1759 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	17th century – 18th century – 19th century
Decades:	1720s 1730s 1740s – 1750s – 1760s 1770s 1780s
Years:	1756 1757 1758 – 1759 – 1760 1761 1762

The year 1759 was an important time in history, with many significant events happening around the world. From major battles to the opening of famous museums and the birth of influential people, this year shaped the future in many ways. It was a period of big changes, especially with ongoing wars and new ideas spreading.

Key Events of 1759
- Important Happenings Around the World
Important People Born in 1759
- New Faces Shaping the Future
Important People Who Died in 1759
- Saying Goodbye to Influential Figures
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Key Events of 1759

Important Happenings Around the World

January 11 – In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the first American life insurance company was started. This was a new way to help people financially.
January 13 – The Távora family in Portugal was executed. They were accused of trying to kill Joseph I of Portugal, the king.
January 15 – The famous British Museum opened its doors in London. It quickly became a place for learning and discovery.
April 13 – A French army defeated Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick in Brunswick, Germany.
June 27 – British troops, led by Jeffrey Amherst, captured Fort Ticonderoga in North America. This was a key moment in the French and Indian War.
July 25 – During the Seven Years' War (also known as the French and Indian War in North America), British forces took Fort Niagara from the French in Canada. The French then left Fort Rouillé.
August 1 – At the Battle of Minden, British and German forces, led by Ferdinand of Brunswick, defeated the French army. However, because a British cavalry leader, Lord George Sackville, did not follow orders, the French were able to escape.
August 10 – Ferdinand VI of Spain died. His half-brother, Charles III, became the new King of Spain. Charles then gave up his thrones in Naples and Sicily to his son, Ferdinand IV.
August 12 – The Battle of Kunersdorf was a major defeat for Frederick the Great. His army was pushed back by combined Austrian and Russian forces.
August 18 – In the Battle of Lagos, the British fleet, led by Edward Boscawen, defeated a French force off the coast of Portugal.
September 10 – An important naval battle happened off the coast of India, called the Battle of Pondicherry. It was between French and British ships. The French ships were badly damaged and had to go home.
September 13 – During the Seven Years' War, Quebec City in Canada fell to British forces. This happened after General Wolfe won the Battle of the Plains of Abraham just outside the city. Both the French commander and General Wolfe were badly wounded and died.
November 20 – The Battle of Quiberon Bay was a major naval victory for the British. The English fleet, led by Sir Edward Hawke, defeated a French fleet near the coast of Brittany. After this battle, France could no longer send out a large navy.
November 21 – In the Battle of Maxen, the Austrian army forced a Prussian force to surrender.
December 6 – The Germantown Union School was founded. It is now called "Germantown Academy" and is America's oldest non-religious day school.
George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis.
Adam Smith published his book Theory of Moral Sentiments. This book shared some of his ideas from his lectures in Glasgow.
The famous writer Voltaire published his book Candide.
The town of Egedesminde (now called Aasiaat) was founded in Greenland.
The Guinness Brewery was started in Dublin, Ireland.