1781 facts for kids
| Millennium: | 2nd millennium |
|---|---|
| Centuries: | 17th century – 18th century – 19th century |
| Decades: | 1750s 1760s 1770s – 1780s – 1790s 1800s 1810s |
| Years: | 1778 1779 1780 – 1781 – 1782 1783 1784 |
The year 1781 was a time of big changes, especially in America. It was a year when a major war ended and many important people were born who would later make a difference in the world. Let's explore what happened in 1781!
Major Events of 1781
The End of the American Revolutionary War
The year 1781 marked a very important moment: the end of the American Revolutionary War. This war was fought between Great Britain and its 13 colonies in North America. The colonies wanted to become an independent country, the United States.
The Siege of Yorktown
A key event that helped end the war was the Siege of Yorktown. This happened in Virginia, USA. American and French forces worked together to trap the main British army.
- September 28: The siege began. The American and French armies surrounded the British forces.
- October 19: The British army, led by General Cornwallis, surrendered. This was a huge victory for the Americans and their allies. It showed that the British could not win the war.
Battle of the Chesapeake
Before the Yorktown siege, a very important naval battle took place.
- September 5: The Battle of the Chesapeake happened near the coast of Virginia. French ships fought against British ships. The French won, which stopped the British navy from helping their army at Yorktown. This victory was crucial for the American and French forces to win at Yorktown.
Other Important Events
Discovery of Uranus
- March 13: The planet Uranus was officially discovered by William Herschel. Before this, people thought it was just a star. This discovery added a new planet to our solar system!
Siege of Pensacola
- March 9: The Siege of Pensacola took place in Florida. Spanish forces, led by Bernardo de Gálvez, fought against the British. The Spanish won, which helped them gain control of West Florida.
Famous People Born in 1781
Many people who would become famous were born in 1781. Here are some of them:
Writers and Thinkers
- January 26 – Achim von Arnim: A German writer known for his romantic stories and poems.
- January 30 – Adelbert von Chamisso: Another German writer, famous for his story about a man who sells his shadow.
- November 6 – Lucy Aikin: An English writer who wrote many books, including historical works and books for children.
- November 29 – Andrés Bello: A very important Venezuelan poet, teacher, and philosopher. He helped shape education and law in South America.
Scientists and Inventors
- February 17 – René Laennec: A French doctor who invented the stethoscope. This tool helps doctors listen to sounds inside the body, like heartbeats and breathing.
- June 21 – Siméon Denis Poisson: A French mathematician and physicist. He made important discoveries in many areas of science.
- December 11 – David Brewster: A Scottish physicist who invented the kaleidoscope. He also made important discoveries about light.
Engineers and Founders
- June 9 – George Stephenson: An English engineer who is often called the "Father of Railways." He built the first public railway line to use steam locomotives.
- July 6 – Thomas Stamford Raffles: An English explorer and founder of Singapore. He helped establish this important city in Southeast Asia.
Other Notable Births
- March 4 – Rebecca Gratz: An American educator and philanthropist. She helped start many schools and charities.
- March 13 – Karl Friedrich Schinkel: A German architect and painter. He designed many beautiful buildings.
- September 3 – Eugène de Beauharnais: A French nobleman and stepson of Napoleon Bonaparte. He became an important military leader.
- September 6 – Anton Diabelli: An Austrian music publisher and composer. He is known for his music and for publishing works by other famous composers.
- October 1 – James Lawrence: A U.S. Navy officer famous for his dying words, "Don't give up the ship!"
Images for kids
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September 28: The Siege of Yorktown begins.
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October 19: The British surrender at Yorktown.
See also
In Spanish: 1781 para niños
