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1661| 1607–1700 | North America, UK [food and drink] | Fruits introduced to the North American colonies from England include apples, which adapt well in New England, and peaches, which grow easily in Virginia and other warmer regions. Native vegetables like pumpkins, squash, and beans are favoured over European vegetables. | | 1640–1700 | North America [literature and language] | Literacy rates in the colonies, particularly in New England, are high relative to those in the Old World. Shipton, New England has a 95% literacy rate; males in Virginia have a literacy rate between 54% and 60%. | | 1661 | UK [music] | The English composer Matthew Locke is appointed composer to King Charles II of England. | | 5 February 1661 | China [administration] | K'ang-Hsi becomes the second emperor of the Manchu dynasty in China at the age of six after the death of Shun-chih. He begins his personal rule in 1669 at the age of fifteen. | | 9 March 1661 | France [births and deaths] | Jules Mazarin, cardinal, diplomat and statesman, first minister of France 1642–61, dies in Vincennes, France (58). | | 19 April 1661 | UK [postal services] | The English General Post Office introduces postmarks. | | 21 June 1661 | Russia, Sweden [treaties] | The Peace of Kardis is signed between Russia and Sweden, thereby ending the Northern War. By its terms, Russia recognizes the existing Russo-Swedish frontier, while Sweden undertakes not to intervene in the Russo-Polish war. | | July 1661 | Portugal, United Netherlands, UK [treaties] | The four year war between the United Netherlands and Portugal is ended when a treaty is signed giving the Dutch financial compensation and access to the Portuguese empire on equal terms with the British. In addition, the agreement allows the Portuguese to retain Brazil, Angola, and São Tomé, and the Dutch to keep Ceylon. The Portuguese postpone ratification until 1663 because of British hostility to the terms of the treaty. |
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