What Happened This Year 1543

Historical Events from This Year 1543

Politics & Government

King Henry VIII marries Catherine Parr

July 12th, 1543 481 years ago

King Henry VIII of England married his last wife, Catherine Parr, at Hampton Court Palace in a ceremony that solidified their relationship. Their union was significant not only for Henry's personal life but also for the political landscape of England. Catherine Parr, a widow and a skilled politician, would later play a role in the education of Henry's children and in Henry's religious policies. This marriage took place during a time when Henry sought stability and support amidst growing tensions in his kingdom.

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Exploration & Discovery

António Mota's Pioneering Journey to Japan

August 25th, 1543 481 years ago

António Mota and a group of explorers reached Japan, becoming the first Europeans known to have arrived in the archipelago. They disembarked on Tanegashima Island, where they were met by local samurai. This event marked a significant cultural exchange and initiated a new chapter of European interaction with Japan, particularly impacting trade and military technology.

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Politics & Government

Mary Stuart Becomes Queen of Scots

September 9th, 1543 481 years ago

At just nine months old, Mary Stuart was crowned as Queen of Scots in Stirling, Scotland. This ceremonial event marked her ascension to the throne following the death of her father, King James V of Scotland. The event took place in Stirling Castle, a significant royal residence of the time, emphasizing the importance of her legitimacy as queen despite her age. It showcased the political landscape of Scotland, where the infant queen was placed under the guardianship of powerful nobles.

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Education & Academia

First Finnish-Language Book Published

September 17th, 1543 481 years ago

The publication of the 'Abckiria' in Stockholm marked a significant milestone in Finnish literature and education. Authored by Mikael Agricola, a key figure in Finnish language development and Lutheran reform, this book served as an ABC book to teach reading in Finnish. Agricola's work emerged at a time when the Lutheran Reformation was promoting literacy and accessibility to scripture. The 'Abckiria' not only contributed to the establishment of Finnish as a literary language but also played a role in educating the Finnish populace in their native tongue.

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Born in 1543 (View all 12)

Tokugawa Ieyasu

Japanese shōgun and unifier of Japan
Born
January 31st, 1543 482 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1616 408 years ago — 73 years old

Unified Japan after a period of civil war and established the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled for over 250 years. Initially served as a military commander under Nobunaga and later under Hideyoshi, securing his power through strategic alliances and military campaigns. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, assumed the title of shōgun in 1603, marking the beginning of the Edo period. Implemented policies that stabilized and centralized political power, controlled foreign relations, and fostered economic growth. His legacy influenced Japanese society and governance long after his death in 1616.

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Kanō Eitoku

Japanese painter and educator, famous for screen
Born
February 16th, 1543 482 years ago
Died
October 12th, 1590 434 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent 16th-century Japanese painter and educator active during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Eitoku contributed significantly to the development of the Kanō school of painting. He focused on creating large-scale paintings for the interiors of castles and temples. His artworks often featured themes from Chinese literature and nature, characterized by bold colors and dynamic compositions. Eitoku also played a vital role in training numerous students who later became renowned artists in their own right, thus influencing the direction of Japanese painting. His oeuvre includes masterpieces housed in significant cultural institutions.

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Sharaf Khan Bidlisi

Emir of Bitlis and historian
Born
February 25th, 1543 482 years ago
Died
1603 422 years ago — 60 years old

Served as the Emir of Bitlis during the 16th century, contributing significantly to the political and cultural landscape of the region. Authored 'Sharafname', an important historical work that chronicles the history of Kurdish principalities and their rulers. Engaged in the politics of the Ottoman Empire, establishing connections between the Kurdish regions and the central authority. His writings provide valuable insights into the history and culture of the Kurdish people during this period.

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John Casimir of the Palatinate-Simmern

German prince and count palatine
Born
March 7th, 1543 482 years ago
Died
1592 433 years ago — 49 years old

A prince from the Palatinate region, this figure served as the reigning count palatine of Simmern. His reign was marked by his involvement in the religious conflicts of his time, most notably the Thirty Years' War. The prince was a supporter of the Protestant cause and played a role in various military and diplomatic efforts during his lifetime. He was also known for his efforts to strengthen and consolidate the power of the Palatinate.

