The Calendar of Literary Facts contains more than 6,500 events in literary history.

Olaudah Equiano publishes The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustava Vassa, the African, Written by Himself

The Estates-General assemble in France; the Bastille is stormed on July 14

The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is published in France

Utilitarianism, inspired by the writings of Jeremy Bentham, flourishes as a philosophy in Western culture

The French Revolution deposes the Bourbon dynasty, brings on the Terror, and leads to the rise of Napoleon

John Cleland dies

Explore: John Cleland

George Washington takes office as first president of the United States

Explore: George Washington: The Founding Father, How did George Washington contribute to the Revolutionary War?, Essential precedents established by George Washington during his presidency