What Happened This Year 1838

Historical Events from This Year 1838

Education & Academia

Saint Andrew's Scots School Established in Buenos Aires

September 1st, 1838 186 years ago

Saint Andrew's Scots School was founded in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by Scottish immigrants. The school aimed to provide a British education to the growing expatriate community, emphasizing English language, Scottish culture, and academic excellence. With its establishment, the school became an important educational institution for the children of British settlers in South America, fostering a sense of community and support among families while promoting their cultural heritage in a foreign land.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Frederick Douglass Escapes from Slavery

September 3rd, 1838 186 years ago

Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery in 1838, successfully fleeing from a plantation in Maryland to freedom in New York. Disguised as a sailor, Douglass utilized his intelligence and courage in an elaborate plan to navigate the dangerous journey. His successful escape marked a pivotal moment in his life, allowing him to become a prominent voice for abolition and civil rights.

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Economics & Industry

Establishment of the Anti-Corn Law League

September 18th, 1838 186 years ago

Richard Cobden established the Anti-Corn Law League, aiming to repeal the corn laws that imposed tariffs on imported grain, which raised food prices in Britain. This organization sought to mobilize public and political support against the protectionist policies that hampered free trade. Founded in Manchester, it played a significant role in advocating for economic reform and promoting the benefits of free trade during a period of industrial growth and food scarcity.

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Military & Warfare

Killough Massacre in East Texas

October 5th, 1838 186 years ago

The Killough massacre involved a group of Texian settlers attacked by Native Americans in East Texas. Eighteen settlers were either killed or kidnapped during this violent encounter. The incident highlighted the tensions between settlers and Native American tribes during a period of expansion and conflict in the region.

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Religion & Philosophy

Extermination Order Against Mormons by Boggs

October 27th, 1838 186 years ago

Governor Lilburn Boggs of Missouri issued an order demanding all Mormons to leave the state or face death. The order stemmed from tensions between Mormon settlers and local residents, fueled by cultural and religious differences. This directive exemplified the growing hostility toward the Mormon community, leading to their significant migration and settlement in Utah.

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Arts & Culture

Founding of The Times of India Newspaper

November 3rd, 1838 186 years ago

The Bombay Times and Journal of Commerce was founded in 1838, marking the inception of what would become The Times of India, one of the world's largest circulated English language daily broadsheets. Founded in Bombay, the publication was created to provide news and commerce-related information to British expatriates and the growing English-speaking populace in India. The newspaper set the stage for regional news coverage and was pivotal in informing and influencing public opinion.

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Military & Warfare

Voortrekkers Defeat Zulu Impis at Blood River

December 16th, 1838 186 years ago

The Battle of Blood River was a pivotal clash in which Voortrekkers, led by Andries Pretorius and Sarel Cilliers, faced Zulu warriors commanded by Dambuza Nzobo and Ndlela kaSompisi. The battle, fought in present-day KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, arose from growing tensions between the migration of Dutch-speaking settlers and indigenous populations. The Voortrekkers, seeking autonomy, decisively triumphed over the significantly larger Zulu force.

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