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Boston Massacre
On March 5th, 1770 the Boston Massacre occurred. After being provoked by colonists, British soldiers shot into the crowd of colonists, killing five men. This event sparked the American Revolution. Source: (www.onthisday.com, Historical Events in 1770) -
Beethoven is Born
Ludwig Van Beethoven was born on December 16th,1770 in Bonn Germany.His mother, Maria Magdalena Keverich, was a kind yet lower class women who cared affectionately for her family.His father, Johann Van Beethoven,was a poor musician who had hopes of his son becoming a famous piano player like Mozart.This caused large amounts of pressure to be put on Beethoven to succeed as a musician,as to provide for his family.
Sources (Wolcott 35)(Encyclopedia of World Biography Ludwig Van Beethoven)(Crest 1) -
U.S becomes a Country
On July 4th, 1776, the United States of America stated its independence from England. This was done so in the Declaration of Independence, which declared America's separation from England. Source: (www.onthisday.com, Historical Events in 1776) -
Symphony No. 3
In 1803, Beethoven wrote Symphony No. 3, later named Eroica. He wrote it as a reaction to Napoleon becoming emperor of France, reflecting Europe's feelings of fear as well as awe with Napoleon. It was seen as one of the unique pieces of his time, and at rehearsals, Beethoven was unsure of how to play it. The name was later changed to Eroica after Napoleon's fall. Source (www.biography.com, Ludwig Van Beethoven) -
Napoleon Crowned Emperor of France
On May 18th, 1804 Napoleon was crowned Emperor of France. He was already the leader of France and crowned himself Emperor in an ultimate power move. This would be the beginning of Napoleon's attempt to control all of Europe.
Source: (www.onthisday.com, Historical Events in 1804) -
Symphony No. 5
In 1808, Beethoven wrote Symphony No. 5. It was written in 1806, yet was delayed by other projects and debuted in 1808 along with Symphony No.6. This is one of Beethoven's most iconic works, and is often called the "Victory Symphony".
Source: (www.biography.com, Ludwig Van Beethoven) -
Fur Elise
Beethoven wrote "Fur Elise" in 1810, although it was published 40 years after his death when discovered by a German music scholar. The song was most likely written about his friend Theresa Malfatti, who he proposed to although she said no, or about one of his singers Elisabeth Rockel. The song's publication after the composer's death helped keep Beethoven's reputation alive. Source: (www.biography.com, Ludwig Van Beethoven) -
Symphony No. 7
In 1813, Beethoven wrote Symphony No. 7, although he started writing it in 1811. It premiered in Vienna, and the profits from it were sent to help wounded soldiers from the battle of Hanau. The Symphony is full of energy and Beethoven considered it his best work.
Source (www.biography.com, Ludwig Van Beethoven) -
Fidelio
Fidelio was Beethoven's only Opera, and was written in 1814, during his most productive years called the middle years. The Opera is about a woman's husband who is arrested and put in jail unfairly. She dresses up like a man, named Fidelio, to sneak into prison and save her husband.
Source (Crest 43) -
Beethoven's Brother Dies
In 1815, Beethoven's brother Casper died. This sparked a legal battle with Beethoven's sister over custody of her son (Beethoven's nephew) Karl Van Beethoven. Although Beethoven won custody, for nearly two years he wrote nothing since his time was consumed by Karl.
Source (www.biography.com, Ludwig Van Beethoven) -
Battle of New Orleans
The Battle of New Orleans was fought on January 8th in 1815. This battle was won by America versus England and was lead by future American President Andrew Jackson. Although considered the final battle of the War of 1812, this battle occurred after the war had ended due to slow communication of the war's end.
Source: (www.onthisday.com, Historical Events in 1815) -
Beethoven becomes completely deaf
In 1813,Beethoven's hearing started diminishing,and by 1816 he was completely deaf.Although this caused him to be depressed, his decreasing hearing inspired him to compose numerous works.This period of time (1808-1816) called Beethoven's middle ages created some of his best works including 6 symphonies,5 string quartets,6 string sonatas, 4 piano sonatas, 5 sets of piano variations,4 overtures, and 72 songs.These were all fueled by his inner turmoil.
Source(www.biography.com Ludwig Van Beethoven) -
Jose de San Martin Free's Chile
On January 1st, 1817, Jose de San Martin made the first attempts to free Chile. After successfully freeing Argentina, Jose lead an army over the Andes Mountains to fight for Chile's freedom.
Source: (www.onthisday.com, Historical Events in 1817) -
Frankenstein is Published
On January 1st in 1818, Mary Shelly's Frankenstein was published. The story tells of a Doctor Frankenstein who creates a monster out of corpse's body parts. This novel became iconic, inspiring generations of horror novels and later movies.
Source: (www.onthisday.com, Historical Events in 1818) -
Missa Solemnis
In 1824 Beethoven wrote "Missa Solemnis", which used texts of Catholic Mass to mock the subjective faith. The piece is ninety minutes long, being comprised of a chorus, orchestra, and four solos.
Source (www.biography.com, Ludwig Van Beethoven) -
Beethoven Dies
In Vienna on March 26th, 1827 Beethoven died. His cause of death was pneumonia. The illness lasted too long, leading to complications of constipation caused bloating. After being treated at the hospital by draining his stomach, the incision became infected leafing to Beethoven's death.
Source (Bragg 78)
