The year 1880 marked a period of significant transition and growth across the globe, particularly within the United States. From political shifts to scientific advancements and burgeoning technological innovations, 1880 laid the groundwork for the decades to come.
Politics and Government
United States Presidential Election: James A. Garfield of the Republican Party defeated Winfield Scott Hancock, the Democratic nominee, in a closely contested United States presidential election. The election was notable for its high voter turnout and the focus on issues such as tariffs and civil service reform.
French Colonial Expansion: France continued its colonial expansion, solidifying its presence in various parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. This was a key part of the "Scramble for Africa" that intensified in the latter half of the 19th century.
British Politics: William Gladstone's Liberal Party won the United Kingdom general election, returning Gladstone to power as Prime Minister. This marked a significant shift in British politics and signaled renewed focus on social reform.
Science and Technology
Discovery of Pyroelectricity in Tourmaline: French physicists Jacques and Pierre Curie (husband of Marie Curie) discovered the phenomenon of pyroelectricity in tourmaline crystals. Pyroelectricity describes the ability of certain materials to generate an electrical charge when heated or cooled.
Development of the Microphone: While microphones existed before 1880, improvements and commercial development continued rapidly. This led to wider adoption in telephone systems and other communication technologies.
Electric Lighting Improvements: Thomas Edison and others continued to refine electric lighting systems, making them more efficient and reliable. The increasing availability of electric lighting spurred further development in power generation and distribution.
Culture and Society
"Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ" Publication: Lew Wallace published his historical novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. It was a massive success, becoming one of the best-selling novels of the 19th century and exerting a major influence on popular culture.
Continuing Industrialization: The Industrial Revolution continued to transform societies, particularly in Europe and the United States. Urbanization increased, as people migrated from rural areas to cities in search of work in factories and other industries.
Rise of Organized Labor: The growth of industry also led to the increasing organization of labor. Unions began to form and advocate for better working conditions, wages, and worker rights.
Other Notable Events
Boer War Tensions Rise: Increasing tensions between the British and the Boers (Dutch-speaking settlers) in South Africa foreshadowed the First Boer War, which would begin in 1880 and lead to major shifts in Southern Africa's political landscape.
Completion of Cologne Cathedral: After hundreds of years of construction, the Cologne Cathedral in Germany was finally completed, becoming a symbol of German unity and architectural achievement.