The year 1844 was a significant year in global history, marking advancements in various fields and pivotal political developments.
Politics and Government
March 20: The Republic of Texas and the United States sign a treaty of annexation. This treaty, which would have brought Texas into the United States as a territory, was later rejected by the U.S. Senate, largely due to concerns about slavery and the potential for war with Mexico.
May 27: The Whig Party nominates Henry Clay for president and Theodore Frelinghuysen for vice-president at their national convention in Baltimore. Clay, a prominent political figure, campaigned on a platform that included economic development and national unity.
May 29: The Democratic Party nominates James K. Polk for president at their national convention in Baltimore. Polk, initially a dark horse candidate, rose to prominence on his strong support for the annexation of Texas and westward expansion – a concept later known as Manifest Destiny.
June 27: Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith are killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois. This event creates a leadership crisis within the church and significantly impacts the future of Mormonism.
December 3: The United States presidential election is held. James K. Polk defeats Henry Clay in a closely contested election. Polk's victory is largely attributed to his stance on Texas annexation and expansionism.
Dominican Republic Independence: The Dominican Republic gains independence from Haiti.
Science and Technology
January 17: The Great Comet of 1844 (C/1844 Y1, also known as the Great Comet of December) is first observed. It became exceptionally bright in the following months, visible even during daylight.
May 6: The first telegram in the United States is sent by Samuel Morse from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore, Maryland. The message, "What hath God wrought?", marked a revolution in communication technology.
Charles Goodyear patents vulcanization: Goodyear patents the process of vulcanization, making rubber more durable and useful across industries. This invention has a profound impact on manufacturing and transportation.
Culture
Alexandre Dumas, père publishes The Count of Monte Cristo: One of the most famous adventure novels of all time, The Count of Monte Cristo, is serialized in France.
Hans Christian Andersen publishes The Snow Queen: The classic fairy tale The Snow Queen, one of Andersen's most celebrated works, is first published as part of New Fairy Tales. First Volume. Second Collection.
Felix Mendelssohn composes his Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64: One of the most popular and frequently performed violin concertos, it becomes a staple of the violin repertoire.
Other Notable Events
Start of the First Anglo-Moroccan War: Spain declares war on Morocco, initiating the First Anglo-Moroccan War.
This was a year of immense change and development, especially within the United States, marking the start of an era of rapid expansion and technological advancements.