1771–1775 — AND ELSEWHERE WORLDWIDE

HISTORY: Russia and Prussia agree about partition of Poland; Clive defends in the Commons his administration in India; Boston Tea Party protests against tea duty; American Revolution; England hires 29,000 German mercenaries for war in North America.

ARTS: Encyclopedia Britannica, first edition; Inquisition abolished in France; The waltz becomes fashionable in Vienna.

SCIENCE/GROWTH: Sir Richard Arkwright produces first spinning mill in England; John Wilkinson's boring mill to facilitate manufacture of cylinders for steam engine; F.A. Mesmer uses hypnosis for health purposes; James Watt perfects his invention of the steam engine; First Thames Regatta.