IV. The Early Modern Period, 1500–1800 > B. Early Modern Europe, 1479–1815 > 5. National Patterns, 1648–1815 > a. England, Scotland, and Ireland > 1. England and Scotland > 1753
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  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
 
1753
 
Jewish Naturalization Bill.  1
 
1755
 
Samuel Johnson's dictionary first published.  2
 
1756–63
 
WAR BETWEEN BRITAIN AND FRANCE (Seven Years' War) originated in boundary disputes in North America (See 1755–63).  3
 
1761, Oct. 5
 
Pitt, insisting that war be declared against Spain, resigned. Lord Bute, adviser to the king.  4
 
1763, Feb. 10
 
TREATY OF PARIS (See 1763, Feb. 10).  5
 
1763–64
 
Issue 45 of the North Briton (April 23, 1763), by John Wilkes, attacked the ministerial policies the king expressed in his speech proroguing Parliament. Wilkes was arrested but claimed immunity as a member of Parliament. He was removed from Parliament and fled to France. The attempt to try Wilkes led to riots in London supporting him. He espoused radical political ideas and, after being returned to his seat in 1774, introduced a bill for sweeping parliamentary reform, including a significant broadening of the franchise.  6
 
1760s
 
Bread and Corn Riots. Lower classes protested the increased cost of foodstuffs. These riots also expressed lower-class discontent over the gradual destruction of the “moral economy,” in which local elites had a moral obligation to provide adequate provisions for the lower orders. These riots followed a distinct pattern. The merchant was generally offered a fair price for his bread or corn, and if he refused to accept it, rioters seized the goods, distributed them, and left the “fair” price in exchange.  7
 
1769
 
First Sunday school established by Hannah Ball. Sunday schools were initially a nondenominational product of Methodism as well as an effort to increase education among the lower classes.  8
 
1772
 
Cotton machinery exportation prohibited. This law attempted to protect English manufacturers.  9
 
June 22
 
Slavery in Britain eliminated by Court of King's High Bench.  10
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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