The Devastating Lisbon Earthquake of 1755

The 1755 Lisbon earthquake was a catastrophic event that transformed European thought and governance. Striking on All Saints' Day with an estimated magnitude of 8.5-9.0, it triggered a devastating sequence of earthquake, tsunami, and firestorm that killed 30,000-50,000 people and destroyed 85% of the city. The disaster profoundly impacted Enlightenment philosophy, challenging optimistic views of divine benevolence and sparking famous debates between Voltaire and Rousseau about natural evil and human responsibility. Prime Minister Pombal's response established the template for modern disaster management, implementing the first scientific damage assessment, earthquake-resistant building techniques, urban planning reforms, and a secular approach to recovery. The earthquake also advanced the fields of seismology, risk management, and insurance, while shifting European governance toward pragmatic, evidence-based techniques. Its intellectual and practical consequences continue to influence how societies understand and respond to disasters today.

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