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François de Bonne

Duke of Lesdiguières
Born
April 1st, 1543 481 years ago
Died
1626 399 years ago — 83 years old

Held the title of Duke of Lesdiguières and served as a prominent leader during the French Wars of Religion. Became a notable military commander, aligning with both royalists and Huguenots at different times. Played a significant role in various military campaigns, particularly those that influenced the political landscape of France in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

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Christine of Hesse

Duchess consort of Holstein-Gottorp
Born
June 29th, 1543 481 years ago
Died
1604 421 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1543, she became the Duchess consort of Holstein-Gottorp through marriage. She played a significant role in the cultural and political life of her time. Her marriage aligned two powerful noble houses and she engaged in various diplomatic activities. Known for her contributions to the arts and education in her duchy, her influence extended beyond her immediate court.

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People Who Died in 1543 (View all 12)

George

Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach
Born
March 4th, 1484 541 years ago
Died
April 17th, 1539 485 years ago — 55 years old

Born in 1484, this Margrave ruled Brandenburg-Ansbach during the early 16th century. His reign was characterized by efforts to strengthen the territory's economy and governance. Engaged in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire, he played a role in local and imperial affairs. His rule also saw interactions with the Protestant Reformation, reflecting the changing religious landscape of the time. The Margrave's legacy included the promotion of local culture and the development of administrative frameworks that influenced subsequent leadership in the region.

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Francesco Canova da Milano

Italian composer of Renaissance music
Born
August 18th, 1497 527 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 1543 482 years ago — 45 years old

A significant figure in the development of Renaissance music, contributed to the lute repertoire and composed numerous pieces for various instruments and voices. Created a style that blended both improvisation and written music, influencing future composers and musicians. His works are characterized by intricate melodies and harmonic exploration, contributing to the richness of the Renaissance musical landscape. Continued to have relevance in music history due to the complexity and artistry of the compositions.

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Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo

Explorer and navigator of the Pacific
Born
1499 526 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1543 482 years ago — 44 years old

An explorer and navigator, he is recognized for being the first European to set foot on the West Coast of the present-day United States. Cabrillo embarked on an expedition along the coast of California in 1542, charting the coastline and establishing contact with indigenous peoples. His journey contributed to the Spanish exploration of the Pacific and laid the groundwork for further exploration. The details of his life and accomplishments remained largely unrecorded after his death in 1543, but his legacy as an early explorer endures.

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Guillaume du Bellay

French general and diplomat
Born
1491 534 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1543 482 years ago — 52 years old

A French general and diplomat, served as the ambassador to Rome and significantly influenced French diplomacy in the 16th century. Engaged in military campaigns during the Italian Wars, particularly in the Siege of Pavia. Wrote letters detailing the military and political situation in Italy, providing valuable insights into the period. Contributed to the development of military strategies and alliances for France. Held a prominent position within the court, advising on matters of state and military affairs until his death in 1543.

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Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Ghazi

Somalian general during the 16th century
Born
1507 518 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1543 482 years ago — 36 years old

Led the Adal Sultanate in military campaigns against the Ethiopian Empire during the 16th century. Engaged in pivotal battles such as the Battle of Lake Tana and the Battle of Marda, contributing to significant territorial changes. Utilized innovative tactics and alliances to expand influence in the region. His campaigns marked a critical point in the history of the Horn of Africa.

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Nicolaus Copernicus

Astronomer and mathematician, heliocentrism
Born
February 19th, 1473 552 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1543 481 years ago — 70 years old

Born in Prussia in 1473, a mathematician and astronomer developed the heliocentric model of the universe, positioning the Sun at the center rather than the Earth. This revolutionary idea influenced subsequent scientific thought and marked a significant shift in astronomy. Studied at the University of Kraków and furthered education in Italy, where the foundations of the heliocentric theory were formulated. Published 'De revolutionibus orbium coelestium' at the end of his life, providing comprehensive arguments for the heliocentric system. The work laid the groundwork for modern astronomy, challenging geocentric views held for centuries.

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