1788 in History

Barnave participated in the Dauphine political assembly at Vizille, which pressed for representative reform before the Estates General.

The "Committee of Thirty", argue that ancient precedent is not sufficient, because "the people were sovereign". The "Committee of Thirty", a body of liberal Parisians, began to agitate against voting by estate, composed of the wealthy, argues for the Estates General to assume the voting mechanisms of the Dauphine

The Committee of Thirty argued for voting by head and maintained that political sovereignty rested with the people.

Louis XVI's council granted the Third Estate twice as many deputies as either privileged order for the forthcoming Estates General.

The "Committee of Thirty", argue that ancient precedent is not sufficient, because "the people were sovereign". The "Committee of Thirty", a body of liberal Parisians, began to agitate against voting by estate, composed of the wealthy, argues for the Estates General to assume the voting mechanisms of the Dauphine

The Committee of Thirty pressed the Estates General to adopt voting arrangements that strengthened representation of the Third Estate.

The King leaves the discussion of the weight of each vote to the Estates General itself

The King leaves the discussion of the weight of each vote to the Estates General itself.

Louis XVI announced that the Estates General would be convened in 1789 as the financial and political crisis worsened.

Louis XVI's government imposed judicial reforms that reduced the powers of the parlements, deepening political resistance to royal authority.

William Herschel marries the widow Mary Pitt (nee Baldwin) at St Laurence's Church

Olympe de Gouges proposed a voluntary patriotic fund as a way to address the monarchy's financial crisis.

Louis XVI recalled Jacques Necker to the finance ministry as public confidence in the royal government's financial management deteriorated.

Louis XVI restored the Parlement of Paris after the failure of the crown's attempt to impose judicial restructuring.

Louis XVI convened a second Assembly of Notables to consider how the forthcoming Estates General should be constituted.

Present at the successful siege of Choczim

Present at the successful siege of Ochakov

Olympe de Gouges proposed workshops for unemployed people and support for impoverished women, children and older people.

Brissot helped found the Society of the Friends of the Blacks to campaign against slavery and the slave trade.

Founds Sydney, becomes Australia Day

Sydney Cove named in honour of Townshend, the settlement becomes known as Sydney

Completes Symphony No 39 in E-flat major.

Completes Symphony No 40 in G minor.

Agreed between Britain, Prussia & Holland against France, the Empire & Russia

Birth of Karoly Kisfaludy

Death of Francois-Joseph De Grasse

Fights at the Battle of Hogland

Commands the Russian Fleet & defeats a Turkish flotilla under Hasan el Ghasi

The Turks intend to seize the fortress of Kinburn. The Turks attempt to repulse Potemkins attack on Ochakov

The Russians prevent a Turkish attack on Ochakov

The Turkish flagship is destroyed & Hassan Pasha is forced to retreat

Ambushes the rereating Turks, the Turks lose 5 frigates & 3 ships of the line