World Events Timeline By tara_w Feb 3, 1707 United Kindom was founded May 6, 1769 James Watt invents the steam engine capable of powering industry Feb 3, 1788 The First Fleet arrives in Australia and establishes the British colonies Nov 24, 1789 French Revolution begins Apr 28, 1836 Samuel Morse develops the telegraph system for sending messages Mar 7, 1845 Potato blight causes widespread famine, leading to mass emigration Oct 22, 1851 Australia gold rushes begin Aug 15, 1863 The Emancipation declarartion makes slavery illigal in the United States Dec 14, 1872 The first telegraph is tested Feb 3, 1914 The First World war starts and brings destruction to Europe