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1756

1756 marked the formal commencement of the , a global conflict involving major European powers, when declared war on on 17 May following escalating colonial rivalries in and the that aligned with . The war's European phase ignited with Frederick the Great's invasion of on 29 August, setting off the Seven Years' War in Europe—a conflict already underway between Britain and France in North America that spread to colonies in Africa, India, and the Far East, making it the first true world war—drawing in , , and other states into a multifaceted struggle over territorial and dynastic ambitions. On 20 June, the incident occurred, in which British prisoners confined by the of in a small dungeon at Fort William suffered high mortality from suffocation and heat, with survivor accounts reporting over 100 deaths among the captives. The year also saw the birth of on 27 January in , , to composer , initiating the life of one of history's most prolific musical prodigies. Other notable developments included the First Treaty of Versailles on 1 May, binding and in mutual defense, and early military actions such as the French capture of the British Mediterranean island of in June.

Events

January–March

On 16 , and the Kingdom of signed the Convention of Westminster, a defensive neutrality whereby each agreed to respect the of the other's possessions in Europe, particularly safeguarding British from French aggression and Prussian interests from Austrian threats. This alliance, negotiated amid rising tensions, represented a pragmatic realignment for Frederick II of , who sought British subsidies to counter potential encirclement by , , and , while aimed to secure continental support against French expansionism. The convention stipulated mutual defense without offensive commitments, subsidizing Prussian forces with up to £670,000 annually from in case of hostilities, though it provoked outrage in and Versailles, accelerating the . In , the escalating saw French forces launch a raid on British supply lines. On 27 March, a detachment of approximately 400 French regulars, Canadian militia, and Native American allies under Louis d'Ailleboust de Léry assaulted Fort Bull, a makeshift British depot on Wood Creek near the Oneida Carry in present-day . The attackers overwhelmed the outnumbered garrison of about 60 soldiers after a brief , igniting the fort's powder magazine in an that killed defenders and destroyed vital supplies intended for the reinforcement of Fort Oswego. French casualties numbered around 13 killed and 61 wounded, while British losses exceeded 100 dead, with the fort's destruction severely hampering British logistics and control over the . This action underscored French command of interior lines and the vulnerability of British forward positions, contributing to strategic setbacks in the colonial theater prior to formal European declarations of war.

April–June

In April 1756, committed 80,000 troops to support in a potential campaign against , strengthening the anti-Prussian coalition amid shifting European alliances. Concurrently, forces under the Duke de Richelieu initiated the siege of British-held Fort St. Philip on the island of Minorca by landing troops on April 19, marking an early escalation in the Mediterranean theater. On May 17, formally declared war on , expanding the North American conflict known as the into a broader European struggle that would evolve into the Seven Years' War. Three days later, on May 20, the British Mediterranean fleet under Admiral clashed with a French squadron in the Battle of Minorca; the inconclusive engagement failed to relieve the besieged garrison, contributing to Byng's later and execution. In June, hostilities intensified overseas. On June 20, the Nawab of Bengal, Siraj ud-Daulah, captured the British fort at Calcutta, confining approximately 146 European prisoners overnight in a small dungeon cell known as the , where overcrowding, heat, and poor ventilation led to the deaths of between 43 and 123 individuals according to varying historical accounts, with British reports traditionally emphasizing higher casualties to justify subsequent retaliation. The siege of Minorca concluded on June 28 when the fort surrendered to the French, representing a significant early British setback in the war.

July–September

On July 30, Russian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli presented the newly completed Catherine Palace to Empress Elizabeth and her court near Tsarskoye Selo, showcasing Baroque opulence with its grand halls and gilded interiors. In August, French forces under Louis-Joseph de Montcalm captured the British Fort Oswego on Lake Ontario on August 14, a strategic victory in the North American theater of the ongoing Anglo-French conflict, resulting in the surrender of over 1,700 British troops and the fort's destruction to prevent reuse. On August 29, Frederick II of Prussia invaded Saxony with approximately 65,000 troops without declaration of war, preempting perceived threats from the Austro-Russian alliance and initiating the European phase of the Third Silesian War, later termed the Seven Years' War; Prussian forces rapidly occupied Dresden and pursued the Saxon army of about 18,000 to the Pirna stronghold. On September 8, militia led by John Armstrong conducted the Kittanning Expedition, a raid on the () village of Kittanning along the , killing an estimated 10-17 warriors including the leader , destroying the settlement, and rescuing 11 captives, though at the cost of 17 colonial deaths and 20 wounded amid fierce resistance. On September 22, , the first building of (now ), opened its doors, serving as a central academic and residential structure for students.

October–December

On 1 October, Prussian forces under King Frederick II engaged Austrian troops led by Field Marshal Maximilian Ulysses von Browne in the near Lovosice, . Approximately 32,000 Prussians confronted around 34,000 Austrians amid dense fog, which obscured movements and led to intense fighting at close range around the village of Lobositz and nearby heights. Prussian assaults captured key positions despite heavy artillery fire, compelling the Austrians to retreat northward after sustaining significant losses. Prussian casualties totaled about 2,925 killed, wounded, or missing, while Austrian figures reached roughly 3,000 in killed and wounded, with additional captures during the withdrawal. This tactical success prevented an Austrian relief effort for besieged Saxon allies and solidified Prussian hold on early in the conflict. The facilitated the conclusion of the , where Saxon forces had been encircled since September. On 14 October, the remaining Saxon army of about 17,000 capitulated to Prussian besiegers after failed attempts, marking the effective end of independent Saxon military resistance. Terms allowed Saxon officers and , while enlisted personnel faced into Prussian ranks or as prisoners of . This outcome provided with additional manpower and resources from , though it drew international condemnation for the invasion's aggressive nature. Throughout November and December, major combatants entered winter quarters amid ongoing diplomatic maneuvers and mobilizations. Prussian armies consolidated positions in and , while Austrian and allied forces reorganized for spring campaigns. In , news of colonial setbacks, including the August capture of Fort Oswego, fueled domestic political turmoil upon arriving in early October, contributing to the resignation of the Newcastle ministry on 12 November. William Pitt the Elder assumed the role of , advocating for intensified naval and subsidy efforts to support Prussian allies against and its coalition. No large-scale engagements occurred in during these months, as harsh weather halted offensive operations.

Date unknown

The first factory in was established in Steinhude by Prince Wilhelm von der Lippe, marking an early industrial step in European production from imports. This facility processed into forms suitable for consumption, reflecting growing demand for the commodity in amid colonial trade expansions.

Births

Notable births

was born on January 27, 1756, in , then part of the Archbishopric of Salzburg. The Austrian composer produced over 600 works, including symphonies, operas, and chamber music, demonstrating prodigious talent from childhood under his father Leopold's tutelage. Aaron Burr was born on February 6, 1756, in . As the third Vice President of the United States from 1801 to 1805, he is known for his role in the 1800 presidential election tie with and his fatal duel with in 1804. Sir Henry Raeburn was born on March 4, 1756, in Stockbridge, near , . A prominent portrait painter, he captured figures with vigorous brushwork and became the leading portraitist in during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. John Trumbull was born on June 6, 1756, in Lebanon, Connecticut. An American painter and architect, he served as a colonel in the Revolutionary War, which inspired his historical paintings depicting key events like the Declaration of Independence. John Loudon McAdam was born on September 21, 1756, in Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland. The inventor developed the macadam road surface in the early 19th century, layering small stones for durable, well-drained highways that revolutionized transportation infrastructure.

Deaths

Notable deaths

References

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