1730erne

1730erne, in Danish, refers to the decade 1730–1739. It was part of the broader early modern era, marked by continued European state-building, colonial expansion, and the maturation of Enlightenment science and philosophy.

Politics and empire: In Russia, Anna Ioannovna ascended to the throne in 1730, ruling until 1740. In Central and Eastern Europe, the War of the Polish Succession (1733–1738) shaped dynastic politics. In North America, the British colony of Georgia was founded in 1732 by James Oglethorpe. In Asia, the Qing dynasty saw the accession of the Qianlong Emperor in 1735, initiating a long reign.

Conflicts and revolts: The decade saw the onset of the War of Jenkins’ Ear in 1739 between Britain and Spain, tied to colonial competition. In the same year, the Stono Rebellion occurred in South Carolina, the largest slave uprising in the mainland British colonies prior to the American Revolution.

Science and culture: Enlightenment currents continued to spread. In natural history, Carl Linnaeus published the first edition of Systema Naturae in 1735, laying the foundations for modern biological nomenclature.

Outlook: The 1730s were a transitional period that set the stage for mid-18th-century conflicts, colonial realignments, and scientific advances beyond the decade.