Historical Overview of the Year 1687

Introduction

The year 1687 was significant in history, marked by major developments in science, politics, and culture. This document explores various pivotal events and influences that characterized this year across the globe.

Scientific Advancement: Newton's Principia

One of the most important events of 1687 was the publication of Isaac Newton's groundbreaking work, Philosophiæ Naturalis Principia Mathematica, commonly known as the Principia. In this book, Newton formulated the laws of motion and universal gravitation, laying the foundation for classical mechanics. The "Principia" was pivotal in the Scientific Revolution and had implications that extended far beyond the field of physics.

Key Concepts from the Principia:

• Law of Universal Gravitation: Explained how every particle attracts another with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them.
• Three Laws of Motion: Newton outlined the principles of inertia, acceleration, and action-reaction, which are essential for understanding how objects behave when subjected to forces.

Political Events

The Glorious Revolution in England

In England, the effects of the Glorious Revolution continued to resonate in 1687. The revolution, which had occurred in 1688, saw the overthrow of King James II and the establishment of William of Orange and Mary II as sovereigns. Although the political upheaval officially took place after 1687, the year itself was marked by the consolidation of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.

Ottoman Empire Developments

In the Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mehmed IV ruled during this time. The empire was engaged in numerous conflicts, including wars with Austria and Poland. 1687 saw the Ottomans facing military challenges that would eventually lead to diminishing their influence in Europe.

Cultural Impacts

Architecture and Art

1687 was also notable for various developments in art and architecture. The Baroque movement, characterized by grandeur, drama, and movement, continued to thrive. Artists and architects began to experiment with new techniques that emphasized emotional depth and spatial form.

Noteworthy Works:

• The construction of St. Paul's Cathedral in London was in its early stages, embodying Baroque architectural principles.
• In Spain, the works of artists like Diego Velázquez and Francisco de Goya continued to influence the cultural landscapes of their time.

Conclusion

The year 1687 was a remarkable period characterized by a blend of scientific discovery, political change, and cultural expression. Newton's contributions alone paved the way for future technological advancements and redefined mankind's understanding of the physical world. The interplay of political and cultural factors during this year set the stage for developments in the centuries to follow.