What Happened This Year 1878

Historical Events from This Year 1878

Military & Warfare

Sofia Liberated from Ottoman Control

January 4th, 1878 147 years ago

On April 1, 1878, the city of Sofia was liberated from Ottoman rule by Russian troops during the Russo-Turkish War. This marked a significant turning point in the Balkan region's struggle for independence from Ottoman domination. The Russian campaign aimed to assist Slavic nations in gaining freedom, as the Ottomans had ruled Sofia and much of Bulgaria for centuries. As Russian soldiers entered the city, they were welcomed with jubilation by the Bulgarian population, signifying both a liberation from oppression and a new chapter for Bulgarian national identity.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Umberto I Ascends to Italy's Throne

January 9th, 1878 147 years ago

On this significant occasion, Umberto I became the King of Italy following the assassination of his predecessor, King Victor Emmanuel II. Born as Umberto, Prince of Savoy, he took on the royal responsibilities amidst a period of transformation in Italy. The event marked the start of his reign in the Palace of Quirinal in Rome, where he formally accepted the crown, promising to uphold and protect the newly united nation.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Captain Aleksandr Burago Liberates Plovdiv

January 16th, 1878 147 years ago

Captain Aleksandr Burago led a squadron of Russian Imperial army dragoons to liberate the city of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, from Ottoman rule during the Russo-Turkish War. This maneuver was part of a larger campaign to support Bulgarian national liberation. The operation reflected the strategic importance of Plovdiv in establishing control over southeastern Europe.

Continue Reading
Education & Academia

Yale Daily News launches as first independent college paper

January 28th, 1878 147 years ago

The Yale Daily News was established as the first independent daily college newspaper in the United States, marking a pivotal moment in student journalism. Founded by a group of Yale University students, the publication aimed to provide an unfiltered voice for student opinions and campus events. The newspaper's commitment to independence from the university administration allowed it to cover stories with a critical lens, significantly shaping how college news was reported. This initiative reflected the growing trend of student activism and the demand for transparency within academic institutions.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Murder of John Tunstall Ignites Lincoln County War

February 18th, 1878 147 years ago

John Tunstall was murdered by outlaw Jesse Evans in Lincoln County, New Mexico, on February 18, 1878. This act of violence was a pivotal moment that ignited the Lincoln County War, a conflict between rival factions in the county over business interests. Tunstall was a prominent cattleman and merchant, and his murder marked the escalation of tensions between his supporters and those aligned with Evans. As a consequence, a series of violent confrontations ensued, drawing in local lawmen and forming the backdrop for the notorious skirmishes that characterized the war.

Continue Reading
Technology & Innovation

Thomas Edison patents the phonograph

February 19th, 1878 147 years ago

Thomas Edison received a patent for the phonograph, a groundbreaking invention that allowed for the recording and playback of sound. This innovation marked a significant advancement in audio technology, transforming how music and spoken word could be shared. Edison's phonograph utilized a tinfoil cylinder to record sound vibrations, which could then be played back. The patent was granted by the U.S. Patent Office in Washington, D.C., leading to a series of developments that would revolutionize the music industry and personal audio experiences.

Continue Reading
Technology & Innovation

First Telephone Directory Published in New Haven

February 21st, 1878 147 years ago

The inaugural telephone directory was published by the District Telephone Company in New Haven, Connecticut. It contained a mere 50 listings, marking a significant development in telecommunication. The publication aimed to facilitate communication via the recently installed telephone. Growing interest in telephone use highlighted the demand for organized contact information, signifying a shift in how people communicated.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Bulgaria Gains Independence from Ottoman Rule

March 3rd, 1878 147 years ago

The Treaty of San Stefano concluded the Russo-Turkish War, effectively granting Bulgaria independence from the Ottoman Empire. Signed in the San Stefano village near Constantinople, it marked a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of the Balkans. Under the terms of the treaty, Bulgaria was established as an autonomous state, reflecting the aspirations of its population for self-determination after centuries of Ottoman dominance.

Continue Reading
Religion & Philosophy

Catholic Church Reestablishes Authority in Scotland

March 4th, 1878 147 years ago

Pope Leo XIII took significant steps to restore the Catholic Church's influence in Scotland by reestablishing the ecclesiastical hierarchy for the first time since 1603. This move included creating new dioceses and appointing bishops, marking a pivotal moment in the revitalization of Catholicism in the region. The Pope aimed to strengthen the Catholic community and address the growing needs of the faithful at a time of religious renewal.

Continue Reading