1847 was a year of significant events across the globe, marked by political upheaval, scientific advancements, cultural milestones, and technological developments. It was particularly eventful for the United States which was deeply entrenched in territorial expansion and social change.
Politics and Conflicts
February 22-23: The Battle of Buena Vista took place during the Mexican-American War. General Zachary Taylor's United States forces decisively defeated a much larger Mexican army led by General Antonio López de Santa Anna. This victory significantly boosted Taylor's popularity and future presidential prospects.
March 29: The Siege of Veracruz concluded with the surrender of the Mexican port city of Veracruz to United States forces under General Winfield Scott. This marked a crucial turning point in the Mexican-American War, opening the way for an advance on Mexico City.
April 18: The Battle of Cerro Gordo was fought, resulting in another victory for General Winfield Scott's United States army against Mexican forces. This victory further cleared the path toward Mexico City.
August 20:United States forces win the Battle of Contreras and the Battle of Churubusco, both near Mexico City, as part of the ongoing offensive during the Mexican-American War.
September 13-14: The Battle for Chapultepec occurred, with United States forces capturing Chapultepec Castle, a key defense point in Mexico City. The capture paved the way for the United States occupation of Mexico City and eventual victory in the war.
Formation of Liberia: Joseph Jenkins Roberts declared Liberia an independent nation.
Potato Famine Effects: The Great Famine (Irish Potato Famine) continues, causing widespread starvation and disease in Ireland. This led to massive emigration, especially to the United States.
Science and Technology
Ignaz Semmelweis's Research: Ignaz Semmelweis began his work on preventing puerperal fever (childbed fever) in Vienna. While his methods were not fully understood at the time, he demonstrated that handwashing drastically reduced mortality rates, marking a crucial step in understanding germ theory.
James Young Simpson: James Young Simpson, a Scottish obstetrician, first used chloroform as an anesthetic during childbirth, revolutionizing pain management in medicine.
Culture
Charlotte Brontë publishes Jane Eyre: The novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë was published under the pseudonym Currer Bell. It quickly became a literary sensation and is now considered a classic of English literature.
Emily Brontë publishes Wuthering Heights: Emily Brontë's only novel, Wuthering Heights, was also published under the pseudonym Ellis Bell. Though initially met with mixed reviews, it is now recognized as a masterpiece of English literature.
Felix Mendelssohn: Composed Elijah, an oratorio, cementing his place as one of the leading composers of the Romantic era. It premiered in Birmingham, England, and was immediately successful.
Other
Mormon Pioneer Trek Begins: Latter-day Saint pioneers began their westward trek from Winter Quarters (present-day Omaha, Nebraska) toward what is now Utah, seeking religious freedom. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Mormon Church.
1847 was a pivotal year marked by significant conflict, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural developments. The United States's role in the Mexican-American War significantly shaped its territorial ambitions and future political landscape. The events of 1847 continue to resonate in various fields, leaving a lasting impact on subsequent historical trajectories.