1860s facts for kids
The 1860s were a very important time in history, full of big changes around the world! This decade, from 1860 to 1869, saw major conflicts, new inventions, and shifts in power that shaped the future.
| Millennium: | 2nd millennium |
| Centuries: | 18th century – 19th century – 20th century |
| Decades: | 1830s 1840s 1850s – 1860s – 1870s 1880s 1890s |
| Years: | 1860 1861 1862 1863 1864 1865 1866 1867 1868 1869 |
| Categories: | Births – Deaths – Architecture Establishments – Disestablishments |
Contents
Key Events of the 1860s
- The American Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States that lasted from 1861 to 1865. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy), mainly over the issue of slavery. This war was a turning point for the country.
- In Japan, the Meiji Restoration began, which was a time of rapid change. Japan moved from being a country ruled by military leaders (shoguns) to one where the Emperor had more power. This led to Japan quickly becoming a modern nation.
- The Suez Canal was finished and opened in 1869. This amazing waterway connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea, making it much faster for ships to travel between Europe and Asia.
- A very important invention, dynamite, was created by Alfred Nobel in Sweden in 1867. Dynamite was a powerful explosive that changed mining and construction.
Important Leaders Around the World
Many powerful leaders were in charge during the 1860s, guiding their countries through these changing times.
Leaders in Europe
- Emperor Franz Josef ruled Austria-Hungary.
- Emperor Napoleon III was the leader of the Second French Empire.
- King William I was the King of Germany.
- King Victor Emmanuel II helped unite different parts of Italy into one country.
- Pope Pius IX was the head of the Catholic Church.
- Emperor Alexander II ruled Russia.
- Queen Isabella II was the Queen of Spain.
- Queen Victoria was the long-reigning Queen of the United Kingdom. She had several Prime Ministers during this decade, including Henry John Temple, Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby, and William Ewart Gladstone.
Leaders in North America
- In the United States, several presidents led the country through the Civil War and its aftermath: James Buchanan, Abraham Lincoln, and Andrew Johnson.
- Jefferson Davis was the President of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War.
- After the war, Ulysses S. Grant became a key figure and later a President of the United States.
- Sir John A. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada.
Leaders in Asia
- Nasser-al-Din Shah ruled Persia.
- Emperor Kōmei and later Emperor Meiji were the emperors of Japan.
- Emperor Xianfeng and Emperor Tongzhi were emperors of China.
Images for kids
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This picture shows many important moments from the 1860s. You can see Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell, who made big discoveries about electricity and light. There's also the Meiji Restoration in Japan, the start of the International Workingmen's Association, and battles from the Paraguayan War and the American Civil War. The opening of the Suez Canal and Victor Emmanuel II meeting Garibaldi are also shown.
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This is a box of dynamite, invented by Alfred Nobel in 1867.
See also
In Spanish: Años 1860 para niños
