1763 CE

The controversial Issue 45 of John Wilkes's satirical newspaper The North Briton is published as a response to a speech four days earlier by King George III praising the end of the Seven Years' War. In what will become a test case for freedom of speech, Wilkes, a member of Parliament, is arrested for libel of the King and imprisoned, then flee to France. The Royal Proclamation of 1763 is issued by George III of Great Britain, restricting the westward expansion of British North America, and stabilizing relations with the indigenous peoples of the Americas, by barring white settlement of lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. Royal Proclamation of 1763 is made by George III, regulating westward expansion of British North America and stabilizing relations with indigenous peoples of the Americas.

In the 1760s, the 18th century.

Geopolitics & Diplomacy

  • 26 January – Herbert Lloyd, MP for Cardigan Boroughs, is created a baronet.Walessource
  • January 27 – The seat of colonial administration in the Viceroyalty of Brazil is moved from Salvador to Rio de Janeiro.source
  • February 1 – The colonial authorities in the Province of North Carolina establish Mecklenburg County from the western portion of Anson County. The county is named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who married George III in 1761.source
  • February 10 – Seven Years' War – French and Indian War: The Treaty of Paris ends the war, and France cedes Canada (New France) to Great Britain.source
  • 10 February – The Treaty of Paris formally ended the Seven Years' War.Francesource
  • February 15 – The Treaty of Hubertusburg puts an end to the Seven Years' War between Prussia and Austria, and their allies France and Russia.source
  • February 15 – The Seven Years' War between Austria and Prussia and their allies is ended by the Treaty of Hubertusburg.Austriasource
  • 15 February - The end of the Seven Years' War.Swedensource
  • April 16 – George Grenville takes office as the new Prime Minister of Great Britain, after the Earl of Bute resigns amid criticism over Britain's concessions in the Treaty of Paris.source
  • October 7 – The Royal Proclamation of 1763 is issued by George III of Great Britain, restricting the westward expansion of British North America, and stabilizing relations with the indigenous peoples of the Americas, by barring white settlement of lands west of the Appalachian Mountains.source
  • 7 October – Royal Proclamation of 1763 is made by George III, regulating westward expansion of British North America and stabilizing relations with indigenous peoples of the Americas.United Kingdomsource
  • 5 December – Charles Morgan replaces Thomas Morgan (of Rhiwpera) as MP for Brecon.Walessource
  • Thursday February 10 – By the treaty of Paris, France cedes to Britain, Canada and all the Laurentian Islands, except St. Pierre and Miquelon.Canadasource
  • Proclamation by King George III bans settlements west of the Appalachians and establishes a protected Indian Country there. White settlers ignore the boundary line – Indian raids in Pennsylvania lead to the Paxton Riots – Peaceful Conestoga Mission Indians are massacred by settlers.Canadasource

Conflict & Security

  • February 23 – The Berbice Slave Uprising starts in the former Dutch colony of Berbice.source
  • April 27 – Outraged by the British success in taking control of land in North America formerly occupied by the French, Pontiac, chief of the Odawa people, convenes a conference near Detroit and convinces the leaders of 17 other nations of the need to attack British outposts.source
  • May 7 – Chief Pontiac begins "Pontiac's War" by attacking the British garrison at Fort Detroit, but the surprise attack is given away by a young native girl who informs the British of the plan. Two days later he begins the Siege of Fort Detroit.source
  • 7 May – Outraged by the British success in taking control of land in North America formerly occupied by the French, Pontiac, chief of the Odawa people, begins "Pontiac's War" by attacking the British garrison at Fort Detroit. Although he fails to succeed by surprise on this occasion, two days later he begins the Siege of Fort Detroit.United Kingdomsource
  • June 2 – Pontiac's War: At what becomes Mackinaw City, Michigan, Chippewas capture Fort Michilimackinac by diverting the garrison's attention with a game of lacrosse, then chasing a ball into the fort.source
  • 2 June – Pontiac's War: At what becomes Mackinaw City, Michigan, Chippewas capture Fort Michilimackinac by diverting the garrison's attention with a game of lacrosse, then chasing a ball into the fort.United Kingdomsource
  • August 2 – Mir Qasim is routed at Odwa Nala. He flees to Patna, where he massacres the English garrison, but is subsequently defeated at Katwa, Murshidabad, Giria, Sooty, Udayanala and Munger.source
  • August 5 – Pontiac's War: Battle of Bushy Run – British forces led by Henry Bouquet defeat Chief Pontiac's Indians at Bushy Run, in the Pennsylvania backcountry.source
  • August 5–6 – Battle of Bushy Run (Pontiac's War) in Pennsylvania: 77th Regiment of Foot (Montgomerie's Highlanders) fight on the winning British side prior to disbandment. 78th Fraser Highlanders are also disbanded.Scotlandsource
  • 5 August – Pontiac's War: at the Battle of Bushy Run, British forces led by Henry Bouquet defeat American Indians in the Pennsylvania backcountry.United Kingdomsource
  • December 14 – The Paxton Boys massacre six Conestoga Indians in their homes in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. When the 16 survivors are sheltered in the Lancaster workhouse (jail), the Paxton Boys ride into town and kill them as well, on December 27.source
  • 1763–64 – Pontiac's Rebellion threatens British control of the Great Lakes region before being suppressed.Canadasource
  • 1763–1820 The Conquest: French defeated. British take over and successfully expand fur trade from Montreal (North West Company). Much money is invested in Montreal.Canadasource
  • 1763–1766: Pontiac's Rebellion, an American Indian revolt, is suppressed by the English in Canada. Ottawa Chief Pontiac (c. 1720–1769) leads an Indian uprising but the British defeat the Indians.Canadasource
  • 4–15 April – A British siege of Frederiksnagore results in a brief occupation of the Danish trading post in India.Denmarksource

