Set out on this page are some of the events which occured during the period covered by my family histories for the years 1801 to 1900. This period includes the industrialisation of England & Europe, revolution, the rise of liberal ideas of democracy & government and the expansion of imperialism throughout the world, particularly by the English. The birth of the romantic period in art & music; gothic revival architecture and that truly English oddity, the Gilbert & Sullivan operetta! Italian opera reaches it full flowering with Verdi, Donizetti and others.
To go to a particular 5 year period click on the appropriate year below:
1805 |1810 |1815 |1820 |1825 |1830 |1835 |1840 |1845 |1850 |1855 |1860 |1865 |1870 |1875 |1880 |1885 |1890 |1895 |1900 |
1805 - On or about the year 1801 the future wife of Johann Christoph Staehr (C1801 - ?) Anna Doris Lehmann(?) (C1801 - ?) was born in Prussia. On September 29th 1805 Louise Hoffman (1805 - 1877), the future second wife of Carl Wilhlem Roehr was born in Tirschtiegel, Posen. It was also during this period that Carls parents Michael Roehr and Anna Maria (nee Stabenauer) were probably married in Tirschtiegl.
1807 - 1810, In 1808 James Hayward (1808 - 1887) and his future wife Ann Rogers (1808 - 1891) were born in England, possibly in the county of Wiltshire. Around 1807 Mary A. Cameron (C1807 - ?) the future wife of Samuel Hunter was born in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. On April 15th, 1809 Carl Wilhelm Roehr (1809 - 1878) was born in Posen, Prussia. His first wife Rosina Dorothea Muller (1808 - 1841) was born in Tirschtiegel, Posen. Municipal Councils are introduced in Prussia. Napoleon occupies Rome and invades Spain, taking Barcelona & Madrid where he becomes King of Spain. Charles Louis, the future Napoleon III is born. Britain signs treaty of friendship with Sikhs at Amritsar. Britain gets Martinique & Cayenne from French. The future Duke of Wellington (portrait above) joins the war in Spain against France. Abraham Lincoln is born. Napoleon divorces Josephine & marries Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria in 1810. In 1810 Napoleon reaches the zenith of his power in Europe (annexes Holland, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Lauenburg & Lubeck) Much unrest in South America with many Spanish colonies in revolt. Queen Louise of Prussia dies. Beethoven writes Symphonies 5 & 6 (The Pastoral) & Piano concerto no. 5 (The Emperor) Excavations begin at Pompeii. War is declared between France & Austria and Vienna is occupied. Joseph Haydn dies at age 77. Felix Mendelssohn is born. Novelist Edgar Allan Poe is born. Goya paints "The Execution of the Citizens of Madrid" and also produces etchings showing the horrors of the Peninsular Wars in Spain (Painting of "The Shootings of May 1808" above right). Henry Crabb Robinson is the first war correspondent sent by the "Times of London" to cover the Peninsular Wars. Louis Braille produces a system to allow the blind to read. Friederich Wilhelm University founded in Berlin. First public billiard rooms opened in England. Krupp works open in Essen, Germany. US population is 7,239,881
1815 - Newman Emmerton (1815 - 1886),(Parents John & Elizabeth) is born in Leighton Buzzard, England and baptised at All Saints Church on 25th December, 1815 George III is declared insane and the Prince of Wales ( see portrait, far right) becomes Prince Regent. Austria is declared bankrupt. Russia seizes Belgrade. The Marmalukes are massacred at Cairo. British occupy Java. Napoleon undertakes a number of ventures which lead to his downfall - Russian campaign ends with only 20,000 out of 550,000 troops surviving the retreat from Moscow. (Prussia had given France permission to cross their territory in the event of war with Russia!) Duke of Wellington enters Madrid; Napoleon defeated at the "Battle of the Nations" at Leipzig; Plot to overthrow Napoleon is foiled; Murat joins allies who defeat Napoleon at a number of engagements and enter Paris. Napoleon abdicates and is banished to Elba. Napoleon escapes from Elba and returns to France for what is known as the "Hundred Days" New alliance formed between Austria, Britain, Prussia & Russia. The congress in Vienna to discuss the outcome of the defeat of France which began in 1814, closes as the allies prepare to meet Napoleon. Napoleon is finally defeated at Waterloo and exiled to St Helens. US declares war on Britain in 1812 and the conflict ebbes and flows until 1814 when the Treaty of Ghent ends hostilities. During the war Toronto was captured by US forces; the British flotilla captured in Lake Champlain; Buffalo and Washington D.C. burnt by the British. Cape province becomes British colony. Otto von Bismark is born. Lord Hastings, Governor General of India declares war on the Gurkhas of Nepal. Humphrey Davy invents miners safety lamp. Last gold Guinea coins minted in Britain. Jane Austen (see print above) writes "Pride & Prejudice". The waltz conquers Europe! MCC moves to Lords cricket ground. Economic postwar crisis in Britain. Richard Wagner born. The explorer, David Livingstone is born.
