Here's a summary of the most important events of 1845, presented in a Wikipedia-esque format:
1845
1845 was a year of significant developments across the globe, marked by political expansion, scientific advancements, and cultural shifts. It was a particularly consequential year for the United States, witnessing territorial expansion and burgeoning social reforms.
Political Events
March 1: United States President John Tyler signs the joint resolution annexing the Republic of Texas. This event is a significant step towards the United States annexation of Texas.
March 3: Florida is admitted as the 27th state of the United States. This further solidified the United States's presence in the Southeast.
December 29: Texas is admitted as the 28th state of the United States. The annexation of Texas intensifies the debate over slavery and contributes to the growing sectionalism that ultimately leads to the American Civil War.
Irish Potato Famine Begins: The Great Famine in Ireland officially begins after Phytophthora infestans blight rapidly spreads throughout the country, devastating potato crops. This event has devastating consequences for the Irish population and results in mass emigration.
Scientific and Technological Events
Richard March Hoe patents the rotary printing press: This invention revolutionizes the printing industry, allowing for mass production of newspapers and books. It has a significant impact on the dissemination of information and the growth of literacy.
Foundation of the U.S. Naval Academy: Established in Annapolis, Maryland, the U.S. Naval Academy marks a significant step in the United States's development of its naval forces and provides a formal institution for officer training.
Cultural Events
Edgar Allan Poe publishes "The Raven": This iconic poem, first appearing in the New York Evening Mirror, solidifies Poe's reputation as a major figure in American literature and contributes to the development of the Gothic literary genre.
Publication of Sybil, or The Two Nations by Benjamin Disraeli: This novel explores the social divide between the rich and the poor in Victorian England, contributing to the development of social commentary in literature.
Margaret Fuller's Woman in the Nineteenth Century is published: This landmark work of feminist literature advocates for women's equality and intellectual development, making a significant contribution to the burgeoning women's rights movement.
Other Notable Events
Swiss Sonderbund War Preparations: Tensions escalate in Switzerland between the cantons adhering to the Sonderbund alliance and the federal government, setting the stage for the Sonderbund War in 1847.