What Happened This Year 1836

Born in 1836

Eli Whitney Blake

American chemist and inventor of the Blake jaw crusher
Born
January 27th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
October 1st, 1895 129 years ago — 100 years old

Contributions to the field of mechanical engineering include the invention of the Blake jaw crusher, which revolutionized the way materials are crushed in the mining and construction industries. Held the position of professor at several institutions, sharing knowledge in chemistry and engineering disciplines. Played a significant role in advancing academic standards and industrial practices in the United States.

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Queen Emma of Hawaii

Monarch of Hawaii, founded Queen's Hospital
Born
January 2nd, 1836 189 years ago
Died
1885 140 years ago — 49 years old

Born in 1836, a Hawaiian queen and the wife of King Kamehameha IV, played a significant role in the social and political landscape of Hawaii. Actively involved in efforts to improve healthcare, established the Queen's Hospital in 1859 to provide medical care to the people of Hawaii. Also supported education initiatives, focusing on access to quality education for Native Hawaiians. Engaged in various cultural and political activities to promote Hawaiian interests during a time of significant change.

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Mendele Mocher Sforim

Russian author of Yiddish literature
Born
January 2nd, 1836 189 years ago
Died
December 8th, 1917 107 years ago — 81 years old

A significant figure in Yiddish literature, this author contributed to the revival and modernization of the language through literary works. Born in Russia, the writer began to publish in the 1860s, with notable contributions that reflect Jewish life and culture. The works often combined humor with social commentary, addressing the challenges faced by Jewish communities in Eastern Europe. His storytelling blended traditional themes with contemporary issues, making them relevant for the time. The author also played a role in the development of the Jewish national movement in the early 20th century.

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Sakamoto Ryōma

Japanese samurai and rebel leader
Born
January 3rd, 1836 189 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1867 157 years ago — 31 years old

Active during the late Edo period, a significant figure in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate. Played a critical role in the Boshin War, advocating for the modernization of Japan and the unification of imperial rule. Established a political coalition known as the Kaientai, promoting trade and naval power. His assassination in 1867 marked a pivotal moment in Japanese history as it occurred just before the Meiji Restoration.

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Lawrence Alma-Tadema

Painter of classical subjects and scenes
Born
January 8th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1912 112 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1836, this artist became a prominent figure in the 19th-century art world, celebrated for vivid depictions of classical antiquity. A member of the Royal Academy, the artist exhibited at the Royal Academy and was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Works often featured detailed textures and rich color schemes, emphasizing the beauty and grandeur of ancient landscapes and cultures. The approach incorporated meticulous attention to historical accuracy, particularly in attire and architecture. Worked in both England and Europe, shaping the aesthetic preferences of the time.

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Henri Fantin-Latour

French painter of still lifes and portraits
Born
January 14th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
August 25th, 1904 120 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent French painter and lithographer, recognized for contributions to the genre of still life and portraits in the 19th century. Worked significantly in the artistic movements of Realism and Impressionism. Developed a unique style that combined fidelity to detail with a poetic sensitivity. Participated in important exhibitions, including the Salon in Paris, where works exhibited received critical attention. Collaborated with fellow artists and contributed to the lithographic medium, creating artworks that showcased delicate flowers and intimate domestic settings.

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Francis II of the Two Sicilies

Sovereign of the Two Sicilies
Born
January 16th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
1894 131 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1836, ascended to the throne in 1859 following the death of his father, Ferdinand II. His reign experienced significant political challenges, including the rise of Italian unification efforts led by figures such as Giuseppe Garibaldi. Francis II proved unable to maintain control of the kingdom, eventually losing it during the Italian unification in 1860. He later went into exile, residing in Rome and later in various European cities until his death in 1894.

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Signe Rink

Danish writer and ethnologist
Born
January 24th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1909 115 years ago — 73 years old

Born in Greenland, a Danish writer and ethnologist contributed significantly to the understanding of Greenlandic culture and society. Pursued education in Denmark, resulting in a focus on ethnographic studies. Published various works that documented the lifestyles, traditions, and social structures of Greenland’s Inuit population. Collaborated with explorers and fellow scholars to highlight indigenous perspectives and experiences. Actively engaged in the promotion of Greenlandic history and culture throughout her career.

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Leopold von Sacher-Masoch

Austrian journalist and author of "Venus in Furs"
Born
January 27th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
March 9th, 1895 130 years ago — 59 years old

Born in Austria, a prominent journalist and author emerged in the 19th century. Best recognized for the novella "Venus in Furs," this work explored themes of eroticism and sadomasochism, leading to the coining of the term 'masochism.' The literary contributions significantly influenced subsequent discussions on sexuality and power dynamics. Besides fiction, engaged in journalism, contributing to various periodicals and newspapers of the time.

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