1868 facts for kids

The year 1868 was a time of exciting discoveries and important events around the world. People made big steps in science, and famous books were published that are still loved today. It was a year that helped shape the future in many ways, from understanding new elements to creating classic stories.

Amazing Discoveries in 1868

Helium: A New Element Found

In 1868, scientists made an incredible discovery: they found a new element called Helium. This happened during a solar eclipse, when a special tool called a spectroscope was used to look at the light from the Sun. A French astronomer named Pierre Janssen noticed a strange yellow line in the Sun's light that didn't match any known elements on Earth.

Later, a British scientist named Norman Lockyer also saw this line and realized it was from a new element. He named it Helium, after "Helios," the Greek word for the Sun. It took many more years for scientists to find Helium here on Earth, but its discovery in the Sun was a huge step for chemistry and our understanding of the universe. Helium is now used for many things, like filling balloons and in scientific research.

Little Women: A Beloved Story is Born

The year 1868 also saw the publication of a very famous novel called Little Women. This book was written by an American author named Louisa May Alcott. It tells the story of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March – growing up during the American Civil War.

The book shows their everyday lives, their dreams, their challenges, and how they learn and grow together. Little Women quickly became popular because it showed strong, independent female characters and focused on family love, friendship, and finding your own path. It's a story that many young people still enjoy reading today, and it has been made into movies and TV shows many times.

Images for kids

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  January 3: Emperor Meiji of Japan.

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  July 25: The Wyoming Territory was created in the United States.

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  November 27: The Battle of Washita River took place.

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  Felix Hoffmann, a German chemist.

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  Constance Markievicz, an Irish politician.

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  Nicholas II of Russia, the last Emperor of Russia.

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  John L. Hines, an American general.

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  Robert Falcon Scott, a British explorer.

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  Karl Landsteiner, an Austrian biologist.

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  Miklós Horthy, a Hungarian admiral and statesman.

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  John Nance Garner, an American politician.

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  Mary Brewster Hazelton, an American painter.

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  Arturo Alessandri, a Chilean president.

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  Fritz Haber, a German chemist.

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  John Crawfurd, a Scottish physician and diplomat.

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  Gioachino Rossini, an Italian composer.

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  Adah Isaacs Menken, an American actress.

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  Mongkut, the King of Siam.

See also

In Spanish: 1868 para niños