What Happened This Year 1805

Born in 1805

Napoléon Coste

French guitarist and composer of guitar works
Born
June 27th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
January 14th, 1883 142 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent guitarist and composer, recognized for contributions to guitar literature in the 19th century. Developed a unique style that incorporated elements of classical music, folk, and the emerging romantic style. Produced a significant number of works for solo guitar, which showcased technical skills as well as emotional depth. Works included original compositions as well as transcription of other works for guitar. His efforts have influenced future generations of guitar players and composers.

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Robert FitzRoy

English admiral and meteorologist
Born
July 5th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1865 159 years ago — 59 years old

Served as an admiral in the Royal Navy and made significant contributions to meteorology and oceanography. Commanded the HMS Beagle during Charles Darwin's famous voyage, allowing for crucial scientific observations that influenced evolutionary theory. Became the second Governor of New Zealand, overseeing early colonial governance and interactions with the Māori people. Advocated for scientific research and created the first system of weather forecasting in the United Kingdom.

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Alexis de Tocqueville

French historian and political thinker
Born
July 29th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1859 165 years ago — 53 years old

Born in 1805, contributed to political philosophy and history. Authored 'Democracy in America,' analyzing American society and its political system. His work highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of democracy and engaged with the concepts of liberty and equality. Conducted extensive research during a visit to the United States, focusing on the evolution of American democratic institutions. Addressed the implications of social conditions on political stability.

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William Rowan Hamilton

Irish physicist and mathematician
Born
August 4th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 1865 159 years ago — 60 years old

Born in 1805, made significant contributions to classical mechanics and optics. Developed Hamiltonian mechanics, which reformulated Newtonian mechanics. Introduced quaternions, which represented the extension of complex numbers to a four-dimensional space. Served as the Astronomical Observator at the Dunsink Observatory in Dublin. Published important works in mathematical physics and played a pivotal role in the development of modern algebra.

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Joseph Locke

Engineer and politician, designed railways
Born
August 9th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1860 164 years ago — 55 years old

An influential engineer and politician, contributed significantly to the development of railway systems in the United Kingdom during the 19th century. Played a key role in the building of the Grand Junction Railway, which connected Birmingham and Liverpool, facilitating the first intercity rail travel in Britain. Worked on the construction of the London and North Western Railway and served as a Member of Parliament. Advocated for engineering advancements and public infrastructure improvements.

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Ferenc Toldy

Historian and critic of literature
Born
August 10th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
1875 150 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1805, a historian and critic with significant contributions to Hungarian literature studies. Authored works that explored Hungarian cultural history and advocated for the preservation of Hungarian language and literature. His scholarly efforts were pivotal in establishing literary criticism as a field in Hungary. Actively engaged in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, contributing to the intellectual development of the nation during a transformative period.

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Anton von Schmerling

Austrian judge and politician
Born
August 23rd, 1805 219 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1893 131 years ago — 87 years old

Served as an influential figure in the Austrian legal system and politics during the 19th century. Contributed significantly to the legal reforms in Austria, emphasizing the need for judicial independence and modernization. Appointed as a minister of justice, implemented important judicial reforms that shaped the Austrian legal framework. Engaged in various political activities during the revolutionary period of 1848, advocating for liberal reforms.

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Frederick Denison Maurice

English theologian, author of 'Theological Essays'
Born
August 29th, 1805 219 years ago
Died
April 1st, 1872 152 years ago — 66 years old

An English theologian and academic, this individual contributed significantly to theology and education during the 19th century. Maurice served as a professor at King's College London, where he influenced a generation of students. He was a founding member of the Christian Socialism movement, advocating for social justice through a Christian lens. His writings included essays on theology, literature, and history, with works such as 'Theological Essays' and 'The Conscience'. This individual also played a role in the establishment of the Working Men's College, focusing on providing education to the working class.

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Esteban Echeverría

Argentinian poet and author of "El matadero"
Born
September 2nd, 1805 219 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1851 174 years ago — 45 years old

A prominent figure in Argentine literature, focused on themes of social justice and freedom. Echeverría contributed significantly to the literary and cultural landscape of Argentina during the 19th century. His most notable work, "El matadero" (The Slaughterhouse), critiqued the oppressive political regime of his time and became a cornerstone of Argentine literature. Echeverría was associated with the Romantic movement and played a crucial role in the establishment of a national literary identity. Despite limited recognition during his lifetime, later generations celebrated his contributions to poetry and prose as pivotal in shaping Argentine cultural thought.

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