1788

1788 (MDCCLXXXVIII) was a leap year starting on Tuesday in the Gregorian calendar and a leap year starting on Saturday in the Julian calendar. 

 Events 
 January 26 – The First Fleet arrives at Sydney Cove, bringing the first European settlers to Australia. This is now celebrated as Australia's national day.
 October 25 – The HMVA Bounty reaches Tahiti. 
 December 14 – Accession of Charles IV, King of Spain.
 Georgia becomes a state.

 Births 
 January 22 – Lord Byron, English poet
 February 5 – Robert Peel, British Prime Minister

 Deaths 
 January 31 – Bonny Prince Charlie, Pretender to the English Throne
 August 2 – Thomas Gainsborough, painter
 December 14 – Charles III, King of Spain