1700s facts for kids
| Millennium: | 2nd millennium |
| Centuries: | 17th century – 18th century – 19th century |
| Decades: | 1670s 1680s 1690s – 1700s – 1710s 1720s 1730s |
| Years: | 1700 1701 1702 1703 1704 1705 1706 1707 1708 1709 |
| Categories: | Births – Deaths – Architecture Establishments – Disestablishments |
The 1700s were a time of big changes around the world! New ideas, new ways of making things, and even a major war shaped history. This period saw the start of many things that still affect us today, like how we get information and how goods are made.
Contents
Big Events and New Ideas
This century was full of important happenings that changed how people lived and thought.
Nature's Power: The Bonneville Slide
Long ago, a huge landslide called the Bonneville Slide happened near the Columbia River in what is now Cascade Locks, Oregon. A giant land bridge, about 200 feet (60 meters) tall, blocked the river! Eventually, the river broke through, but this amazing event is still remembered in the stories of Native Americans as the Bridge of the Gods. It shows how powerful nature can be.
The First English Newspaper
Imagine getting your news from a piece of paper! In the 1700s, the very first newspaper printed in the English language appeared. This was a huge step for sharing information and ideas with many people. Before this, news often spread by word of mouth or through letters.
The War of the Spanish Succession
From 1701, a big conflict called the War of the Spanish Succession began. This war was fought across Europe because many countries disagreed about who should be the next king of Spain. It involved major powers like France, England, and the Holy Roman Empire, and it changed the map of Europe.
The Age of Enlightenment
The 1700s are also known as the Age of Enlightenment. This was a time when people started to think differently about everything. They used reason and science to understand the world, rather than just old traditions. Thinkers from this time believed in freedom, human rights, and that knowledge could make society better.
The Industrial Revolution Begins
Get ready for factories! The Industrial Revolution started in the 1700s. This was a massive change in how things were made. Instead of making goods by hand at home, people began using machines in factories. This led to new inventions, more jobs in cities, and a completely different way of life for many people.
The Scientific Revolution Continues
Building on earlier discoveries, the Scientific Revolution kept going strong. Scientists made amazing breakthroughs in fields like physics, astronomy, and biology. They used experiments and observations to learn more about how the world works, laying the groundwork for modern science.
Important Leaders of the 1700s
Many kings, queens, and emperors led their countries during this exciting time.
European Monarchs
- King Frederick IV of Denmark ruled Denmark from 1699 to 1730.
- King William III was the King of England and Scotland from 1689 to 1702.
- Queen Anne of Great Britain became Queen in 1702 and ruled until 1714.
- King Louis XIV of France was a very powerful king of France, ruling for a long time from 1643 to 1715.
- Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1658 to 1705.
- Joseph I, Holy Roman Emperor followed Leopold I, ruling from 1705 to 1711.
- Tsar Peter I of Russia was a famous leader who modernized Russia from 1682 to 1725.
- King Philip V of Spain ruled Spain from 1700 to 1746.
- King Charles XII of Sweden was the King of Sweden from 1697 to 1718.
