What significant event happened in Lisbon in 1755?

The Lisbon earthquake of 1755 was a catastrophic event that had a profound impact on Lisbon, Portugal, and European society as a whole. This earthquake, which occurred on November 1, was one of the deadliest in history, with estimates of casualties ranging from tens of thousands to possibly over a hundred thousand people.

The earthquake was followed by a tsunami and extensive fires that devastated the city, destroying much of its architecture and leaving countless residents homeless. In addition to the immediate destruction, the disaster triggered widespread reflection on issues such as the nature of God, the problem of evil, and the role of natural disasters in human life, influencing philosophical and theological thought in Europe.

Furthermore, the event led to significant changes in architecture, urban planning, and disaster preparedness. The response to the disaster prompted the development of new building codes and influenced Enlightenment thinking, as philosophers like Voltaire commented on the implications of such suffering and the nature of divine justice.

While the other options refer to notable historical incidents, such as volcanic eruptions or political movements, none match the scale and impact of the Lisbon earthquake in 1755, making it the most significant event among those listed.