1780 facts for kids

The year 1780 was a very important time in history, especially during the American Revolutionary War. Many big events happened across the world, from battles and political changes to new inventions and cultural milestones. It was a year that shaped the future of several countries.

Key Events of 1780

American Revolutionary War Battles

The American Revolutionary War was still going strong in 1780. This was a fight where the American colonies wanted to become independent from Great Britain.

• On January 16, a big naval battle happened off the coast of Portugal. It was called the Battle of Cape St. Vincent.
• On May 12, British forces captured Charleston, South Carolina. This was a major city in the southern colonies.
• Later, on May 29, a sad event happened. British-supporting soldiers, known as Loyalists, attacked American soldiers who were trying to surrender. This was during the Waxhaw Massacre.
• On August 16, the British defeated the Americans near Camden, South Carolina in the Battle of Camden.
• A famous American general, Benedict Arnold, switched sides and joined the British on September 25. He fled to British-held New York.
• On October 2, a British spy named John André was caught and hanged by American forces.

New Alliances and Beginnings

Countries in Europe were also making important decisions.

• In February, an alliance called the Armed Neutrality of the North was formed. This group included Denmark, Sweden, and Russia. They wanted to protect their ships during the war.
• Britain attacked the United Provinces (what is now the Netherlands). This happened because the United Provinces supported the American fight for freedom. Britain wanted to stop them from joining the Neutral Alliance.
• On March 26, the first Sunday newspaper in Britain was published. It was called the British Gazette and Sunday Monitor.
• On April 16, a new university was founded in Münster, Germany. It is now known as the University of Münster.
• The very first Epsom Derby horse race was run in Surrey, England. This race is still famous today.

Important Figures and Discoveries

Big changes happened with leaders and knowledge.

• On November 29, Maria Theresa of Austria passed away. She was a powerful ruler of the Habsburg lands. Her son, Joseph II, became the new ruler. He had already been the Holy Roman Emperor since 1765.
• In Japan, Emperor Kokaku became the new emperor.
• Farmers in France had a very good grain and wine harvest this year.
• The 35th and final book of the Encyclopédie was published. This was a huge collection of knowledge put together by Denis Diderot.

Births

Births

for more information, see Category:1780 births.

Deaths

Deaths

for more information, see Category:1780 deaths.

Images for kids

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  Carl von Clausewitz

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  Richard Mentor Johnson

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  Thomas Hutchinson

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  William Blackstone

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  Empress Maria Theresa of Austria

See also

In Spanish: 1780 para niños