsh Rule
British rule over India begins. Ends in 1947. -
Encyclopaedia Britannica
The publication of Encyclopaedia Britannica begins in Scotland -
Phillis Wheatley
Phillis Wheatley becomes the first African American to publish a book of poetry. -
Illuminated Printing
William Blake creates illuminated printing, a technique for combining text and illustration.
