The world in
What happened in 1742?
9 events across 4 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
Russo-Swedish War of 1741–1743From 1741 to 1743, a war broke out between the Russian Empire and Sweden. The Swedish Hats party sought to regain territories lost in the Great Northern War, while France aimed to divert Russia's support away from the Habsburg monarchy. The war ended in defeat for Sweden, which ceded more territory to Russia.
First Silesian WarThe First Silesian War was fought between Prussia and Austria from 1740 to 1742, primarily in Silesia, Moravia, and Bohemia. It formed part of the War of the Austrian Succession. Prussia emerged victorious, seizing most of Silesia from Austria. This conflict was the first of three Silesian Wars between Frederick the Great and Maria Theresa, all ending in Prussian control of the region.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: August Heinrich Ferdinand Tegetmeyer / Public domain ↗
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Outbreak of the Russo-Circassian WarIn 1763, the Russian Empire invaded Circassia and occupied Mozdok, prompting the Circassian people to organize a resistance movement to preserve their independence, marking the beginning of the Russo-Circassian War. This conflict became the longest war in the history of the Caucasus and of Russia, ending in 1864 with the defeat of Circassian forces.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Heinrich Ambros Eckert / Public domain ↗
Signing of the Treaty of BreslauIn 1742, Austria and Prussia signed a preliminary peace agreement in the Silesian capital Breslau, ending the First Silesian War. The war had been launched by Prussia in 1740, and the treaty halted hostilities between the two powers.
- Signing of the Treaty of Berlin (1742)
On 28 July 1742, Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria and King Frederick the Great of Prussia signed a peace treaty in Berlin, formally ending the First Silesian War between the two powers. The treaty confirmed a preliminary agreement reached with English mediation.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
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Construction of the Church of Saint Michael the Archangel, LadomirováA Greek Catholic wooden church was built in the village of Ladomirová, in the Svidník district of present‑day Slovakia. The Church of Saint Michael the Archangel is a typical example of the Eastern Slovak religious architecture.
South Asia
War of the Austrian SuccessionFrom 1740 to 1748, European great powers fought over the Austrian succession after the Habsburg male line failed. Two coalitions formed—France, Prussia, and Bavaria versus Austria, Great Britain, the Dutch Republic, and Russia—and the war was fought mainly in Europe, the Atlantic, and the Mediterranean.
North America
Outbreak of the War of Jenkins' EarIn 1739, the War of Jenkins' Ear broke out between Great Britain and Spain, with fighting mainly in the Caribbean and New Granada. Major operations ended by 1742, after which the conflict merged into the War of the Austrian Succession.
Central Asian steppe
Dzungar–Qing WarsFrom the late 17th to mid-18th century, the Qing dynasty fought a long series of wars against the Dzungar Khanate across Outer Mongolia, Tibet, Qinghai, and Xinjiang. Qing victories led to the incorporation of these regions into the empire and the genocide of much of the Dzungar population.
Around 1742
These are known only to the century, not to the year. They are listed separately so a rough date is never mistaken for an exact one.
- Founding of Kew Gardens
- Establishment of the British Convict System in Australia
- Completion of the Jantar Mantar observatory complex
- Emergence of the Enlightenment
- Creation of the Dessau-Wörlitz Garden Realm
- Construction of Hwaseong Fortress Begins
- Construction of the Palace of Mafra begins
- Founding of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew