The year 1846 was marked by significant developments across the globe, ranging from territorial expansion and political upheaval to scientific discoveries and cultural landmarks. This article highlights some of the most important events of that year.
Political and International Affairs
United States Declares War on Mexico: The United States declared war on Mexico on May 13, 1846, formally initiating the Mexican-American War. This followed a period of rising tensions over the annexation of Texas and territorial disputes in present-day southwestern United States. The conflict would drastically alter the political map of North America.
Oregon Treaty Signed: The Oregon Treaty, signed on June 15, 1846, between the United Kingdom and the United States, resolved the Oregon boundary dispute. The treaty established the 49th parallel as the border between the two countries in the Pacific Northwest, effectively ceding present-day Washington, Oregon, and parts of Idaho and Montana to the United States.
Wilmot Proviso Introduced: Pennsylvania Congressman David Wilmot introduced the Wilmot Proviso, a proposal to ban slavery in any new territories acquired from Mexico, on August 8, 1846. Though it never passed, it further inflamed the debate over slavery in the United States and intensified sectional tensions.
Irish Potato Famine Intensifies: The Great Famine in Ireland continued its devastating course, causing widespread starvation, disease, and emigration. The British government's response to the crisis was widely criticized, contributing to long-term resentment and political upheaval in Ireland.
Polish Uprising in Kraków: An uprising aimed at national liberation occurred in the Free City of Kraków (then under the control of Austria, Prussia, and Russia). Although the uprising was ultimately suppressed, it was a significant event in the history of Polish nationalism.
Scientific and Technological Developments
Discovery of Neptune's Moon Triton: William Lassell, a British astronomer, discovered Triton, the largest moon of the planet Neptune, just 17 days after Neptune itself was discovered. This discovery added significantly to knowledge of the solar system.
Ether Anaesthesia in Dentistry: William Morton demonstrated the first public painless tooth extraction using ether anesthesia.
Cultural and Social Events
Publication of Pictures from Italy by Charles Dickens: The renowned English author Charles Dickens published Pictures from Italy, a travelogue based on his experiences in Italy.
Publication of Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë: Emily Brontë's only novel, Wuthering Heights, was published under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. It is considered a classic of English literature.
Adolphe Sax Patents the Saxophone: Antoine-Joseph "Adolphe" Sax, a Belgian instrument maker, patented the saxophone. This invention significantly impacted the development of both classical and popular music in the following decades.
Notable Births and Deaths
Births:
Buffalo Bill Cody, American scout, bison hunter, showman (d. 1917)
Nikolai Umov, Russian physicist (d. 1915)
Deaths:
Pope Gregory XVI (b. 1765)
Conclusion
1846 was a pivotal year, witnessing political shifts, scientific advancements, and cultural landmarks that shaped the course of the 19th century and beyond. The Mexican-American War and the Oregon Treaty dramatically altered the landscape of North America, while scientific discoveries expanded our understanding of the cosmos.