1768 facts for kids

The year 1768 was a time of important changes and new beginnings around the world. From the birth of the modern circus to new publications and big voyages, many things happened that shaped history.

Big Events of 1768

• The First Modern Circus Begins: On January 9, a man named Philip Astley started what we know today as the modern circus in London. He was a skilled horseman and created a show with tricks and performances in a special ring. This was the start of a new kind of entertainment that became popular everywhere!

Philip Astley's circus started in 1768.

• Protests in London: On May 10, a writer named John Wilkes was put in jail. He had written an article that strongly disagreed with King George III. This made many people in London very angry, and they protested loudly in the streets. This event showed how people were starting to speak up more about their leaders.

• New Government Role in Britain: The country of Britain created a new job called the "Secretary of State for Colonies." This person was in charge of managing Britain's lands and people in other parts of the world, especially in America.

• Trouble in America:

* The local government in Massachusetts (a part of America) was closed down. This happened because they refused to help Britain collect new taxes. * In Boston, citizens also refused to let British soldiers stay in their homes. This was a way of showing they were unhappy with Britain's rules.

• France Buys Corsica: The country of France bought the island of Corsica from Genoa, which was a powerful city-state in Italy.

• Gurkhas Conquer Nepal: The brave Gurkha warriors successfully took control of Nepal, a country in the Himalayas.

• First Encyclopedia Published: The very first parts of the Encyclopædia Britannica were published. This was a huge collection of knowledge and facts, published weekly. It was like an early version of Wikipedia, but printed on paper!

• James Cook's First Big Voyage: The famous explorer James Cook began his first long journey around the world. This voyage, which lasted until 1771, helped map many unknown parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Important Births of 1768

• 12 February – Francis I of Austria was born. He later became an important ruler in Europe.

Notable Deaths of 1768

• 3 March – Nicola Porpora, a famous Italian composer, passed away.

Images for kids

• 

  January 9: Philip Astley circus starts.

• 

  Maria Edgeworth

• 

  Joseph Bonaparte

• 

  Caroline of Brunswick

• 

  Karađorđe

• 

  Canaletto

• 

  Johann Joachim Winckelmann

• 

  Thomas Pelham-Holles, 1st Duke of Newcastle

See also

In Spanish: 1768 para niños