The year 1836 was a pivotal year marked by significant events across various domains, including politics, science, culture, and technology. It saw key developments in the expansion of the United States, including military conflicts and the admission of a new state, along with advancements in other parts of the world.
Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6): A crucial event in the revolution, the Battle of the Alamo saw a Texian (Texan) garrison, including figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, wiped out by a much larger Mexican force led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
Goliad Massacre (March 27): Several hundred Texian prisoners of war were executed under Santa Anna's orders.
Battle of San Jacinto (April 21): A decisive victory for the Texian Army, led by Sam Houston, against Santa Anna's forces. This victory secured Texan independence. Santa Anna was captured, effectively ending Mexican attempts to suppress the revolution.
Republic of Texas Established: Following the victory at San Jacinto, the Republic of Texas was officially established as an independent nation.
Arkansas becomes the 25th State of the United States (June 15):Arkansas joined the Union as a slave state, continuing the contentious debate surrounding slavery's expansion.
United States Presidential Election: Martin Van Buren, representing the Democratic Party, was elected as the 8th President of the United States, succeeding Andrew Jackson.
Parliamentary Scuffles in Britain: Following the 1835 British general election, there was ongoing political tension between the Whig government and the opposition.
Scientific and Technological Events
François Arago Demonstrates Faraday's Induction: French physicist François Arago publicly demonstrated Michael Faraday's discovery of electromagnetic induction, advancing the understanding of electromagnetism.
Development of Photography Continues: Advancements in photographic processes continued to develop, bringing the technology closer to widespread practical application. Louis Daguerre was working actively in this field.
Cultural Events
Ralph Waldo Emerson's Nature Published: This influential essay, laying out the foundations of Transcendentalism, was published in the United States, advocating for a closer relationship with nature and individual intuition.
Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers Serialized: The publication of Charles Dickens' comic novel, The Pickwick Papers, began in serial form, marking a significant step in his literary career.
Other Events
Great Fire of New York City (December 16-17): A devastating fire destroyed a large portion of New York City's commercial district, causing significant economic damage.
1836 was a year of significant political upheaval, particularly in North America, as well as continued advancement in scientific and cultural fields. The establishment of the Republic of Texas and statehood for Arkansas dramatically reshaped the map of the United States and added to the ongoing debate about the expansion of slavery, leaving a lasting impact on American history.