1781
Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown
Trapped on a Virginia peninsula by Washington's army and Rochambeau's French regulars, with de Grasse's fleet blocking the bay, Cornwallis stacked his arms…
Kant's Critique of Pure Reason
An unmarried, punctual logic professor in Königsberg published a 800-page argument that reason could not know things in themselves - only how the mind…
Herschel Discovers Uranus
A German-born organist in Bath, sweeping his homemade reflecting telescope through Gemini, spotted a greenish disc that moved.
Joseph II Abolishes Serfdom in Habsburg Lands
In a single edict, Joseph freed millions of peasants from personal bondage across his scattered realms.
Articles of Confederation Ratified
Maryland at last ratified, four years after the Continental Congress had adopted them.
Want 1781 in context? Print the whole 18th century as a one-sheet timeline chart.
Frequently asked
What happened in the year 1781?
Saeculum lists 5 events from 1781. The most significant is Cornwallis Surrenders at Yorktown.
What era was 1781 part of?
1781 falls within the Enlightenment (1651-1800). Reason, revolution, and the first global wars.
Which regions saw notable events in 1781?
The events from 1781 span North America and Europe.