What Happened This Year 1848

Historical Events from This Year 1848 (View all 41)

Politics & Government

Joseph Jenkins Roberts Becomes Liberia's First President

January 3rd, 1848 177 years ago

Joseph Jenkins Roberts was sworn in as Liberia's first president, marking a significant milestone for the young republic. He assumed office on January 3, 1848, in Monrovia, where he was elected by the Free African Society and the legislature. This ceremony represented the culmination of efforts by freed African Americans to establish a nation where they could live freely, reflecting ideals of democracy and self-governance after their resettlement from the United States. Roberts’ election symbolized hope for a prosperous future in Liberia and was a pivotal moment in promoting independence and governance.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Palermo Rising Against Bourbon Rule

January 12th, 1848 177 years ago

The Palermo rising marked a significant uprising in Sicily, as local revolutionaries took to the streets to protest against the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Citizens rallied for independence and reform, fueled by growing discontent with the oppressive rule of King Ferdinand II. The streets of Palermo became battlegrounds as the people sought to overthrow the monarchy, demanding civil liberties and social justice. This uprising was part of the broader wave of revolutions that swept across Europe in 1848, driven by nationalistic and liberal ideals aiming to reshape the political landscape.

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Economics & Industry

Gold Discovery at Sutter's Mill

January 24th, 1848 177 years ago

James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill while constructing a sawmill for John Sutter. This pivotal moment occurred near Sacramento, California, and ignited the California Gold Rush, leading thousands to flock to the region in search of fortune. Marshall's find, which included flakes of gold in the American River, transformed California's economic landscape as news spread rapidly, motivating people to seek their own fortune in this newly discovered land of opportunity.

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Military & Warfare

John C. Frémont's Court-Martial for Mutiny

January 31st, 1848 177 years ago

John C. Frémont faced a court-martial for charges of mutiny and disobeying orders while serving in the United States Army. The court-martial resulted from Frémont's defiance of orders from superiors during the Mexican-American War. His actions cast a shadow over his military career and disrupted Army operations in California.

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Politics & Government

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Signed

February 2nd, 1848 177 years ago

The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was concluded between the United States and Mexico, marking the end of the Mexican-American War. Negotiated in the city of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the treaty established the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico. It resulted in significant territorial gains for the U.S., including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Colorado and Wyoming. The treaty was signed in the context of a conflict rooted in the U.S. annexation of Texas and the desire for further expansion.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Publication of The Communist Manifesto

February 21st, 1848 177 years ago

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels published The Communist Manifesto, a political pamphlet that called for the overthrow of capitalist systems and the establishment of a classless society. Commissioned by the Communist League, the pamphlet articulated the struggles of the working class and critiqued capitalist exploitation. The manifesto was published in London, presenting the famous opening line, 'A spectre is haunting Europe — the spectre of communism.'

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Born in 1848 (View all 95)

John W. Goff

Lawyer and politician in the U.S.
Born
January 1st, 1848 177 years ago
Died
1924 101 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1848 to Irish immigrant parents, this individual pursued a legal career and became involved in politics. Serving as the Attorney General for the state of New York, he played a significant role in various legal reforms. Goff's career was marked by his dedication to public service and law, making substantial contributions during his tenure.

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Katsura Tarō

Japanese politician and Prime Minister
Born
January 4th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1913 111 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1848, this individual served as the 6th Prime Minister of Japan during a period of significant political change. The political career included multiple terms as Prime Minister, notably from 1901 to 1906 and 1912 to 1914. The leadership focused on modernizing Japan in the wake of the Meiji Restoration and navigating international relations during a time of great upheaval. This figure also held various military positions, contributing to the establishment of Japan's military infrastructure.

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Princess Frederica of Hanover

German Princess and cultural figure
Born
January 9th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
1926 99 years ago — 78 years old

Born into the House of Hanover, Frederica became the Duchess of Cumberland and Teviotdale through marriage. She held a prominent role in British society, particularly through her contributions to cultural events and charities. A patron of the arts, she actively supported musicians and artists and was involved in various philanthropic efforts. Frederica's royal duties included hosting numerous social gatherings that fostered connections among the aristocracy. Her legacy continued through her descendants, influencing British royalty and society.

