What Happened This Year 1840

Born in 1840

Nozu Michitsura

Japanese field marshal
Born
December 17th, 1840 184 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1908 117 years ago — 67 years old

Field marshal served in the Imperial Japanese Army during the Meiji period. Played a significant role in the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. Notably led forces in the Siege of Port Arthur, contributing to Japan's military reputation. Held various high-ranking positions in the army and contributed to military reform in Japan.

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Ernest de Munck

Belgian cellist and composer
Born
December 21st, 1840 184 years ago
Died
January 19th, 1915 110 years ago — 74 years old

Ernest de Munck contributed to the world of classical music as a distinguished cellist and composer. Active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, his works primarily focused on chamber music and orchestral compositions. De Munck's skills on the cello gained recognition, and he performed with notable ensembles. His compositions, while less frequently performed today, showcased his command of melody and harmony.

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Namık Kemal

Turkish journalist and playwright
Born
December 21st, 1840 184 years ago
Died
December 2nd, 1888 136 years ago — 47 years old

Born in 1840, a Turkish journalist, playwright, and activist contributed significantly to Turkish literature and nationalism. Focused on social reform through writing, emphasized freedom and justice in works. His play, 'Vatan yahut Silistre,' highlighted the importance of patriotism and played a key role in the cultural awakening in the Ottoman Empire. Engaged actively in the Young Turk movement, advocating for constitutional monarchy, and faced exile for opposition to the Sultan. Returned to Istanbul in 1908, continuing to influence political and literary spheres until his death in 1888.

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John Philip Holland

Irish engineer, designer of submarines
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1914 111 years ago — 74 years old

An engineer from Ireland, focused on submarine design. Developed the first successful submarine, HMS Holland 1, which was commissioned by the British Royal Navy. The design featured a torpedo-launching system, marking a significant advancement in naval warfare technology. Holland's innovations laid the groundwork for future submarine development and influenced naval engineering practices.

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Abraham Goldfaden

Russian playwright and actor
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1908 117 years ago — 68 years old

A significant figure in Yiddish theater, played a crucial role in its development in the late 19th century. Founded the first professional Yiddish theater in Romania, which helped to popularize the genre. Authored several plays that remain influential in Yiddish literature, including 'Bar Kochba.' Goldfaden's work reflected the cultural and social issues of Jewish communities, and he often infused dramatic narratives with humor and poignancy.

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Gustave Le Bon

French psychologist and sociologist
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
December 13th, 1931 93 years ago — 91 years old

Contributed significantly to social psychology and sociology. Developed the concept of the collective mind, which explored how individuals in groups can behave differently than when alone. Authored 'The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind', which analyzed mob behavior and social influence. His work laid the groundwork for modern crowd psychology and social sciences.

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Rhoda Broughton

Welsh-English author of novels
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
June 5th, 1920 105 years ago — 80 years old

An author grew prominent in the late 19th century, primarily focusing on novels that featured intricate plots and sharp social commentary. Broughton's works often explored themes of love, society, and morality within a Victorian context. Several of her novels captured the complexities of human relationships, which contributed to her reputation in literary circles. Titles such as 'Not Wisely But Too Well' and 'Mrs. Maxon Protests' showcased her narrative style and engagement with contemporary social issues. A frequent contributor to serialization in popular magazines of the time, she helped shape the novel landscape of her era.

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Benjamin Baker

Engineer, designer of the Forth Bridge
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1907 118 years ago — 67 years old

An English engineer specialized in bridge design. Contributed to the development of several significant structures during the 19th century. The Forth Bridge, completed in 1890, stands as one of the most iconic cantilever bridges in the world. Its innovative design utilized steel and required extensive planning and engineering expertise. Baker's work significantly influenced the field of civil engineering and bridge construction, showcasing the application of advanced materials and techniques of the time.

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Auguste Rodin

Sculptor known for The Thinker
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
November 17th, 1917 107 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent French sculptor and illustrator, this artist primarily focused on the human form and emotion. Sculpture techniques were innovated through works that emphasized naturalism and expressive detail. The Thinker, created in 1880, emerged as one of the most recognized sculptures in the art world. Other significant works include The Kiss and The Gates of Hell, which showcases intricate figures and dramatic expressions. The artist's unique approach transformed modern sculpture and influenced generations of artists.

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