1843 Facts for Kids

The year 1843 was a time of many exciting changes and important events around the world. New forms of entertainment appeared, big ships were launched, and famous books were published. People also made important steps in science and fought for independence and equality.

Key Events of 1843
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Key Events of 1843

New Beginnings in Entertainment

On February 6, the very first minstrel show was performed by the Virginia Minstrels in New York City. This was a new kind of musical and comedy show.
On August 15, Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest and most famous amusement parks in the world, opened its doors in Copenhagen, Denmark. It quickly became a popular place for fun and entertainment.
The world's first commercial Christmas cards were printed in London by Sir Henry Cole. This started a new tradition of sending holiday greetings.
On December 17, Charles Dickens' famous story A Christmas Carol was published for the first time. This classic tale about Christmas spirit is still loved today.

Important Journeys and Discoveries

On May 22, a large group of about one thousand pioneers set out from Elm Grove, Missouri. They were heading northwest on the Oregon Trail in what was one of the first major wagon trains.
On July 19, the impressive ship SS Great Britain was launched from Bristol. This ship was a marvel of engineering for its time.
The first tunnel built under the Thames River in London was finally finished. This was a big achievement in engineering.
The scientist James Joule made an important discovery. He showed how work can be changed into heat, which was a big step in understanding energy.
William Rowan Hamilton discovered Quaternions, a new type of number system that is used in many areas of science and engineering.

Steps Towards Independence and Rights

On November 28, Hawai`i celebrated Ka La Ku'oko'a, or Hawaiian Independence Day. On this day, the Kingdom of Hawai`i was officially recognized as an independent nation by the United Kingdom and France.
In Barbados, Samuel Jackson Prescod became the first black man to be elected to the House of Assembly. This was an important moment for equality.
The Danish government brought back the althing in Iceland. This was an old assembly that now served as an advisory body to help make decisions.

Other Notable Events

On February 8, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 8.5 hit Guadeloupe, causing a lot of damage and sadly, many lives were lost.
On February 11, Giuseppe Verdi's opera I Lombardi had its first performance in Milan. Verdi was a very famous composer.
On May 18, a big event called the Disruption of the Church of Scotland happened in Edinburgh. This led to a new church being formed.
On October 13, Henry Jones and 11 other people started B'nai B'rith in New York City. This is the oldest Jewish service organization in the world, helping communities and people in need.
The magazine The Economist was first published. It is still a well-known publication today.
Bishop's University was founded.
The town of Abbeville was founded by people whose families were Acadians from Nova Scotia.