History
1701
General
Population: 642 Million*
- Entertainment: Writers include Daniel Defoe (satire), George Farquhar, Sir Richard Steele (comedy), Arai Hakeseki (history of Daimo (feudal lords) in Japan),
Benjamin Whichcote (morals and religion),
Art includes Hyacinthe Rigaud "Louis XIV"
- Science: Jeremy Collier writes dictionary of current geology, genealogy and current issues
- Technology: Seed drill invented by Jethro Tull
- Deaths: Novelist Madelaine de Scudery, King James II of England, Author Sir Charles Sedley, "Captain" William Kidd hanged for piracy,
Charles II of Spain
Africa
- West Africa: Osei Tutu creates free Asante nation
Americas
- General: First translation of Mayan sacred text "Popul Vuh"
- Guatemala: Father Francisco Ximenes translates sacred national book of the Quiche Indians
Europe
- General: War of Spanish Succession starts after the death of Charles II of Spain – France vs England Netherlands HRE and several German states
William of England forms alliance with Holland and Austria to prevent union of French and Spanish
- England: British Act of Settlement ensure Protestants on throne – William III will be succeeded by sister-in-law Anne, then afterwards Sophia of Hanover – granddaughter of James I
James II dies in French exile
Louis XIV recognizes the "Old Pretender" James Edward son of James II as King James III
Music publisher Henry Playford establishes a series of Oxford concerts
Royal charters to weavers in Axminster and Wilton for making carpets
- German States: Elector Frederick III of Brandenburg crowns self King Frederick I of Prussia
End of Brandenburg-Prussia union and start of Kingdom of Prussia
- Holy Roman EMpire: Prince Eugene defeats French at Carpi and Chiara
University of Venice founded
- Poland: Charles XII invades
- Scotland: English line of succession passed without Scottish blessing - Georg of Hanover (51st in line) named and Scots demand different king
- Spain: War of Spanish Succession begins until 1713
- Sweden: Charles XII of Sweden invades Courland and Poland
East
- Connecticut: Yale College founded in both Saybrook and New Haven
- Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania Charter of Privileges drawn up
Midwest
- Michigan: City of Detroit founded by Antoine de la Mothe the Sieur de Cadillac