16 DEC 1775
Jane Austen is born in Steventon, Hampshire.
4 JUL 1776
Just over a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, delegates colonies Philadelphia declare their independence and form the United States of America.
1782
The double-acting steam engine is patented by Scottish inventor James Watt.
3 SEP 1783
The American Revolutionary War concludes with the signing of the Treaty of Paris and British recognition of the independence of the United States