What Happened This Year 1861
Historical Events from This Year 1861
Britain's Lagos Treaty to Combat Slavery
The Lagos Treaty of Cession was signed in 1861, enabling Britain to establish a protectorate in Lagos, Nigeria. This treaty was part of Britain's broader campaign against the transatlantic slave trade. The British sought to suppress slavery in the region by exerting control over the local leaders, thereby facilitating trade and governance aligned with their anti-slavery objectives. The treaty not only signaled British imperial interests but also marked a significant shift in the local political landscape.
Continue ReadingConfederate Victory at Wilson's Creek
At Wilson's Creek, a combined force of Confederate troops, Missouri State Guard, and Arkansas State troops achieved a significant victory over a larger Union force. The battle marked a critical confrontation in the early stages of the American Civil War, with the Confederates showcasing their military capabilities and strategy. The engagement resulted in considerable casualties for both sides but ultimately solidified Confederate control in southwestern Missouri.
Continue ReadingFirst ascent of the Weisshorn summit
The Weisshorn, the fifth highest peak in the Alps at 4,506 meters, was first successfully climbed by a team led by the British mountaineer Edward Whymper in 1861. This notable ascent was achieved after several previous unsuccessful attempts by various climbers. The Weisshorn is located in the Pennine Alps of Switzerland and is famous for its pyramid-like shape and challenging climbing routes. The climb was significant not only for its technical difficulty but also for its remote location, showcasing the spirit of exploration prevalent in the 19th century.
Continue ReadingUnion Assault on Hatteras Inlet Batteries
Union forces launched an attack on Fort Hatteras and Fort Clark, located at Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The assault aimed to secure these crucial coastal defenses from Confederate control. Over two days of combat, Union troops utilized naval bombardment along with a land attack to overpower the Confederate garrison. The conflict marked a significant early success for Union forces in the war.
Continue ReadingFederal Forces Capture Hatteras Inlet Batteries
The Federal forces engaged in a significant naval battle to seize the Hatteras Inlet Batteries, leading to the capture of the strategic location. The battle, fought off the coast of North Carolina, marked an early successful effort by the Union to gain control of key positions in Southern territory during the Civil War. The Union troops, led by Commodore Silas H. Stringham and General Benjamin F. Butler, utilized naval bombardment and landed troops, demonstrating the importance of combined naval and ground operations.
Continue ReadingPolk's Invasion of Neutral Kentucky
Confederate General Leonidas Polk's military incursion into the state of Kentucky sparked immediate concern among state lawmakers. On this day, Polk ordered his troops to occupy the strategic city of Columbus, aiming to secure supply lines and provide support for the Confederate cause. This act of aggression prompted the Kentucky legislature to appeal for assistance from the Union, marking a significant shift in the state's neutral stance in the Civil War.
Continue ReadingUnion Forces Capture Paducah Without Conflict
Union General Ulysses S. Grant successfully took control of Paducah, Kentucky, with minimal resistance from Confederate forces. The capture was strategically significant as it allowed the Union to command the mouth of the Tennessee River, enhancing their supply routes and troop movement capabilities. Grant's forces arrived on September 6, quickly securing the city, which was vital for controlling regional river traffic and supporting future military operations in the West.
Continue ReadingState of Buenos Aires Defeats Argentine Confederation
The Battle of Pavón marked a significant clash between the State of Buenos Aires and the Argentine Confederation. On the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Manuel de Rosas' forces faced off against those of the Confederation led by General Justo José de Urquiza. The encounter was crucial for controlling the political landscape of Argentina and resulted in a decisive victory for Buenos Aires, allowing it to assert further autonomy and influence over national affairs.
Continue ReadingPublication of Mrs Beeton's Household Management
The first edition of 'Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management' is published by Isabella Beeton. The book quickly gains popularity among Victorian households, selling 60,000 copies in its first year. It serves as a comprehensive guide to household management, offering recipes, budgeting tips, and advice on social occasions. The publication's success reflects the growing interest in domestic science during the period, providing a practical resource for managing a Victorian home.
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