Exploration & Expansion

  • 26 June – stagecoach service between Glasgow and Greenock initiated.Scotlandsource
  • 21–29 May – John Wesley travels in Scotland.Scotlandsource

Religion & Belief

  • April 11 – Britain allows Canadians the free exercise of their religion.Canadasource
  • 16 April – John Butler is appointed Roman Catholic Bishop of Cork.Irelandsource
  • April – a presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Ireland, separate from that in Scotland, is organised.Irelandsource
  • 20 November: Hólar Cathedral was consecrated, following completion earlier in the year,Icelandsource
  • 23 November – Nykirken was consecrated.Norwaysource
  • December 2 – Touro Synagogue, Newport, Rhode Island, is dedicated; by the end of the 20th century, this will be the oldest surviving synagogue in North America.source
  • Bergenhus amt was divided in two, creating the following amt – Nordre Bergenhus amt and Søndre Bergenhus amt.Norwaysource
  • Aaron Williams – The Universal PsalmodistWalessource
  • Goronwy Owen, Lewis Morris et al. – Diddanwch TeuluaiddWalessource

Economy & Finance

  • March 1 – Charles Townshend becomes President of the Board of Trade in the British government.source
  • 1 March – Charles Townshend becomes President of the Board of Trade in the British government.United Kingdomsource
  • July 7 – The British East India Company declares Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, to be deposed.source
  • 7 July – the British East India Company declare Mir Qasim, the Nawab of Bengal, to be deposed.United Kingdomsource
  • August 3 and 4 – Amsterdam banking crisis: The spectacular bankruptcies of Leendert Pieter de Neufville and Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky lead to a financial contagion which in the following days affects many merchants in Amsterdam, Hamburg, Berlin and Stockholm.source
  • National income - ₹9,859 millionIndiasource

Technology & Infrastructure

  • July – construction of Coldstream Bridge across the border with England begins.Scotlandsource
  • September – a loaded barge passes from Belfast to Lisburn inaugurating the Lagan Navigation.Irelandsource
  • 1 October – construction of first North Bridge, Edinburgh, begins, including drainage of eastern end of Nor Loch. The Edinburgh Physick Garden moves from a site by the loch to Leith Walk.Scotlandsource
  • Plymouth Ironworks at Merthyr Tydfil established.Walessource

Science & Discovery

Health & Medicine

  • The Prussian education system is instituted as a compulsory system for boys and girls from age 5 to 13–14 by the Generallandschulreglement (General School Regulation), a decree of Frederick the Great authored by Johann Julius Hecker.source
  • Rhododendron ponticum introduced to Britain from the Iberian Peninsula.United Kingdomsource

Crime & Justice

  • April 18 – Marie-Josephte Corriveau is hanged near her home at Saint-Vallier, Quebec before being gibbeted after being found guilty by a military tribunal of twelve officers of murdering her husband. She becomes famous in French Canadian folklore as "la Corriveau".source
  • April 18 – The folk hero Marie-Josephte Corriveau was sentenced to death by a British court martial for murdering her second husband, and was hanged in Quebec City.Canadasource
  • Josiah Wedgwood receives orders for his pottery from Queen Charlotte. He names his range of pottery "Queen's Ware" after her.United Kingdomsource

Disasters & Accidents

  • August – Fire in Smyrna, Ottoman Empire, destroys 2,600 houses.source

Climate & Environment

  • June 28 – A magnitude 6.2 earthquake shakes Hungary and Slovakia, with a maximum Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent). Damage is limited, but 83 are killed.source
  • Little Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Ottoman Empire, is damaged in an earthquake.source