1820 -In 1820 Carl Gottlieb Schache and Maria Rosina Vogel were married in Dieben, near Steinau, Prussia The future Queen Victoria and her Consort Albert were born in 1819. Britain establishes a settlement in Singapore. Spain sells Florida to the US. Revolution in Spain forces King Ferdinand VII to reinstate the 1813 constitution. King George III dies and George IV becomes king. During the past five years the aftermath of the defeat of Napoleon in Europe sees:- Prussia abolish internal custom duties; Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Chile declare independence (but most take years to achieve it); final act of Vienna Congress which began in 1814 is passed. European countries begin to feel the affects of popular demands for constitutional reform. Opening of Burlington Arcade in Picadilly, London. Florence Nightingale is born. Liberia founded for the repatriation of Negroes from the US. US and Britain agree on the border for Canada being the 49th parallel. Andre Ampere publishes "Laws of the Electrodynamic Action". Keats, Victor Hugo, Byron, Shelley, Goethe, Pushkin publish works. Walter Scott publishes "Ivanhoe" Friedrich Engels (associate of Karl Marx) is born (see print above C1840). Discovery of the Venus de Milo (picture above right). Cleopatra's Needle is gifted to Britain by Mehemet Ali of Egypt but does not arrive in England until 1878. William Blake - Illustrations to the Book of Job. David Napier invents the flat bed cylinder press.
1822 - 1825, During this period two ancestors were born in Prussia, Johann Christian Staehr (1825 - 1894) and his wife to be Maria Elizabeth (nee ?) (1822 - 1886). Also around this time but the dates are unknown, Johann Niemz (c1825 - ?) and his wife to be Anna Kleinig (c1825 - 1853) were born in Saxony, Germany. Queen Caroline the estranged consort of George IV was granted an annuity of 50,000 pounds per year from the British Parliament - she died later in the same year. Reign of terror begins between Greeks and Turks. Additional South American countries declare independence - Peru, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Santo Domingo. Turks invade Greece. Congress of Vienna opens to discuss European problems. First Burmese war begins and British take Rangoon. Egyptians capture Crete. French law compensates the aristocrats for losses in the revolution. Frontier treaty signed between US and Russia. John Quincy Adams becomes 6th President of the US. The poet Shelley dies aged 30. Pushkin publishes "Eugene Onegin". Lord Byron dies in Greece during the Turko-Greek war. Alexandre Dumas is born. Franz Liszt debuts as a pianist in Vienna. Beethoven who is now deaf completes the "Missa Solemnis". Franz Schubert (see portrait above) completes 8th Symphony and incidental music to Rosamunde. Johann Strauss in born in Vienna. Boston US - streets lit by gas. Worlds first iron railway bridge built by Stephenson in England. Death penalty for over 100 crimes abolished in Britain! Rugby football is first played in Rugby School, England. RSPCA is founded in London. Horse drawn buses start in London. Athanaeum Club founded in London. First railroad to carry passengers opened in England (Pictured above right is Stephenson's "Rocket" the prototype of engines used to haul passenger trains and now preserved at the Science Museum in London) . "The Lancet" is first published in England. Sperm is proved to be the means of fertilization by J. Prevost & J. Dumas. Charles Babbage attempts to construct a calculating machine. This and other of his plans showed the way to the eventual development of the computer.
