Historical Events in 1778

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Jan 18 Captain James Cook stumbles over Sandwich Islands (Hawaiian Islands)

Explorer James Cook
Explorer
James Cook
  • Jan 20 1st American military court martial trial begins in Cambridge, Massachusetts
  • Jan 27 Piccinni's opera "Roland" premieres in Paris

USAArticles of Confederation

Feb 5 Articles of Confederation ratified by 2nd state, South Carolina
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The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States of America
The Articles of Confederation, the first constitution of the United States of America
  • Feb 6 Britain declares war on France
  • Feb 6 France recognizes USA, signs Treaty of Alliance in Paris, 1st US treaty
  • Feb 14 "Stars & Stripes" arrives in foreign port for 1st time (France)
  • Feb 23 Baron von Steuben joins Continental Army at Valley Forge
  • Feb 28 Rhode Island General Assembly authorizes enlistment of slaves

AppointmentAppointment of Interest

Mar 2 Nathanael Greene is appointed Quartermaster General of the Continental Army under George Washington

US General Nathanael Greene
US General
Nathanael Greene
First US President George Washington
First US President
George Washington

Event of interestEvent of Interest

Mar 30 Playwright Voltaire crowned with laurel wreath

Enlightenment Philosopher Voltaire
Enlightenment Philosopher
Voltaire
  • Apr 1 New Orleans businessman Oliver Pollock creates the "$" symbol
  • May 1 American Revolution: The Battle of Crooked Billet begins in Hatboro, Pennsylvania.

Event of interestEvent of Interest

May 5 George Washington appoints Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben Inspector General of the Continental Army

Major General of the Continental Army Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
Major General of the Continental Army
Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
First US President George Washington
First US President
George Washington
  • Jun 18 British Redcoats evacuate Philadelphia
  • Jun 19 Washington's troops finally leave Valley Forge
  • Jun 24 David Rittenhouse observes a total solar eclipse in Philadelphia
  • Jun 27 Liberty Bell returns home to Philadelphia after the British departure
  • Jun 28 Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey (General Washington beats Clinton)
  • Jun 28 Mary Ludwig Hayes "Molly Pitcher" aids American patriots
  • Jul 3 British forces massacre 360 men, women and children in Wyoming, Pennsylvania
  • Jul 3 Prussia declares war on Austria
  • Jul 8 George Washington headquarters at West Point for his Continental Army

BattleDeclaration of War

Jul 10 American Revolution: Louis XVI of France declares war on the Kingdom of Great Britain

King of France Louis XVI
King of France
Louis XVI
  • Aug 3 Teatro alla Scala opens in Milan
  • Aug 9 Captain James Cook reaches Cape Prince of Wales, Bering Straits
  • Aug 26 The first recorded ascent of Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia.
  • Aug 31 British kill 17 Stockbridge indians in Bronx during Revolution
  • Sep 4 City of Amsterdam signs trade agreement with American rebels
  • Sep 17 1st treaty between the US & Indian tribes signed (Fort Pitt)
  • Sep 19 The Continental Congress passes the first budget of the United States.
  • Oct 3 Captain James Cook anchors at Alaska
  • Nov 11 Iroquois Indians in NY kill 40 in Cherry Valley Massacre
  • Nov 26 British explorer Captain James Cook is the first European to visit Maui in the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii)
  • Dec 29 British troops occupy Savannah, Georgia