1749 to 1755

Literature

Tom Jones. Henry Fielding. British. 1749. Novel. Squire returns to find baby in his bed. Thinks it is his servant's child. Raises him. Squire's sister Bridget married Blifil, has a son, and then Blifil dies. Blifil Jr. always gets Tom in trouble. Tom, lusty, impudent, but benevolent. Sent packing. but then all is revealed. Squire's sister Bridget is his mother. Blifil's duplicity is exposed, etc.

Society

1750. Iron Act passed by Parliament. Colonies can produce raw iron; can't make products. Mercantilism: Colonies limited to supplying raw materials and are market for mother country's manufactured goods.

Literature

The Dream of the Red Chamber. Ts'ao Hseuh-ch'in. Chinese. 1750? Autobiographical novel. Decline in the fortunes of the large, aristocratic Chia family. Psychological insight; depth and subtlety.

The Rambler. Samuel Johnson. British. 1750/52. Essays. Deal with morals and literature. Thought to be dull in comparison to The Spectator.

Society

1751. B. Franklin discovers the electrical nature of lightning by flying a kite in a thunderstorm.

Literature

The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle. Tobias Smollett. British. 1751. Novel. Dissipated rascal, almost a villain, gets second fortune and a second chance.

Amelia. Henry Fielding. British. 1751. Novel. Long suffering, wronged wife of Captain Booth who is unfaithful to her, in debt and in prison. She forgives.

Methodical Dictionary of the Sciences, Arts and Trades. Encyclopedistes. French. 1751/80. Encyclopedia. Spirit of inquiry. Combats superstition, the supernatural, religious authority, intolerance, persecution, the unequal distribution of wealth, fiscal privileges and abuses of justice. Latest scientific discoveries, reforms in government, education and commerce. Articles on the mechanical trades. Unsuccessfully suppressed. Cross references ridiculed contradictions accepted in theological discussion circles.

Society

1752. Public outside street lighting begins in Philadelphia. Boston and New York: lamp in every 7th house.

Literature

Micromegas. Voltaire. French. 1752. Tale. Satire on the philosophies of Descartes, Leibnitz and Malabranche. The insignificance of mankind in the universe.

Society

1753. Conestoga wagon introduced by Pennsylvania Dutch settlers in town of Conestoga.

1754. French erect Fort Duquesne at head of Ohio River. Hope to keep British east of Appalachians.

1754. Albany Convention: Iroquois and English defense against French agreed on.

1755. Acadians who will not swear allegiance to George II sent to Georgia and South Carolina.

1755. Lisbon earthquake the worst in Europe since Lisbon quake of 1531.