1840s facts for kids

The 1840s were a time of big changes around the world. People saw new ideas, major wars, and exciting discoveries. This decade brought important treaties, widespread hunger, and a rush for gold that changed countries forever. It was a period when many people started asking for more freedom and better lives.

Big Events of the 1840s

Peace and Conflict

• Treaty of Nanking (1842): This was a peace agreement between China and the United Kingdom. It ended the First Opium War and opened up more ports in China for trade.
• Mexican-American War (1846–1848): This war was fought between the United States and Mexico. It started over land disputes, especially about Texas. The war ended with the U.S. gaining a lot of territory in the Southwest.

Social Changes and Ideas

• Irish Potato Famine (1845–1848): A terrible event in Ireland where the main food, potatoes, were destroyed by a plant disease. This led to many people starving or leaving the country to find food and a new home.
• The Communist Manifesto (1848): This important book was written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It talked about new ideas for how society should be organized, focusing on equality for workers.
• European Revolutions of 1848: Across Europe, many people rose up against their rulers. They wanted more rights, freedom, and better governments. These revolutions happened in countries like France, Germany, and Austria.

The Gold Rush

• California Gold Rush (1849): Gold was discovered in California, United States. This led to a huge rush of people from all over the world hoping to get rich. It greatly increased California's population and helped it become a state.

Important People of the 1840s

Many leaders shaped the world during this decade. Here are a few who played a big role:

• Queen Victoria (United Kingdom): She was the Queen of the United Kingdom and its large empire. She ruled for a very long time and was a powerful figure during this period of British growth.
• President James K. Polk (United States): He was the 11th President of the United States. During his time, the U.S. expanded its territory significantly, especially after the Mexican-American War.
• Emperor Nicholas I (Russia): He was the Emperor of Russia. He ruled with a strong hand and tried to keep control during a time of change in Europe.
• King Louis-Philippe (France): He was the King of France during the "July Monarchy." He faced many challenges and was eventually overthrown during the European Revolutions of 1848.
• Pope Pius IX (Papal States): He became Pope in 1846. His time as Pope saw many political changes in Italy and Europe.

Births and Deaths

Notable Births

• Edvard Grieg (1843): A famous composer from Norway, known for his beautiful classical music.
• Wyatt Earp (1848): A well-known lawman from the American Old West.

Notable Deaths

• Edgar Allan Poe (1849): A famous American writer, known for his dark and mysterious poems and short stories.

Images for kids

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  Charles Goodyear, who developed vulcanized rubber.

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  The great auk, a large, flightless bird that became extinct in the 1840s.

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  The first edition of The Communist Manifesto.

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  The steamship Lexington sinking after a fire.

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  The RMS Britannia, an early steamship.

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  The launch of the SS Great Britain, a revolutionary steamship.

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  Queen Victoria and Prince Albert at home in 1841.

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  The USS Princeton, a steam-powered warship.

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  Tivoli Gardens, a famous amusement park in Copenhagen, Denmark, opened in 1843.

See also

In Spanish: Años 1840 para niños