What Happened This Year 1871

Historical Events from This Year 1871 (View all 36)

Military & Warfare

Faidherbe's Forces Force Prussian Retreat

January 3rd, 1871 154 years ago

General Louis Faidherbe's forces achieved a significant victory against the Prussian army during the engagement at Bapaume. The clash occurred in January, demonstrating the resolve of French troops still actively resisting during the latter stages of the Franco-Prussian War. With strategic prowess and effective command, Faidherbe's leadership led to a notable Prussian withdrawal, showcasing the resilience of French military forces despite earlier setbacks in the war.

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Politics & Government

Wilhelm I Proclaimed Kaiser Wilhelm

January 18th, 1871 154 years ago

In the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, Wilhelm I was proclaimed Kaiser Wilhelm, cementing the unification of Germany during the Franco-Prussian War. This event symbolized the culmination of German nationalism and military success against France, marking a pivotal moment in European history. The gathering included various German princes and military leaders, emphasizing their collective triumph in achieving a unified German Empire.

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Military & Warfare

Prussian Victory at St. Quentin Amid Siege of Paris

January 19th, 1871 154 years ago

During the Siege of Paris, Prussian forces achieved victory in the Battle of St. Quentin, further tightening their grip on the French capital. Concurrently, the French army launched an offensive to break the siege in the Battle of Buzenval. The French counterattack, however, met with severe resistance and ended in failure, leading to increased desperation within Paris as supplies dwindled and morale declined.

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Military & Warfare

End of the Siege of Paris and French Armistice

January 28th, 1871 154 years ago

The Siege of Paris concluded with French capitulation following months of conflict during the Franco-Prussian War. German forces, led by General Helmuth von Moltke, effectively encircled the French capital, resulting in severe food shortages and civilian hardship. Ultimately, the French government, seeking to restore peace and stability, agreed to an armistice, signaling a significant shift in European power dynamics in favor of Prussia and altering the course of French history.

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Military & Warfare

Prussian Army's Grand Parade in Paris

March 1st, 1871 154 years ago

The Prussian Army marched triumphantly through Paris following the successful conclusion of the Siege of Paris, marking a pivotal moment in the Franco-Prussian War. On this occasion, distinguished Prussian leaders led their troops down the Champs-Élysées, showcasing their military prowess to a city that had recently surrendered. This display was not only a demonstration of victory but also served as a signal of the rise of Germany as a unified nation. The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of pride and tension, as the citizens of Paris faced their new reality under foreign military presence.

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Politics & Government

Evacuation of Paris Ordered by Adolphe Thiers

March 18th, 1871 153 years ago

In March 1871, Adolphe Thiers, President of the French Republic, ordered the evacuation of Paris amidst the rising tensions surrounding the Paris Commune. Following the Franco-Prussian War, discontent grew among Parisians over government policies and the devastation brought on by the siege. The Commune was declared as a radical socialist government created by revolutionary Parisians who sought to resist the conservative French government led by Thiers. This turmoil led to violent confrontations between loyalist troops and members of the Commune.

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Born in 1871 (View all 128)

Frederick Converse

Composer and academic known for orchestral works
Born
January 5th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1940 85 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1871, one of the prominent American composers of the early 20th century. Studied at Harvard University and in Europe, becoming a significant figure in the development of American classical music. Emphasized a blend of traditional and modern techniques in compositions. Served on the faculty of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, contributing to music education. His works include symphonic pieces and choral music that reflect both European influences and American themes.

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Émile Borel

Mathematician and French politician
Born
January 7th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1956 69 years ago — 85 years old

Contributions included significant work in measure theory and probability. Borel was a prominent figure in the establishment of the theory of sets of measure. In addition to mathematical achievements, he served as a member of the French parliament. He played a key role in promoting education and science policy in France.

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James Craig

Irish politician, 1st Prime Minister of Northern Ireland
Born
January 8th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1940 85 years ago — 69 years old

Born in 1871, served as the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland from 1921 to 1940. Involved in the Irish Unionist movement, played a prominent role in the formation of Northern Ireland as a separate entity from the rest of Ireland. Held significant influence in Unionist politics during his tenure, promoting policies aligned with British interests in the region. Oversaw the establishment of the new Parliament of Northern Ireland and dealt with various domestic issues including the economic impact of the Great Depression. Craigavan's leadership is marked by efforts to maintain stability within Northern Ireland amidst rising tensions.