1827 - 1830, Johann Friedrich Lange (1827 - 1898), the son of Christian & Anna Dorothea Lange, is born on December 18th, 1827 in Prussia. James Hayward & Ann Rogers are married on June 13th, 1828 in North Bradley, England. Their eldest child, Jane Hayward (1829 - 1911) is born at Bathford, England in 1829. Samuel Hunter marries Mary A(Ann?) Cameron C1828 at Ballyeaston, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Around this time Carl Gottlieb Schache and his wife Maria Rosina Vogel were married in Prussia Treaty of Yandabu ends the Burmese war. Thomas Jefferson dies at the age of 83. Russia declares war on Persia and gives ultimatum to Turkey over Serbia. Commercial treaty struck between Prussia and Mecklenburg is start of the Zollverein. Russia, France & Britain attempt to stop war between Turkey & Greece but fail. By the Treaty of London these allies agree to force a truce on Turkey. Sultan Mohammed II rejects these overtures. Russia defeats Persia and takes Armenia. Duke of Wellington becomes Prime Minister of England. Henry Peter Brougham delivers the longest speech ever recorded in the House of Commons - 6 hours. Russia declares war on Turkey. Mehemet Ali agrees to Britains demand to quit Greece. Uraquay seperates from Brazil and becomes a seperate state. Police force established by Act of Parliament in London. France captures Algeria. Revolution in Paris. William IV becomes King of England (portrait above right). Large number of scientific achievements during this period - Galvanometer invented by Leopolo Nobili, Brights Disease identified by Richard Bright, Joseph Niepce produces photographs on metal plates and forms a partnership with L.J.M. Daguerre, Robert Brown discovers the cell nucleus in plants, ships screw propeller invented by Joseph Ressel, Ohms law formulated by George S. Ohm. James Simpson devises the sand filter to purify Londons water supply. James Perry obtains a patent for his steel slit pen. Royal Geographic Society founded in London. Rossini's opera William Tell premiered in Paris. Concertina patented by Sir Charles Wheatstone as well as demonstrating sound reproduction. Operas by Bellini, Auber, Donizetti, Weber premiered. Beethoven and Franz Schubert die aged 57 & 31 respectively. Mendelssohn presents the St Matthew Passion of Bach having re-discovered it after 100 years since it was first performed in Leipzig. First railway tunnel built in England. Many newspapers are published for the first time - "Evening Standard", London; "The Spectator", London; a weekly "Athenaeum" issued in London; "Le Globe", Paris; "Sunday Times", London. Unionism expands in England after the repeal of the Combination Law of (1799 - 1800). Universities, Academies and colleges founded: Munich University, Univesity College, London; Royal Academy of Music in London.
1831 - 1835 On 2nd July, 1832 Johanne Elisabeth Schache, (1832 - 1913) the future wife of Johann Friedrich Lange was born in Dieban, Prussia. Charles Smith (1831 - 1911) and his first wife, Emma Webb (1831 - 1885) were both born 1831 in Worcester, England. John Hunter (1832 - 1917) was born in Bruslee, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Around 1833 in Prussia Carl Wilhelm Roehr marries his first wife Rosina Dorothea Muller. Newman Emmerton is convicted at the Bedford Assizes of stealing lead & linen (his second offence) and is sent as a convict to Tasmania, Australia on the ship "Lady Kennaway" arriving in 1835 Poland declares independence but Russia defeats polish forces and revolt collapses. Belgium is seperated from the Netherlands. James Monroe (5th US president) dies aged 73. James A. Garfield (20th President) is born (assasinated 1887) Syria conquered by the Egyptians after being part of the Ottoman Empire since 1516. In 1833 Mehemet Ali is given Egypt and Syria and founds a dynasty that rules Egypt until 1952. Uprisings in France over poor living conditions of workers in Lyons. Demonstrations in Switzerland lead to more liberal and democratic government. More demonstrations in Hamburg for liberal forms of government. Reform Act of 1832 to expand the franchise to upper middle classes expanding eleigible voters from 500,000 to 1 million. Gladstone enters politics in England as the member for Newark. Giuseppe Mazzani (1805 - 1872) founds "Giovine