The year 1868 was a significant year marked by political upheaval, scientific advancements, and cultural shifts across the globe. Several events shaped the course of history, particularly in the United States during the Reconstruction Era.
Political Events
February 24 - March 26: Impeachment of Andrew Johnson (United States): President Andrew Johnson was impeached by the United States House of Representatives for violating the Tenure of Office Act. The act, viewed by many as unconstitutional, was designed to limit the president's power to remove cabinet members without Senate approval. He was acquitted by the Senate by one vote in May. This event marked a pivotal moment in the power struggle between the executive and legislative branches during Reconstruction.
May 20: Boshin War Begins (Japan): The Boshin War, a Japanese civil war fought between the ruling Tokugawa shogunate and those seeking to restore political power to the Imperial Court, officially began. This conflict would ultimately lead to the Meiji Restoration and modernization of Japan.
July 9: Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution Ratified: The Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified. This amendment granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves, and guaranteed all citizens "equal protection of the laws." It remains a cornerstone of civil rights legislation in the United States.
October 17: Treaty of Fort Laramie (1868) Signed: This treaty, signed between the United States and various bands of the Lakota, Dakota, and Arapaho nations, established the Great Sioux Reservation. However, this treaty was often violated by the United States government, contributing to later conflicts.
Scientific and Technological Events
March 4: Alvan Clark observes Sirius B: Astronomer Alvan Clark, while testing a new 18.5-inch refractor telescope, observed Sirius B, the faint white dwarf companion star to Sirius A. This observation provided significant evidence supporting the theory of the existence of dense, compact stars.
Discovery of Helium on the Sun: French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered a bright yellow line in the spectrum of the solar corona during a total solar eclipse in India. This line was later identified as belonging to a new element, helium, which was thus first discovered on the sun.
Cultural Events
Louisa May Alcott's Little Women Published: The first volume of Louisa May Alcott's novel Little Women was published, achieving immediate popularity and becoming a classic of children's literature. Its exploration of family life, female ambition, and societal expectations resonated deeply with readers.
Gioachino Rossini's Petite messe solennelle Premiered: Gioachino Rossini's Petite messe solennelle, a hybrid sacred and operatic work, was premiered. It showcases the composer's late style and is considered a significant contribution to the choral repertoire.
Events Relevant to the United States
Presidential Election: Ulysses S. Grant, a war hero of the United States Civil War, won the presidential election against Horatio Seymour. His victory marked the beginning of eight years of Republican control of the executive branch.
Establishment of Yellowstone National Park: While officially established in 1872, the groundwork for the creation of Yellowstone National Park began in 1868 with reports and explorations that highlighted the region's unique geological and natural wonders.
Continued Reconstruction Efforts: The United States continued its efforts to reconstruct the South after the Civil War. This included military occupation, the enfranchisement of African American men, and the implementation of new state constitutions. This period remained deeply contentious and rife with political and social tensions.