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Reinhold Sadler

American politician, 9th Governor of Nevada
Born
January 10th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
1906 119 years ago — 58 years old

Born in 1848, Sadler began a career in business as a merchant before transitioning into politics. Served as the 9th Governor of Nevada from 1903 to 1908. During the governorship, focused on infrastructure development and education improvements. Contributed to the establishment of various policies aimed at state growth after the mining boom.

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Ioan Slavici

Romanian journalist and author
Born
January 18th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1925 99 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Romania, a prominent journalist and author contributed significantly to Romanian literature. Played a crucial role in the development of realism in literature through notable works. His writings often focused on social issues and were deeply intertwined with Romanian cultural identity. Worked as an editor for important Romanian publications and advocated for education and the rights of the Romanian people. Several of his works remain influential in Romanian literature today.

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Arturo Graf

Italian poet and literary critic
Born
January 19th, 1848 177 years ago
Died
1913 112 years ago — 65 years old

Born to German ancestry, a significant presence in Italian literature. Graf contributed to poetry and literary criticism, often exploring themes of the human condition. His work integrated influences from both Italian and German literary traditions, reflecting the complexity of his cultural background. Best recognized for the collection of poems 'I Canti' and his critical essays that engaged with contemporary literary movements. Graf's literary pursuits extended beyond poetry, influencing the discourse on artistic expression in Italy.

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People Who Died in 1848 (View all 38)

Caroline Herschel

German-English astronomer & comet discoverer
Born
March 16th, 1750 274 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1848 177 years ago — 97 years old

An astronomer, contributed significantly to the field of astronomy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Discovered several comets, with the most notable being the comet 35P/Herschel-Rigollet. Collaborated with her brother William Herschel, assisting in the construction of telescopes and making observations. Published catalogues of stars and nebulae, improving the cataloging and classification of celestial objects. Became the first woman to receive a salary as a scientist, recognized for her contributions to the field.

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Christian VIII

Danish King and monarch of Denmark
Born
1786 239 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1848 177 years ago — 62 years old

Reigned as the King of Denmark from 1839 until death in 1848. He initially served as the King of Norway while in union with Denmark from 1814 to 1818. His reign was characterized by efforts toward constitutional reform and modernization of Danish governance. Christian VIII worked to promote a more liberal state, leading to a more democratic political structure. The king also engaged in various cultural and educational initiatives during his time on the throne.

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Hermann von Boyen

Prussian general and Minister of War
Born
June 20th, 1771 253 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1848 177 years ago — 76 years old

Served as a general in the Prussian army and held the position of Minister of War. Played a significant role in the military reforms that modernized the Prussian military system, enhancing its operational effectiveness. Participated in key battles during the Napoleonic Wars, contributing to Prussia's military strategies. After the wars, focused on restructuring and strengthening the Prussian armed forces, influencing military policies in the region.

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John Quincy Adams

6th President of the United States
Born
July 11th, 1767 257 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1848 177 years ago — 80 years old

Served as the 6th President of the United States from 1825 to 1829. Prior to the presidency, held positions as a diplomat and senator. Played a significant role in formulating foreign policy and was a staunch opponent of slavery. After presidency, served in the House of Representatives for nearly two decades, advocating for various causes and issues.

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Louis-François Lejeune

French general and military painter
Born
1775 250 years ago
Died
February 29th, 1848 177 years ago — 73 years old

A French general, painter, and lithographer contributed to military art during the Napoleonic Wars. Served as a general in the French army and created numerous works depicting battles and military events. Notable for leveraging lithography to reproduce and disseminate his artworks widely. His artistic perspective captured significant historical events of his time, reflecting both the grandeur and the realities of war.

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Johan Jakob Nervander

Finnish poet and physicist
Born
February 23rd, 1805 220 years ago
Died
March 15th, 1848 177 years ago — 43 years old

Born in Finland, a notable figure in the early 19th century contributed to both literature and science. Wrote poetry that reflected the cultural context of the period and engaged with themes prevalent in Finnish society. Also studied physics and meteorology, contributing to the understanding of weather patterns in Finland. Worked at the University of Helsinki, where academic pursuits complemented literary interests, effectively merging both fields in significant ways.

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