What Happened This Year 1838

Born in 1838

Émile Loubet

French politician, 7th President of France
Born
December 31st, 1838 187 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1929 96 years ago — 90 years old

Became involved in politics, acting as a member of the French National Assembly. Served as Minister of War before assuming the presidency. Elected as the 7th President of France, serving from 1899 to 1906. Focused on reforming the military and improving relations with foreign nations during tenure. Played a significant role in the Dreyfus Affair, advocating for justice and transparency.

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Liliuokalani of Hawaii

Queen of Hawaii and composer
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
November 11th, 1917 108 years ago — 79 years old

The last sovereign monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom, ascended to the throne in 1891. Promoted the Hawaiian language and culture while facing political turmoil from American business interests. Attempted to implement a new constitution to re-establish royal prerogative. Following the overthrow in 1893, spent time under house arrest. Advocate for Hawaiian sovereignty and preservation of native rights. Authored several Hawaiian hymns and the song 'Aloha Oe', contributing to the cultural legacy of Hawaii.

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John Hay

American politician and Secretary of State
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1905 120 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 37th United States Secretary of State from 1898 to 1905. Played a pivotal role in the Open Door Policy in China, promoting fair trade and equal opportunities for all foreign nations. Instrumental in negotiating the Hay-Pauncefote Treaty, which permitted the United States to construct the Panama Canal. Prior experience included serving as an aide to President Abraham Lincoln and as the United States ambassador to the United Kingdom. Also contributed to American journalism as a writer and editor.

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William T. Anderson

American Confederate military captain
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1864 161 years ago — 26 years old

Served as a captain in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Played a significant role in several battles, including command during engagements in Missouri. Gained notoriety for actions that contributed to guerrilla warfare tactics employed by Confederate forces.

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François Langelier

Canadian politician and journalist
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1915 110 years ago — 77 years old

A legislator and notable public figure, held the position of the 10th Lieutenant Governor of Quebec from 1888 to 1894. In addition to a prominent political career, engaged in journalism and practiced law. Contributed to legal and governmental discussions, influencing policies in Quebec during a transformative period.

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George William Hill

American astronomer and mathematician
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1914 111 years ago — 76 years old

Contributed significantly to celestial mechanics and made advancements in the understanding of planetary motion. Developed Hill's formula, which provided solutions to problems in orbital dynamics, allowing for better predictions of satellite paths. Conducted extensive research on the stability of the moon's orbit around the Earth and contributed to the understanding of the three-body problem. Worked with various astronomical observations and computations to enhance the field of astronomy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

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Ferdinand Stoliczka

Palaeontologist and ornithologist
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1874 151 years ago — 36 years old

Contributed to the field of paleontology and ornithology during the 19th century. Worked extensively in India, studying fossilized remains and avian species. Published significant research on topics including fossil vertebrates and the origins of birds. Engaged in systematic collections of specimens and contributed to understanding the Indian fossil record.

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Sai Baba of Shirdi

Indian guru and saint
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
October 15th, 1918 107 years ago — 80 years old

A spiritual figure and mystic, Sai Baba of Shirdi gained a large following during his lifetime and posthumously. Teaching a message of love, forgiveness, and service, he combined elements of Hinduism and Islam, promoting unity among different religions. His ashram in Shirdi became a pilgrimage site, attracting devotees from all over India. Sai Baba performed various miracles, which further solidified his status among followers. His teachings emphasized the importance of faith and patience in daily life. Though he passed away in 1918, his influence remains strong, with many temples dedicated to him across the country, and his life continues to inspire spiritual seekers.

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Marià Fortuny

Spanish painter and printmaker
Born
1838 188 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1874 151 years ago — 36 years old

A prominent Spanish painter and printmaker, this artist was associated with the Spanish school of painting during the 19th century. He exhibited exceptional skill in capturing light and movement, particularly in his rendering of scenes inspired by the North African landscape and culture. His work 'El batallero' showcases his mastery of color and technique, while his travels in Morocco influenced many of his compositions. In addition to painting, he made significant contributions to etching and was effective in popularizing the technique in Spain. His untimely death curtailed a burgeoning career that had begun to earn significant recognition in Europe.

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