The year 1838 was a significant one, witnessing advancements and upheavals across the globe. From political conflicts to scientific breakthroughs, and cultural shifts, it marked a period of considerable change.
Political and Social Events
January 5: The United States officially recognizes the Republic of Texas. This was a key step towards the later annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, although debates about slavery complicated matters.
February 13: Anti-Slavery Societies from around the world convene in London for the first World Anti-Slavery Convention. Although women delegates like Lucretia Mott were barred from full participation, it further propelled the abolitionist movement on an international scale.
March 6: Mexican-American War: The "Pastry War" ends with a peace treaty signed in Veracruz, Mexico, between France and Mexico, largely resolving economic disputes. While a relatively minor conflict, it underscored the instability in the region.
July 7:United States President Martin Van Buren orders the Cherokee Nation to be forcibly removed from their lands in the southeastern United States as part of the Indian Removal Act, initiating the "Trail of Tears." This horrific event resulted in immense suffering and the deaths of thousands of Cherokee people during their relocation to lands west of the Mississippi River.
August 1: Full emancipation comes into effect in the British West Indies, finally abolishing slavery after the apprenticeship system. This marked a pivotal moment in the global fight against slavery.
December 4: The British East India Company formally announces its intention to invade Afghanistan, marking the beginning of the First Anglo-Afghan War.
Throughout the year: Rebellions and unrest continue in Lower and Upper Canada (present-day Quebec and Ontario), part of the aftermath of the rebellions of 1837. These events led to the unification of the two Canadas.
Scientific and Technological Events
Charles Wheatstone presents his findings on stereoscopic vision to the Royal Society, laying the groundwork for stereoscopes and modern 3D imaging.
Matthias Jakob Schleiden formulates the cell theory of plant structure, stating that all plants are composed of cells. This was a major breakthrough in biology.
Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel publishes a book about Bessel functions, a family of solutions to a specific differential equation which frequently arise in physics and engineering.
Discovery: The planetoid Psyche is discovered by Annibale de Gasparis.
Cultural and Artistic Events
Charles Dickens publishes Oliver Twist serially (continuing into 1839). The novel offered a scathing critique of social injustices in Victorian England and became immensely popular.
Edgar Allan Poe publishes Ligeia, one of his most renowned gothic short stories.
Honoré de Balzac publishes César Birotteau, a novel about the perils of ambition and the pitfalls of financial speculation.
Birth: Georges Bizet, French composer best known for the opera Carmen, is born.
Other Significant Events
The Mormon War occurs in Missouri, leading to the expulsion of Mormons from the state.