The year 1875 saw significant developments across the globe, impacting political landscapes, scientific understanding, cultural trends, and technological innovation.
Politics and Law
January 14: France adopts a new constitution establishing the Third Republic after the collapse of the Second Empire. This constitution solidified the French Republic and laid the foundation for its political system for decades to come.
March 1: The Civil Rights Act of 1875 is passed by the United States Congress. This landmark legislation guaranteed equal rights for African Americans in public accommodations, transportation, and jury duty. However, it was later deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1883.
May 7: The Treaty of Saint Petersburg is signed between Japan and Russia, outlining territorial disputes and setting parameters for future relations. This treaty had lasting geopolitical consequences in East Asia.
May 20: The Metric Convention is signed in Paris, establishing the International Bureau of Weights and Measures and standardizing the metric system globally. This marks a crucial step in international scientific cooperation and standardization of measurements.
Science and Technology
February 24: Pierre-Eugène-Marcellin Berthelot discovers several organic compounds, contributing to the rapidly expanding field of organic chemistry.
October: Friedrich Miescher describes DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), though its significance is not fully understood at this time. This discovery is a foundational milestone in molecular biology and genetics.
Industrial developments: Continued expansion of railway networks across Europe and North America facilitated trade, transportation, and economic growth. Innovations in steel production and manufacturing processes also marked significant industrial progress.
Culture
Georges Bizet's Carmen premieres in Paris. Although initially met with mixed reviews, it would become one of the most popular and enduring operas in history. It's considered an influential part of the French operatic tradition.
Henry James publishes Roderick Hudson. This marks an important point in the career of the influential American writer and contributed to the growing tradition of American novels focused on psychological realism.
Arkansas Industrial University opens, later renamed University of Arkansas. This furthered the growth of higher education in the United States.
Other Notable Events
February 14: John Deere trademarks the "leaping deer" trademark for his agricultural equipment.
The year 1875 was characterized by a blend of political and social reforms, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural milestones. The passage of the Civil Rights Act in the United States represented a progressive, though ultimately flawed, attempt to address racial inequality. The standardization of the metric system and the discovery of DNA, while not immediately impactful, laid the groundwork for future scientific advancements. The premiere of Carmen and the publication of Roderick Hudson enriched the cultural landscape, leaving a lasting legacy.