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Nicolae Iorga

Historian and Prime Minister of Romania
Born
January 17th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1940 84 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent Romanian historian and politician served as the 34th Prime Minister of Romania. Contributed significantly to historical scholarship, particularly in Romanian history, literature, and culture. Held various academic positions and authored numerous works on history, literature, and political thought. His political career included leadership roles in different governments, reflecting shifts in political context throughout Romania's history. Engaged in international diplomacy and participated in various cultural and academic undertakings, fostering historical awareness and education.

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David Beatty

Admiral, 1st Earl Beatty
Born
January 17th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1936 89 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1871, an English admiral who played a significant role during World War I, particularly in naval battles. Commanded the British Grand Fleet during the Battle of Jutland in 1916, one of the largest naval engagements in history. Served as the Commander-in-Chief of the Atlantic Fleet after the war, contributing to the modernization of the British Navy. Received the title of 1st Earl Beatty in 1919 for distinguished service in the Royal Navy.

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Dame Gruev

Bulgarian educator and activist
Born
January 19th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1906 119 years ago — 35 years old

An educator and activist co-founded the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization to promote education and cultural awareness among Macedonian people under Ottoman rule. Played a significant role in developing education reform in the region, focusing on the importance of Macedonian identity and cultural heritage. Worked tirelessly to foster resistance against oppressive policies and advocated for rights and freedoms. Organized and participated in various educational initiatives to empower the local population.

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People Who Died in 1871 (View all 42)

Kuriakose Elias Chavara

Indian priest and saint
Born
1805 220 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1871 154 years ago — 66 years old

Founded the Congregation of the Carmelites of Mary Immaculate in 1831 and played a crucial role in establishing a system of education based on Christian values. Established the first Sanskrit school in Kerala, contributing to the educational landscape of the region. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, recognized for his dedication to pastoral care and education in 2014.

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Alexander Serov

Russian composer and music critic
Born
1820 205 years ago
Died
February 1st, 1871 154 years ago — 51 years old

Contributed significantly to Russian music in the 19th century. Composed operas, symphonies, and choral works. Wrote critically acclaimed theoretical writings on music. Notably composed the opera "Rusalka", which reflects themes from Slavic folklore. In addition to composition, served as a music critic for various publications, influencing contemporary music discourse.

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Paul Kane

Irish-Canadian painter of landscapes
Born
September 3rd, 1810 214 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1871 154 years ago — 60 years old

Irish-Canadian painter specialized in landscapes and Indigenous themes. Worked primarily in the mid-19th century, producing significant works that depicted the life and culture of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Undertook an extensive journey through Canada, capturing scenes from various regions. Notable for contributions to the art movement that documented the western territories during a time of expansion and change.

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Robert Chambers

Scottish geologist and publisher
Born
July 10th, 1802 222 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1871 153 years ago — 68 years old

A Scottish geologist and publisher co-founded Chambers Harrap, a notable publishing house which published works in geology and other sciences. Chambers authored 'Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation' in 1844, a controversial work that provided early arguments for evolutionary theory and garnered significant attention during its time. His contributions to geology were influential in the Victorian era, fostering public interest in scientific inquiry. Chambers also published a range of reference works and encyclopedias, impacting education in various fields.

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Augustus De Morgan

Mathematician, logic pioneer
Born
June 27th, 1806 218 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1871 153 years ago — 64 years old

An Indian-English mathematician and academic, contributions focused on mathematical logic and algebra. De Morgan formulated De Morgan's laws and was instrumental in the development of symbolic logic. Served as the first professor of mathematics at University College London and was a founding member of the London Mathematical Society. Edited the journal 'Transactions of the London Mathematical Society.' Author of the influential book 'Formal Logic,' which standardized logical notation and methods.

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Wilhelm Karl Ritter von Haidinger

Austrian mineralogist and geologist
Born
February 5th, 1795 230 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1871 153 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1795, a mineralogist, geologist, and physicist. Significant contributions include the study of minerals and the formulation of the concept of mineral analysis. Developed the first systematic classification of minerals, which was influential in the field of geology. Associated with paleontology and the creation of the Haidinger’s brush, an optical phenomenon that demonstrates polarization. Also held a position as a professor at the University of Vienna.

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