1690 facts for kids

The year 1690 was a time of important events around the world. New inventions changed how people lived, and big battles shaped countries. Scientists made exciting discoveries about our solar system.

Key Events of 1690

New Inventions and Discoveries

• January 14: The clarinet, a musical instrument, was invented in Nuremberg, Germany. This new instrument would later become very popular in orchestras and bands.
• The planet Uranus was seen for the first time by astronomer John Flamsteed. He thought it was just another star, but it was actually a new planet!
• Scientist Giovanni Domenico Cassini observed Jupiter. He noticed that different parts of Jupiter's atmosphere spin at different speeds. This is called "differential rotation."

Major Political Changes

• January 6: Joseph, the son of Emperor Leopold I, became the King of the Romans. This was an important step in his journey to becoming a future emperor.
• May 20: England passed an important law called the Act of Grace. This law offered forgiveness to people who had supported King James II. It was a way to try and bring peace after a period of conflict.

Battles and Conflicts

• July 1: A very important battle, known as the Battle of the Boyne, took place in Ireland. This battle was a major event in Irish and British history.
• October 6-12: In North America, people from Massachusetts led by Sir William Phips tried to take over the city of Quebec. However, their attempt was not successful.
• The French army attacked the small town of Teignmouth in Southwest England. This was the last time French forces attacked England directly.

Natural Disasters

• December 29: An earthquake hit Ancona, a city in the Papal States (which is now part of Italy).

Notable Births in 1690

Many people who would become famous were born in 1690. Here are a few:

• January 22: Nicolas Lancret, a French painter known for his beautiful artworks.
• February 1: Francesco Maria Veracini, an Italian composer who wrote many pieces of music.
• March 18: Christian Goldbach, a Prussian mathematician. He is famous for "Goldbach's Conjecture," a puzzle about numbers that mathematicians still study today.
• November 29: Christian Augustus of Anhalt-Zerbst, who later became the father of Catherine the Great, a very powerful empress.

Images for kids

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  The Battle of the Boyne was a major event in 1690.

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  The attempt to take Quebec in 1690 was unsuccessful.

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  Francesco Maria Veracini, an Italian composer born in 1690.

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  Rev. Samuel Phillips.

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  David Teniers the Younger.

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  Giovanni Legrenzi.

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  Hieronymus van Beverningh.

See also

In Spanish: 1690 para niños