1700s1788

The year 1788 is significant in the context of the 18th century due to several key events and developments. In the United States, 1788 marked the ratification of the United States Constitution, which was adopted on September 17, 1787. This event was a pivotal moment in the country's history, as it established the framework for the federal government and set the stage for the nation's growth and development. The Constitution was ratified by the required nine states, with New Hampshire being the ninth and final state to do so on June 21, 1788.

In Europe, 1788 was a year of political and social change. The French Revolution, which had begun in 1789, was in its early stages. The Estates-General, a general assembly representing the French estates of the realm, was convened for the first time in 1789, leading to widespread unrest and the eventual overthrow of the monarchy. The year also saw the publication of Immanuel Kant's "Critique of Pure Reason," a foundational work in the philosophy of knowledge and metaphysics.

In the scientific realm, 1788 was a year of significant advancements. The first successful steamboat, the Clermont, was launched on the Hudson River in the United States. This invention marked a significant milestone in the development of steam-powered transportation. Additionally, the first successful vaccination against smallpox was administered by Edward Jenner in England, marking a major breakthrough in the field of medicine.

Overall, 1788 was a year of significant political, social, and scientific developments that would shape the course of history in the coming decades.