What Happened This Year 1848

Historical Events from This Year 1848

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.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
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.

Continue Reading
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.'

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Beginning of the French Revolution of 1848

February 22nd, 1848 177 years ago

The French Revolution of 1848 began with widespread unrest among the working classes and frustration against the July Monarchy. Citizens demanded social and political reforms, sparked by economic hardship and lack of political representation. Protesters rallied in Paris, leading to the abdication of King Louis-Philippe and the establishment of the Second Republic. The revolution ignited a wave of similar uprisings across Europe, reflecting a broader desire for democratic governance and social justice.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Louis-Philippe's Abdication in France

February 24th, 1848 177 years ago

King Louis-Philippe I of France abdicated amid widespread unrest and revolutionary fervor. As protests erupted across Paris due to grievances over government policies, discontent grew among the working class, leading to the king's decision to flee the Tuileries Palace. Amid the barricades and the call for change, he announced his resignation, marking the end of the July Monarchy and paving the way for the establishment of the Second Republic.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Carlo Alberto di Savoia Signs the Statuto Albertino

March 4th, 1848 177 years ago

Carlo Alberto di Savoia, the King of Sardinia, adopted the Statuto Albertino, a document that outlined fundamental rights, establishing a constitutional monarchy in his realm. This transformation occurred amidst a wave of revolutionary fervor across Europe, particularly within Italy, as various movements sought national unity and independence. The signing took place in Turin, aiming to legitimize the monarchy and provide a framework for governance that included civil liberties and parliamentary structures, setting the stage for future Italian governance.

Continue Reading