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Birth
Isaac Newton was born on December 25,1642 in a rural house in Woolsthrope, England. He was born prematurely and needed large quantities of medicine to even have a chance of survival. His father died before he was born, and his mother remarried soon after. This event is significant because it was the birth of one of the most important scientists in history. Newton almost didn't make it, and if he had not, some of the biggest discoveries in math and science may have never been made. (Anderson 5) -
End of the Thirty Years War
In 1648 the Thirty Years War came to an end with the Treaty of Westphalia. The Thirty Years War was a war involving conflict with German Protestants and Catholics. It also included political tension between France, Sweden and Denmark against the HRE and Spain. Ending the Thirty Years War was important because it brought peace, respect and territory acknolwedgment between the powerul countries of Europe. ("Thirty Years' War") -
Charles I Beheaded
On January 30, 1649, King Charles was beheaded. He was the English king who offended many subjects and tried to take over as an absolute monarch. He was arrested and tried for treason, and the punishment was execution by beheading. This was significant because it showed the power and necessity of parliament, as well as the inefficiency of an absolute monarch. ("King Charles I Executed for Treason") -
Death of Oliver Cromwell
On September 3, 1658, Oliver Cromwell died. Cromwell was an English political leader and military leader as well. He was very well known for his military ability and troop relations, as well as the commander of the New Model Army. He eventually served as Lord Protector of 4 countries. This event was important because it was the death of a very significant person who influenced many political and military ways of European countries. ("Oliver Cromwell") -
Newton had to Relocated from the Plague
In the summer of 1665, Newton had to stop his current research and move back to his first home in Woolsthrope, England. The Great Plague, otherwise known as the Black Death, had an outbreak in London where Newton was at the time. He went back to Woolsthrope and focused on new projects and collaborations. Moving back to Woolsthrope was significant because Newton was able to make very significant findings. He made contributions to Principia and discovered white light as well. (Anderson 20) -
Newtons laws
In 1666, Newton made some of the biggest discoveries in his life. He had invented the three laws of motion, which can predict the interactions of everyday objects. Along with these laws, he also created the law of universal gravitation, which explains how gravitational forces works. The significance of this event has a lot to do with the importance of these laws. They explain common occurrences and helped to build machines that can defy gravity and withstand other elements. ("Newton's Laws") -
Calculus
One of Newton's greatest contributions to math occurred while in his old home during the year 1670. This is when Newton created calculus. He worked in partnership with other scientists and mathematicians to solve problems such as slope and come up with Newton's Fundamental Theorum of Calculus. This event is significant because it is Newton's most important and well known contribution to mathematics in his lifetime. (Anderson 18) -
Philosophical Transactions
On February 19, 1672, Newton published some new findings in the Royal Societies journal, Philosophical Transactions. His new discoveries were called "New Theory About Light and Color." He talked about harsh experiments from six years prior where he discovered that light is made from refrangible rays. This event is significant because Newton's discoveries found through harsh experiments were taken into consideration and published in a well respected journal. ("Newton's Optical Papers") -
King Philips War
In 1675 King Phillips War took place in America. Native Americans had become annoyed over colonist expansion into their land. Bloody wars raged all over England betwen the natives and colonists, who each held advantages over one another. This event was significat because over 3,000 natives and 600 colonists were killed. King Phillip was killed and the colonists won, giving them more land to expand on and further damaging relationships with the natives. ("King Philips War") -
Publication of Principia
Newton's first book, Principia, was officially published in 1687. This book took many years in the writing and his biggest findings were put into it, such as Newton's laws. He then wrote and published the second edition of Principia in 1713, and a third in 1726. This is significant because Principia was considered one of the most significant contributions to math and science in Newton's time. All of Newton's significant findings were included. (Hakim 182) -
Glorious Revolution
Between the years 1688 and 1690, the Glorious Revolution took place. The Glorious Revolution was the overthrow of King James II of England. This event is significant because James II treated subjects unfairly as an absolute monarch, and his overthrow yet again showed the strength of parliament. It also awakened the people to how unfair absolute monarchism is, and they pledged not to be ruled by one again. ("Glorious Revolution") -
Rep of Parliament
In the year 1689, Newton was elected representative for parliament. He represented the University of Cambridge at the Convention Parliament of 1689. He also represented in parliament from 1701-1702. This was significant because it is a great responsibility to be elected to parliament. Newton helped make many important decisions and was later declared Warden of the Royal Mint. ("Isaac Newton's Life") -
Rule of Peter the Great
Peter the Great started his rule in 1696. He was born on June 9,1672, and ruled after Ivan the Terrible. Peter attempted to change Russia to become more european and modern during his reign. This event is significant because Peter the Great made many changes in Russia for the better. He made medieval Russia much more modern and brought many advancements and cultures from Europe to improve the Russian economy. ("Peter the Great Biography") -
President of Royal Society
In 1703 Newton was elected president of the Royal Society. The Royal Society is an "invisible college" of natural philosophers, scientists, and physicians. These people would gather in a place like a salon, and they discuss ideas of natural philosophy with each other. The respected scientist Robert Hooke also died in the year of 1703. This was important because Newton is trusted enough to be elected president. The Royal Society helped publish all three of the editions of principia. ("History") -
Knighted
Isaac Newton was knighted by Queen Anne on April 16, 1705. During Queen Anne's visit to Cambridge University, she decided to surprise the audience and Newton by Knighting him. His title then became Sir Isaac Newton and was earned through great scientific achievements and contributions. This was significant because Newton was the first scientist to have been Knighted and was recognized as a great honor. ("A Knighthood for Science") -
Death
On March 20, 1727, Sir Isaac Newton died. He was 85 years old and died of natural causes. Newton was buried in Westminster Abbey and had a very elaborate funeral. The death of Sir Isaac Newton is an important event in history because it was the death of a natural born genius. Newton could no longer contribute his knowledge or discoveries to society. ("Newton's Death and Legacy")
