Historical Events tagged with "19th century"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Zachary Taylor's Sudden Death and Succession

July 9th, 1850 174 years ago

U.S. President Zachary Taylor died after consuming raw fruit and iced milk at the White House. His health declined rapidly, leading to his passing shortly thereafter. Vice President Millard Fillmore was sworn in to replace him. The circumstances surrounding Taylor’s death were surrounded by speculation and contributed to debates over food safety and presidential health.

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Religion & Philosophy

Execution of Persian Prophet Báb in Tabriz

July 9th, 1850 174 years ago

The Persian religious leader Báb, founder of the Bábí faith, was executed by a firing squad in Tabriz, Persia. His teachings advocated for religious reform and unity, which alarmed government and religious authorities. The execution followed his arrest in 1848 and a series of trials, signaling a harsh response to the Bábí movement. Despite Báb's death, his teachings continued to inspire the development of the Bahá'í Faith, which emphasizes global unity.

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Religion & Philosophy

Church of Greece Receives Autocephaly

June 29th, 1850 174 years ago

The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople granted autocephaly to the Church of Greece, recognizing its independence. This significant ecclesiastical decision came after centuries of close ties to the Patriarchate. The act marked a turning point in Greek Orthodox church governance, enhancing its autonomy within the Orthodox Christian world. It was also a vital move for Greek national identity post-independence.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Establishment of the American League of Colored Laborers

June 13th, 1850 175 years ago

The American League of Colored Laborers was formed in New York City as the first African American labor union. It aimed to empower Black workers by advocating for their rights and improving working conditions. Founded in a context of increasing industrialization, the League served as a response to the pervasive discrimination faced by African Americans. The organization was pivotal in creating solidarity among workers of color, providing a platform to contest inequalities in the labor market, and promoting mutual support within the community.

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Politics & Government

Arana–Southern Treaty Ratified Between Britain and Argentina

May 15th, 1850 175 years ago

The Arana–Southern Treaty was ratified in 1850 to resolve longstanding disputes between Great Britain and Argentina regarding navigation and trade rights on the Río de la Plata and its tributaries. The agreement was significant as it aimed to foster peaceful relations and economic cooperation between the two nations, addressing the interests of British merchants and the sovereignty concerns of Argentina. This treaty marked a turning point in British-Argentinian relations, ultimately facilitating British investment and influence in Argentina.

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Politics & Government

Fyodor Dostoyevsky Sentenced to Death

November 16th, 1849 175 years ago

Fyodor Dostoyevsky was sentenced to death by a Russian court due to his involvement with a radical intellectual group that questioned the government. Initially condemned to execution, his sentence was later commuted to hard labor in Siberia, a fate that profoundly influenced his future literary works. The court deemed Dostoyevsky’s activities, which included participation in the Petrashevsky Circle, a threat to the state.

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Politics & Government

Execution of the 13 Martyrs of Arad

October 6th, 1849 175 years ago

In Arad, a significant execution took place involving thirteen leaders of the Hungarian Revolution. Each was sentenced to death after being captured during the failed uprising against Habsburg rule in 1848-1849. The execution was carried out by firing squad, and it became symbolic of the struggle for Hungarian independence. The executions were ordered by the Austrian government as a means to suppress further rebellious sentiment and to instill fear in those who opposed imperial authority. The event marked a pivotal moment in Hungarian history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Harriet Tubman's Escape from Slavery

September 17th, 1849 175 years ago

Harriet Tubman escaped from slavery in Maryland, seeking freedom in Pennsylvania. She fled from her master's plantation with the help of the Underground Railroad, a network of abolitionists and safe houses. Tubman’s daring escape marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to rescuing others from slavery.

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Military & Warfare

Venice Surrenders to Austria After Siege

August 28th, 1849 175 years ago

After a month-long siege by Austrian forces, the city of Venice, which had proclaimed itself the Republic of San Marco, capitulated to the Austrian Empire. The siege began as part of the broader revolutionary wave across Europe, with Venetian forces attempting to establish independence from Austrian rule. The fall of Venice symbolized the challenges faced by nationalist movements within the Empire.

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