What Happened This Year 1768

Historical Events from This Year 1768

Politics & Government

Polish Nobles Establish the Bar Confederation

February 29th, 1768 257 years ago

A group of Polish nobles gathered to form the Bar Confederation, aiming to defend their rights against Russian influence. This coalition emerged from dissatisfaction with the political climate and loss of sovereignty in Poland, believed to be driven by external powers. Led by notable figures such as Michał Krasiński and others, the confederation sought to restore the independence of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth through military and diplomatic efforts, setting the stage for significant conflicts ahead.

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Politics & Government

Rioting Erupts Over John Wilkes' Imprisonment

May 10th, 1768 256 years ago

Rioting erupted in London following the imprisonment of John Wilkes for publishing an unfavorable article in The North Briton that criticized King George III. The response from the public was one of anger and frustration, leading to widespread unrest as demonstrators took to the streets, rallying against perceived governmental oppression. Tensions simmered as citizens gathered in defiance, reflecting growing discontent with the monarchy’s censorship and authority.

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Politics & Government

James Otis Jr. Critiques Monarchy in Speech

June 21st, 1768 256 years ago

James Otis Jr. delivered a speech to the Massachusetts General Court, vocally opposing British taxation and the authority of the King and Parliament. He emphasized the rights of the colonies and proclaimed that taxation without representation was unjust. Otis's passionate address stirred significant debate and gathered support among colonial leaders and the populace, heightening tensions in the relationship between Britain and its American colonies.

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Exploration & Discovery

Captain Cook's Voyage Begins on HMS Endeavour

August 26th, 1768 256 years ago

Captain James Cook set sail from England aboard the HMS Endeavour to explore the South Pacific. Commissioned by the Royal Society, the mission aimed to observe the transit of Venus across the sun, but soon evolved into a broader quest for mapping and exploration. Cook's crew included naturalists and cartographers tasked with documenting their findings. The Endeavour’s journey would lead to significant discoveries that would impact European understanding of the Pacific region.

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Politics & Government

Conquest Leading to Nepal's Unification

September 25th, 1768 256 years ago

The unification of Nepal was a significant military campaign led by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. His ambition was to bring together the fragmented states of the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding regions into a single kingdom. By leveraging strategic alliances and military strength, King Prithvi launched his campaign in the mid-18th century and successfully captured key territories, most notably Kathmandu. This marked the beginning of modern Nepal as a unified nation under Shah's rule.

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Politics & Government

Treaty of Fort Stanwix Establishes Indian Boundaries

November 5th, 1768 256 years ago

The Treaty of Fort Stanwix was signed between British officials and various Native American tribes to establish boundary lines between their lands and white settlements. Held at Fort Stanwix in New York, the treaty aimed to regulate colonial expansion westward, addressing conflicts arising from the Royal Proclamation of 1763. Delegates from the Iroquois Confederacy and other tribes negotiated terms with British representatives, ultimately influencing future land agreements and settler relations. The treaty marked an important step in colonial policy regarding Indigenous lands.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Fredensborg Slave Ship Sinks in Norway

December 1st, 1768 256 years ago

The former slave ship Fredensborg sank off Tromøya, Norway, in December 1768. This ship had a history of transporting enslaved individuals from West Africa to the Americas. The sinking occurred reportedly due to rough seas and structural issues. The wreck became a notable underwater archaeological site, providing insights into the transatlantic slave trade.

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Education & Academia

Publication of the First Encyclopædia Britannica

December 10th, 1768 256 years ago

The first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica was published in Edinburgh, Scotland. This monumental work, edited by William Smellie, aimed to summarize human knowledge across various fields. The volume initially comprised three parts, emphasizing clarity and accessibility for readers. The publication was innovative for its time, intending to foster enlightenment and learning among the public. It quickly became recognized as a reliable source of information and contributed to the spread of educational ideals in Europe.

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Politics & Government

King Taksin's Coronation and Thonburi's Capital

December 28th, 1768 256 years ago

King Taksin was crowned as the king of Thailand after successfully conquering various territories. He declared Thonburi as the new capital, marking a significant shift in the kingdom's political landscape. This transition symbolized Taksin's unification efforts and ambition to restore Siam following the chaos of the previous wars.

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