What Happened This Year 1796

Born in 1796

Edward Gibbon Wakefield

English politician and colonization advocate
Born
March 20th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1862 162 years ago — 66 years old

Contributed significantly to theories of colonization and land settlement. Advocated for systematic colonization in the 19th century, promoting the establishment of new colonies under direct government control. Instrumental in the founding of South Australia, which emphasized free settlement and the sale of land. Known for principles that aimed at balancing land availability with labor supply to create prosperous communities.

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Zulma Carraud

French author of notable literary works
Born
March 24th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
April 24th, 1889 135 years ago — 93 years old

Born in 1796, this French author gained recognition for significant contributions to literature in the 19th century. She wrote several novels that reflect the social and cultural dynamics of her time. One of the prominent works includes 'La Révolution de 1848', which addresses the political landscape of France during a pivotal era. In addition to novels, she also engaged in writing essays and critiques, influencing contemporary thought through her literary endeavors. The author's work showcased a deep understanding of societal issues, providing insights into the challenges faced during her lifetime. The impact of her literature continues to be studied and appreciated in modern literary circles.

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George N. Briggs

American politician, 19th Governor of Massachusetts
Born
April 12th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
1861 164 years ago — 65 years old

Served as the 19th Governor of Massachusetts from 1843 to 1844. Held the position during a time of political transition in the state. Prior to governorship, engaged in legal practice and served in the Massachusetts State Legislature. Participated in shaping state policies and legislation. Known for addressing issues related to public education and infrastructure.

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William Pennington

American politician and governor
Born
May 4th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
February 16th, 1862 163 years ago — 65 years old

Served as the 13th Governor of New Jersey and the 23rd Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Participated in significant legislative processes during a pivotal time in American history. Engaged in political issues of the mid-19th century, influencing governance and public policy within the state and nation. Advocated for various legislative measures and reforms during tenure as a representative.

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Horace Mann

Educator and politician; education reformer
Born
May 4th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
August 2nd, 1859 165 years ago — 63 years old

Contributions to education reform include advocating for public schooling and establishing teacher training programs. Served as the first Secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Education, promoting the concept of universal public education. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of normal schools for teacher education. Published influential reports that highlighted the importance of professional training for teachers.

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William H. Prescott

American historian and scholar
Born
May 4th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
1859 166 years ago — 63 years old

This historian specialized in the history of the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Peru. Published works include 'Conquest of Mexico' and 'Conquest of Peru', both highly regarded for their detailed research and engaging narratives. Prescott faced significant challenges due to visual impairment but continued to produce significant historical scholarship. His work contributed to the field of American history and influenced future generations of historians.

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Nicolas Léonard Sadi Carnot

Physicist known for heat engines
Born
June 1st, 1796 228 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1832 192 years ago — 36 years old

A prominent physicist and engineer, contributed significantly to the field of thermodynamics. Formulated the Carnot cycle, which laid the foundation for the second law of thermodynamics. Focused on the efficiency of heat engines and proposed a theoretical model for understanding heat transfer. His work established principles that influenced later scientists and engineers in the study of energy conversion.

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François-Louis Cailler

Swiss chocolatier, founder of Cailler
Born
June 11th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
1852 173 years ago — 56 years old

Established the first chocolate factory in Switzerland in 1819, pioneering the production of chocolate in the country. The factory, known for its high-quality chocolate products, played a significant role in the evolution of Swiss chocolate. Developed innovative techniques in chocolate production that influenced the industry. The Cailler brand became synonymous with Swiss chocolate excellence.

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Nikolai Brashman

Mathematician and academic
Born
June 14th, 1796 228 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1866 158 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1796, a mathematician and academic contributed significantly to mathematical sciences. Worked primarily on the theory of functions and geometry, publishing influential papers that laid groundwork in these fields. Held a teaching position at various institutions, shaping the education of future mathematicians. The work in mathematical analysis remains referenced by scholars, sustaining relevance in modern mathematical discourse.

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