In the news1756–1763
Seven Years' War casualties and destruction
During the Seven Years' War, some 160,000 Prussian soldiers died in battle or from disease, devastating the population.
Karlsruhe, 14 Feb 1755 – Arboga, 16 Dec 1801
8 facts3 sources
14 Feb 1755
Born in Karlsruhe
1776–1788
4 children are born
16 Dec 1801
Dies in Arboga, aged 46
He lived through 6 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Karlsruhe.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1756–1763
During the Seven Years' War, some 160,000 Prussian soldiers died in battle or from disease, devastating the population.
Getting around
Stagecoach Travel at Walking Speed
In the mid-18th century, the stagecoach was the primary mode of travel for those who could afford it, moving at a walking pace of about 4 to 5 kilometers per hour. A trip from Nuremberg to Leipzig typically took around 70 hours, while the journey from Nuremberg to Regensburg required 20 hours.
In Europe1755
On All Saints’ Day an earthquake, a tsunami and fires levelled Lisbon and killed tens of thousands; Europe’s thinkers argued over it for decades.
Daily life
Homes with Sanded Floors and Lead Windows
In homes with stone or brick floors, families often scattered sand across the floor and stairs. Windows featured small round glass panes set within lead frames.
What people wore
Noble Men Preferred Wigs Over Beards
In the 18th century, noble men famously wore wigs and makeup, while facial hair was strictly shunned for most men, marking a major departure from later masculine standards.
Music
Everyday singing in homes and workrooms
Singing was a common activity in daily life, often performed without sheet music while working, such as during textile work in spinning rooms, or at church services and social gatherings.
At the table
Beer and coffee substitutes as staples
Ordinary people drank low-alcohol thin beer daily, which was considered nutritious and sometimes served as a soup to children. Coffee was expensive, leading many to drink substitutes like chicory or roasted cereals, a mixture often referred to as Bauernkaffee or Muckefuck.