What Happened This Year 1840

Born in 1840

Nozu Michitsura

Japanese field marshal
Born
December 17th, 1840 184 years ago
Died
October 18th, 1908 116 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 110 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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John Clayton Adams

English landscape painter and member of the Royal Academy
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
June 20th, 1906 119 years ago — 66 years old

A landscape painter active during the 19th century, he specialized in the depiction of rural scenes and natural beauty of the English countryside. His works often featured atmospheric effects and detailed portrayals of landscapes. Elected as a member of the Royal Academy, he exhibited widely throughout his career, contributing significantly to the genre of landscape painting. His style reflected the influence of Romanticism, focusing on the interplay of light and nature. Additionally, he produced notable works that garnered attention in various exhibitions.

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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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Eliza Pollock

American Archer and Competitor
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
May 25th, 1919 106 years ago — 79 years old

An accomplished archer specializing in target archery, participated in archery competitions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Achieved significant recognition for performances and set records in various tournaments. Contributed to the sport through active involvement in organizations that promoted archery.

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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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Franz Mertens

Mathematician and academic from Austria
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
March 5th, 1927 98 years ago — 87 years old

A mathematician and academic contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and number theory. Mertens held academic positions in various universities where he advanced mathematical research and education. The Mertens conjecture, which addressed the asymptotic behavior of the sum of the reciprocals of prime numbers, is among his notable contributions. Published works included textbooks that became integral to mathematical studies.

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