Culture & Society

  • March – James Macpherson, supposedly translating "Ossian", publishes Temora: An ancient epic poem; also this year Hugh Blair writes A Critical Dissertation on the Poems of Ossian.Scotlandsource
  • April 6 – The Théâtre du Palais-Royal, home to the Paris Opera for almost 90 years, is destroyed in an accidental fire.source
  • April 23 – The controversial Issue 45 of John Wilkes's satirical newspaper The North Briton is published as a response to a speech four days earlier by King George III praising the end of the Seven Years' War. In what will become a test case for freedom of speech, Wilkes, a member of Parliament, is arrested for libel of the King and imprisoned, then flee to France.source
  • 16 May – James Boswell is introduced to Samuel Johnson at Thomas Davies's bookshop in London.United Kingdomsource
  • 25 May – The first newspaper in Norway ("Norske Intelligenz-Seddeler") published its first issue.Norwaysource
  • June 9 - The Mozart family grand tour departed following the Seven Years' War. Leopold Mozart took seven year old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his sister Maria Anna Mozart on a Western Europe tour to perform in front of royalty.Austriasource
  • July 9 – The Mozart family grand tour of Europe began, lifting the profile of child prodigy Wolfgang Amadeus.source
  • August 6 – the post of Historiographer Royal for Scotland is revived for Rev. William Robertson, Principal of the University of Edinburgh.Scotlandsource
  • September 1 – Empress Catherine the Great of Russia endorses Ivan Betskoy's plans for a Foundling Home in Moscow.source
  • 10 September – the Freeman's Journal newspaper begins publication in Dublin, established by three merchants under the management of Henry Brooke with contributions by the radical politician Charles Lucas and initially in support of the Protestant Ascendancy.Irelandsource
  • 11 October – Hester Lynch Salusbury marries Henry Thrale, against her family's wishes.Walessource
  • Joseph Haydn writes his Symphony No. 12 and Symphony No. 13 (August–December) for Nikolaus I, Prince Esterházy; also, at about this date, his Symphony No. 40.source
  • St Cecilia's Hall is opened by Edinburgh Musical Society as the first purpose-built concert hall in Scotland (architect: Robert Mylne).Scotlandsource

Births

  • January 8 – Edmond-Charles Genêt, French ambassador to the United States during the French Revolution (died 1834)source
  • January 24 – Louis Alexandre Andrault de Langeron, Russian general (died 1831)source
  • 24 January – Peder von Cappelen, merchant and politician (died 1837).Norwaysource
  • January 26 – Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte, Marshal of France, King Charles XIV John of Sweden and Charles III John of Norway (died 1844)source
  • February 14 – Jean Victor Marie Moreau, French general (died of wounds 1813)source
  • March 9 – William Cobbett, English journalist, author (died 1835)source
  • March 21 – Jean Paul, German writer (died 1825)source
  • 1 April – John Wynne Griffith, politician (died 1834)Walessource
  • May 7 – Józef Antoni Poniatowski, Polish prince, Marshal of France (died 1813)source
  • June 20 – Theobald Wolfe Tone, Irish patriot (executed 1798)source
  • June 23 – Joséphine de Beauharnais, born Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie, Martinique-born French empress consort (died 1814)source
  • July 17 – John Jacob Astor, German-born American entrepreneur (died 1848)source
  • August 5 – Bill Richmond, American-born British boxer (died 1829)source
  • August 16 – Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, second son of George III of Great Britain (died 1827)source
  • August 17 – Dmitry Senyavin, Russian admiral (died 1831)source
  • December 22 - Archduchess Christine of Austria (died 1763)Austriasource
  • December 23 – John Kinzie, Fur trader from Quebec City who was responsible for the "first murder in Chicago" (died June 6, 1828)Canadasource
  • December 28 – John Molson, Canadian entrepreneur (died 1836)source

Deaths

  • January 2 – John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville, English statesman (born 1690)source
  • February 11 – William Shenstone, English poet (born 1714)source
  • February 12 – Pierre de Marivaux, French writer (born 1688)source
  • April 18 – Marie-Josephte Corriveau, criminal (born 1733)Canadasource
  • April 19 – Teedyuscung, known as the "King of the Delaware Indians" (the Lenape tribe) is assassinated by arsonists who burn down his home in Pennsylvania while he is sleeping, in an apparent retaliation for signing the Treaty of Easton to relinquish Lenape claims to the Province of New Jersey.source
  • April 22 – Jared Eliot, Connecticut farmer, writer on horticulture (born 1685)source
  • May 3 – George Psalmanazar, French-born impostor and English writer (born c. 1679)source
  • May 11 – Natalia Lopukhina, Russian noble, court official and alleged political conspirator. (born 1699)Russiasource
  • June 29 – Hedvig Charlotta Nordenflycht, Swedish writer (born 1718)source
  • August 21 – Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont, British statesman (born 1710)source
  • 22 August: Ivar Jónsson and Ólöf Jónsdóttir were executed for incest and hidden childbirth. This was the last execution carried out for incest in Iceland.Icelandsource
  • September 20 – Gabriela Silang, Filipina rebel leader, heroine (born 1731)source
  • September 26 – John Byrom, English poet (born 1692)source
  • October 5 – Augustus, Elector of Saxony, King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania (born 1696)source
  • October 28 – Heinrich von Brühl, German statesman (born 1700)source
  • October – Anna Maria Garthwaite, British designer (born 1688)source
  • November 28 – Naungdawgyi, Burmese king (born 1734)source
  • December 27 - Princess Isabella of Parma (b.1741)Austriasource