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War of the Spanish Succession begins
The last of Louis XIV's wars for domination of the continent. The Peace of Utrecht (1714) will end the conflict and mark the rise of the British Empire. Called Queen Anne's War in America, it ends with the British taking New Foundland, Acadia, and Hudson's Bay Territory from France, and Gibraltar and Minorca from Spain. -
United Kingdom of Great Britain formed
England, Wales, and Scotland joined by parliamentary Act of Union. -
British defeat Scots
Last battle fought on British soil. -
Publication of the Encyclopédie begins in France, the “bible” of the Enlightenment.
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The American Revolution begins
Battle of Lexington and Concord. Second Continental Congress. Priestley discovers hydrochloric and sulfuric acids. -
Declaration of Independence.
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The Constitution of the United States signed.
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U.S. Bill of Rights ratified
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Napoleon extends French conquests to Rome and Egypt. U.S. Navy Department established.
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Rosetta Stone discovered in Egypt.