What Happened This Year 1864

People Who Died in 1864

Li Xiucheng

Chinese field marshal during Taiping Rebellion
Born
1823 202 years ago
Died
August 7th, 1864 160 years ago — 41 years old

Served as a prominent field marshal during the Taiping Rebellion, leading forces in a significant civil war that lasted from 1850 to 1864. Assisted in both military strategy and battlefield leadership against Qing dynasty forces. His role involved commanding troops and overseeing military operations in various key battles, contributing to the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's ambitions. Ultimately faced defeat, leading to the collapse of the Taiping movement.

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Sakuma Shōzan

Scholar and politician in Japan
Born
1811 214 years ago
Died
August 12th, 1864 160 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent scholar and politician, contributed to the modernization efforts in Japan during the late Edo period. Advocated for Western learning and technology, promoting education reform and military enhancement. Engaged in political discourse, aligning with progressive forces that sought to strengthen Japan amidst foreign pressures. His works emphasized the importance of adopting foreign knowledge while preserving Japanese culture.

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Ferdinand Lassalle

Philosopher known for socialist theory
Born
April 11th, 1825 199 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1864 160 years ago — 39 years old

Contributed significantly to socialist thought in the 19th century. Authored influential works such as 'The Working Man's Greeting' and 'The Essence of Christianity'. Founded the first German Workers' Association in 1863, promoting labor rights and political engagement amongst workers. Engaged in debates with contemporaries such as Karl Marx, advocating for state involvement in labor issues and universal suffrage.

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John Hunt Morgan

American Civil War General
Born
June 1st, 1825 199 years ago
Died
September 4th, 1864 160 years ago — 39 years old

Served as a cavalry general in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Achieved significant notoriety for leading Morgan's Raid, a daring cavalry raid into the northern states, including Indiana and Ohio. Participated in various battles, showcasing strategic maneuvers and guerrilla tactics. Captured several Union supplies and disrupted railway lines, contributing to the Confederate war efforts. Ultimately, captured and killed during a skirmish in 1864.

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John Hanning Speke

Explorer of Africa, discovered Lake Victoria
Born
May 4th, 1827 197 years ago
Died
September 15th, 1864 160 years ago — 37 years old

An English soldier and explorer contributed to the exploration of East Africa. Speke participated in several expeditions with the goal of discovering the source of the Nile River. In 1858, he reached Lake Victoria, which he identified as the source of the Nile. His work was significant in mapping the interior of Africa during a time of expanding European exploration. Speke's expeditions often faced challenges such as harsh landscapes and encounters with local populations. He published accounts of his journeys, detailing the geography and cultures encountered during the explorations.

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Walter Savage Landor

English poet and author of 'Imaginary Conversations'
Born
January 30th, 1775 250 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1864 160 years ago — 89 years old

An English poet and author, produced a significant body of work during the 19th century. Gained early fame for poetry and later for prose writings, especially noted for the series of dialogues called 'Imaginary Conversations' that featured historical and fictional characters. Engaged in literary circles, becoming associated with prominent figures of the time. His works often displayed a blend of classical themes and contemporary issues, reflecting personal beliefs and societal critiques. Landor's writing style was characterized by a rich vocabulary and eloquence. Spent a significant portion of life in Italy, influencing his writing and philosophical outlook.

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Rose O'Neal Greenhow

American spy during Civil War
Born
1817 208 years ago
Died
October 1st, 1864 160 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent Confederate spy during the American Civil War, utilized connections in Washington, D.C. to gather military intelligence for the Confederacy. Established a network of informants, including politicians and military officials, enabling crucial information to be relayed to Confederate leaders. Captured by Union forces in 1862 and later released in a prisoner exchange. Continued to work as a spy until her death in a naval accident in 1864 while attempting to travel abroad.

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William T. Anderson

American Confederate military captain
Born
1838 187 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1864 160 years ago — 26 years old

Served as a captain in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Played a significant role in several battles, including command during engagements in Missouri. Gained notoriety for actions that contributed to guerrilla warfare tactics employed by Confederate forces.

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Franz Müller

German tailor and convicted murderer
Born
1840 185 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1864 160 years ago — 24 years old

A tailor by trade, his life took a notorious turn when involvement in the murder of a wealthy client brought significant attention. The trial showcased the implications of violent crime during the period. Prior criminal records and motivations for the crime remained focal points during legal proceedings. The case reflected societal issues surrounding wealth and class disparities in 19th-century Germany. After a conviction, a sentence was handed down to Müller, marking a significant legal event in the context of criminal justice.

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