What Happened This Year 1870
Historical Events from This Year 1870
Founding of Stevens Institute of Technology
In Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology was founded, becoming a pioneer in engineering education. It was established to offer the first Bachelor of Engineering degree in mechanical engineering, reflecting the increasing importance of engineering in industrial America. The institution aimed to provide a rigorous curriculum that fused engineering principles with practical applications. It represented a significant step forward in higher education focused on engineering, catering to the needs of the rapidly expanding technological landscape of the era.
Continue ReadingMississippi readmitted to the Union
Mississippi was officially readmitted to the Union, marking the end of military control as part of the Reconstruction Era. This significant moment came as a result of the congressional conditions imposed to ensure civil rights protections after the Civil War. The readmission required Mississippi to draft a new state constitution that granted voting rights to all men, regardless of race, and to validate the 14th Amendment. The U.S. Congress ultimately approved Mississippi's re-entry, demonstrating a shift in political control and paving the way for more extensive Civil Rights advancements in the state.
Continue ReadingHiram Rhodes Revels Sworn into U.S. Senate
Hiram Rhodes Revels took the oath of office as a United States Senator representing Mississippi. This moment marked a significant milestone in American political history, as Revels became the first African American to serve in the U.S. Congress. His election was a result of the Reconstruction Era's efforts to rebuild the South and integrate formerly enslaved individuals into the political sphere. Revels delivered a speech emphasizing unity and the importance of education for all citizens, particularly the newly freed African Americans.
Continue ReadingInauguration of Beach Pneumatic Transit System
The Beach Pneumatic Transit was a demonstration of an innovative underground transportation system in New York City. Designed by Alfred Ely Beach, this project showcased a pneumatic tube system intended to transport passengers through a tube via air pressure. The event involved a public demonstration in a 300-foot-long tunnel beneath Broadway, which allowed journalists, dignitaries, and interested citizens to experience the innovative mode of transportation. Beach's vision was to create a more efficient subway system for New York City, alleviating congestion above ground.
Continue ReadingJapan's National Flag Adopted for Merchant Ships
The Government of Japan officially adopted the current national flag, known as the Nisshoki or Hinomaru, as the flag for Japanese merchant ships. This decision marked a significant move towards national identity during the Meiji Restoration, a period of rapid modernization and Westernization in Japan. The flag, featuring a red circle on a white background, represented the sun and emerged from Japan's rich cultural significance of the sun in Shinto beliefs. Its adoption helped unify Japan’s maritime presence while emphasizing national pride.
Continue ReadingMarshal F. S. López dies in Cerro Corá
During the final stages of the Paraguayan War, Marshal Francisco Solano López died at the Battle of Cerro Corá, marking the end of the nine-year conflict. López, the Paraguayan leader, was determined to continue fighting despite the overwhelming odds against his forces. The battle occurred in the remote region of Cerro Corá, where Paraguayan troops faced Brazilian forces. López's death signified not just a military defeat but the collapse of Paraguayan resistance.
Continue ReadingDiscovery of Silver Ores in Caracoles
A Chilean prospecting party, led by José Díaz Gana, discovered silver ores in the Caracoles region of the Atacama Desert situated in Bolivia. This significant finding marked the last of the Chilean silver rushes and sparked a diplomatic confrontation regarding the taxation of the newfound wealth between Chile and Bolivia.
Continue ReadingTexas Rejoins the United States Congress
Texas was formally readmitted to the United States Congress, marking a significant moment in the Reconstruction Era. Following the Civil War, Texas faced numerous challenges including political and social restructuring. The U.S. Congress accepted Texas' newly elected representatives, allowing the state to regain its political standing within the Union. This move highlighted progress in the restoration of democratic governance in a state that had struggled with integration post-war.
Continue ReadingMetropolitan Museum of Art Established in NYC
The New York City Metropolitan Museum of Art was founded by a group of American citizens including businessmen and artists, seeking to promote art and culture in the United States. Located in New York City, the museum was established with the goal of making art accessible to the public. The founders aimed to house important artworks from around the world, emphasizing educational initiatives to foster appreciation for art. This ambitious project laid the foundation for one of the largest and most comprehensive art museums in the world.
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