Significant events in Australia & the Modern world By elisee Feb 9, 1763 Britain defeats France in the Seven Years' War Period: Feb 9, 1763 to Dec 31, 1918 Years of events Feb 15, 1769 James Watts invents the steam engine Feb 15, 1783 The United States becomes a nation, declaring it's independence Feb 15, 1788 The first fleet arrvies in Australia Feb 15, 1789 The French Revolution Begins Feb 15, 1836 Samuel Morse develops the first opperating telegraph system. a.k.a "Morse Code" Feb 15, 1845 Potato Famine occurs in Ireland, which caused mass emigration Feb 15, 1851 Australia's Gold Rushes begin Feb 15, 1863 Slavery becomes illegal in the USA Feb 15, 1872 The first telephone is tested Feb 15, 1877 Queen Victoria is proclaimed Empress of India Feb 15, 1898 France declares Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia as being apart of the Frech Union Feb 15, 1914 World War 1 / 1914- 1918