What Happened This Year 1819

Born in 1819

Léon Foucault

French physicist known for pendulum experiment
Born
September 18th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1868 157 years ago — 48 years old

Contributed significantly to experimental physics and is recognized for the invention of the Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the Earth's rotation. Conducted experiments in optics, notably measuring the speed of light with an accuracy that improved upon previous efforts. Served as a professor at the Collège de France, influencing the academic landscape of physics in the 19th century.

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Princess Louise Marie Thérèse of Artois

French princess and aristocrat
Born
September 21st, 1819 205 years ago
Died
1864 161 years ago — 45 years old

Born into the House of Bourbon, played a significant role in the royal court of France during the early 19th century. Married the Duke of Aumale, becoming the Duchess of Aumale. Contributed to the cultural and political life of France through her marriage and her patronage of the arts. Spent considerable time in England and had a strong connection with the British royal family.

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Wilhelm Wattenbach

Historian and academic of German history
Born
September 22nd, 1819 205 years ago
Died
1897 128 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1819, a prominent historian and academic specialized in German history, particularly the Middle Ages. Contributed to the research and understanding of historical manuscripts and the Latin language. His work focused on the medieval period's primary sources and their importance in historical scholarship. Wattenbach wrote extensively, producing several significant texts that became foundational in the study of historical documents and sources. His analyses of documents have aided historians in grasping the context and evolution of medieval society.

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Hippolyte Fizeau

French physicist and academic
Born
September 23rd, 1819 205 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1896 128 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics in the 19th century. Developed innovative methods for measuring the speed of light and proposed the Fizeau formula for calculating the speed of light in a medium. Conducted experiments that solidified the wave theory of light. Fizeau also served as a professor of physics and played a major role in the advancement of scientific education in France.

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Narcís Monturiol

Engineer and inventor of submarines
Born
September 28th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
September 6th, 1885 139 years ago — 65 years old

An engineer and publisher contributed significantly to the development of submarine technology in the 19th century. Monturiol designed and built the Ictineo I, the first successful submarine powered by a mechanical system, which achieved controlled underwater navigation in 1859. He also focused on promoting science and engineering through his publishing efforts. His inventions laid the groundwork for future advancements in underwater exploration.

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Ann Eliza Smith

American author and patriot
Born
October 7th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
1905 120 years ago — 86 years old

An author and patriot, her contributions are significant in American literature and societal discourse during the 19th century. Smith celebrated the ideals of American independence and women's rights. Smith published several works that depicted the struggles and aspirations of her time, appealing to readers through narrative and advocacy. Her writings often emphasized the importance of patriotism and civic duty, reflecting the values of the era. Active in sociopolitical discussions, she played a role in promoting reforms that aligned with her beliefs.

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Austin F. Pike

American lawyer and politician
Born
October 16th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
October 8th, 1886 138 years ago — 66 years old

Born in 1819, a lawyer and politician practiced law in New Hampshire. Served as a United States Senator from 1853 to 1855. Elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives and served in various political offices throughout the state. Contributed to legal reforms and legislative processes during tenure.

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Christian August Friedrich Garcke

German botanist and plant scientist
Born
October 25th, 1819 205 years ago
Died
1904 121 years ago — 85 years old

Contributed significantly to botany through extensive research on algae and plant biology. Bridged scientific understanding of plant physiology with practical applications in agriculture and horticulture. His work provided foundational knowledge used by future botanists and agricultural scientists. Advocated for the scientific study of plant life and its ecological importance.

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George Eliot

English novelist and poet, Middlemarch
Born
November 22nd, 1819 205 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1880 144 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent English novelist and poet, this individual contributed significantly to Victorian literature. Published the novel 'Middlemarch' in 1871-1872, which presents a detailed portrayal of provincial life and explores complex characters and social themes. Other notable works include 'Silas Marner' and 'The Mill on the Floss', which showcased a deep understanding of human emotion and moral complexity. Under a male pen name, this figure tackled issues of gender and society, reflecting on individual struggles within a broader social context. Received recognition for literary prowess, influencing future generations of writers.

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