1778 Facts for Kids

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	17th century – 18th century – 19th century
Decades:	1740s 1750s 1760s – 1770s – 1780s 1790s 1800s
Years:	1775 1776 1777 – 1778 – 1779 1780 1781

The year 1778 was a very busy time, especially for the United States as it fought for its independence. Many important events happened around the world, from new discoveries to big battles and the founding of new places.

Big Events of 1778
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Big Events of 1778

American Revolutionary War

The American Revolutionary War was a major focus in 1778.

Important Treaties and Alliances

On February 6, the United States and France signed two important agreements in Paris. These were the Treaty of Alliance and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. These treaties meant that France officially recognized the new American republic. They also promised to help America in its fight for independence.
South Carolina became the first state to approve the Articles of Confederation on February 5. This was an early plan for how the American states would work together.

Key Military Moments

On February 23, a skilled military officer named Baron von Steuben arrived at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. He began to train the Continental Army, making them much stronger and more organized.
On July 10, King Louis XVI of France officially declared war on Great Britain. This was a big step, as France joined the American side in the war.
On July 27, the British and French navies fought in the First Battle of Ushant. Neither side won a clear victory in this sea battle.
In September, the Massachusetts Banishment Act was passed. This law allowed for the punishment of people called Loyalists, who wanted to stay loyal to the British King.

Discoveries and Explorations

Explorers continued to discover new lands in 1778.

Captain Cook's Pacific Journeys

On January 18, Captain James Cook and his ships, HMS Resolution and HMS Discovery, saw the islands of O'ahu and Kaua'i for the first time. These islands are part of what we now call the Hawaiian Islands. Captain Cook named them the "Sandwich Islands."
Later that year, on November 26, Captain James Cook became the first European to discover the island of Maui in the Hawaiian Islands.

New Settlements and Foundations

New places were settled and important institutions were started.

First Settlements

The first settlement was made in the area that is now Louisville, Kentucky. Thirteen families, led by Col. George Rogers Clark, started this new community.

Important Institutions

The word "thoroughbred" was first used in the United States in 1778. It appeared in an advertisement in a Kentucky newspaper to describe a horse named Pilgarlick from New Jersey.
Phillips Academy, a very famous secondary boarding school in the United States, was founded by Samuel Phillips Jr.

Mountain Climbing

On August 26, four brave men became the first to climb Triglav. This mountain is 2,864 meters (about 9,396 feet) tall and is the highest peak in Slovenia. The climbers were Luka Korošec, Matevž Kos, Štefan Rožič, and Lovrenc Willomitzer. They made the climb because Sigismund Zois wanted them to.