Timeline
This timeline offers a chronological overview of Catharine Macaulay’s remarkable life, tracing her personal milestones, major publications, and key moments abroad. By mapping out her journey, from her major publications to her time in America and beyond, the timeline provides context to her evolving ideas and enduring impact.
1756-63
Seven Years War
The Seven Years’ War was a global conflict involving most major European powers, with Britain and Prussia fighting against France, Austria, and their allies. Put quite generally, it was driven by rivalries over territory in Europe (especially Silesia) and colonial competition between Britain and France in North America and India.
1760
Marriage to Mr. Macaulay
Marries George Macaulay, a Scottish physician. The couple lives in St James’s Place, London.
1763
Publication of First Volume of History
“The History of England from the Accession of James I to that of the Brunswick Line” is published.
1765
Childbirth, Second Volume of History, Stamp Act
Second volume of Macaulay’s History published; Macaulay’s
daughter Sophia was born; the Stamp Act was passed and
later repealed.
1767
Loose Remarks; Third Volume of History
Macaulay’s first pamphlet, Loose Remarks on Certain Positions
to be Found in Mr. Hobbes’s ‘Philosophical Rudiments of
Government and Society, with a Short Sketch of a
Democratical Form of Government, in a Letter to Signor Paoli,
published, along with the third volume of the History.
1770
Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents
Observations on a Pamphlet, entitled, Thoughts on the Cause of the Present Discontents published.
1774
Publication of Modest Plea; Move to Bath
A Modest Plea for the Property of Copy Right published;
Catharine Macaulay moves to Bath to live with Thomas
Wilson.
1775
Publication of Address
An Address to the People of England, Scotland and Ireland on
the Present Important Crisis of Affairs is published, a passionate defense of American colonists’ rights and their struggle against British imperial policies.
1775-83
Revolutionary War
Generally speaking, the American Revolution was a rebellion by thirteen British colonies in North America that resulted in their independence and the creation of the United States. It grew out of rising tensions after Britain tried to tighten control over the colonies following years of relative autonomy.
1777
Macaulay visits France
1783
Eighth Volume of History; Treatise on the Immutability of Moral Truth
Eighth and final volume of the History and A Treatise on the
Immutability of Moral Truth published.
1784-5
Visit to America
Traveled to America and connected with many friends, most notably many famous American revolutionaries.
1789
Outbreak of the French Revolution
The French Revolution broke out amid a deep financial crisis, widespread social inequality, and growing resentment toward the monarchy’s attempts to raise taxes and assert control. These tensions led to political upheaval, beginning with the meeting of the Estates-General and popular uprisings like the storming of the Bastille.
1790
Publication of Letters on Education; Observations on Religious and Metaphysical Subjects
Letters on Education, with Observations on Religious and
Metaphysical Subjects and Observations on the Reflections of
the Right Hon. Edmund Burke on the Revolution in France published.