Italia" with the aim of national independence. The "socialism" becomes part of the English and French languages. Britain occupies the Falkland Island. (This becomes a thorn in Anglo-Argentinian relations for years leading to war in the 1980's) Louis I of Bavaria arrives in Nauplia, Greece to take up the newly created throne as King Otto. William IV (of England and Hanover) grants Hanover a new Liberal constitution. General Antonia Lopez de Santa Anna becomes President of Mexico which is threatened by civil war. The Spanish Inquisitions which had begun in the 13th century is finally suppressed. South Australian Act passed to establish a colony there. Sixth Bantu war (to 1835) lead to clashes with the Bantu people and white settlers in the east of Cape Province. Dutch farmers of Cape Colony begin to settle in the land beyond the Orange River. Abraham Lincoln enters politics in the USA. Francis II the last Holy Roman Emperor (ceased 1806) and Emperor of Austria dies aged 67 years. Texas declares right to secede from Mexico. Second Seminole War 1835 - 1842) A great era in invention and science - Chubb patents burglar proof safe; Samuel Colt patents single barreled pistol and rifle; 1098 miles of railway built in the USA; Chloroform invented by a German & an American simultaneously. Charles Darwin sails as a naturalist on "The Beagle" to Sth America, New Zealand & Australia. Experiments carried out by Michael Faraday on electromagnetic induction.
Pictured on the left is one of the beautiful colour prints produced by the Japanese artist Ando Hiroshige (1797 - 1858), a master of the form. Norma & La Sonnambula by Bellini premiered in Milan. Johannes Brahms (1833 - 1897) born in Germany. Berlioz (pictured above)"Symphonie Fantastique" revised version. First London department store established by William Whitely. Building of the National Gallery, London started. Cholera pandemic begins in India and spreads to Russia, central Europe and Scotland. Foreign legion formed. Melbourne (Australia) founded in 1834.
1835 -1840 In C1835 Mary Campbell (known as Linney, a foundling) (1835 - 1923) the future wife of John Hunter was born, in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. In December 1838, Christian Lange, his wife and 3 children arrive in Adelaide on the ship "Prince George" from Prussia (via Hamburg & London) William IV dies and his niece Victoria (portrait on right)becomes queen in 1837. She marries her husband Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha in 1840. William and his queen did not have any issue and the succession went to the daughter of a brother. This also ended the personal union between Great Britain and Hanover. Ernst Augustus who succeeds William as King of Hanover cancels the constitution of 1833 and dismisses 7 professors of the Gottingen University who protest at this action. Davey Crocket killed at the Alamo in the fight for Texan independence from Mexico. Texas becomes a republic with Sam Houston the first President. Moves in Britain to demand universal suffrage and secret ballot is initiated by the Peoples Charter movement. Boer farmers launch "The Great Trek" to systematically emmigrate beyond the Orange River away from British rule and to form the free states of Natal, Transvaal & Orange free state. Battle of Blood River in Natal where Boers defeat the Zulus. Independent republic of Natal established by Boers. Mazzini (the instigator of the independence movement in Italy) is exiled to London. Banjamin Disraeli delivers his maiden speech to the British Parliament. Sitting Bull (1837 and killed 1890) is born. Constitutional revolts in upper and lower Canada. Upper and lower Canada united by a British Act of Parliament. Abdul Mejid becomes the Sultan of Turkey. A conference on the Turko-Egyptian conflict signs the Protocol des Droit closing the (Bosphorus) straits to warships of all powers but giving Russian warships the Black Sea. The first Afghan war begins after a humiliating retreat of British forces from Kabul where a puppet of the occupying British had been installed as King and then overthrown. In the retreat tens of thousands of troops and camp followers died. This led to retribution by Britain which declared war. Afghan forces finally surrendered to the British Army ending the Afghan War in 1842. 
Frederick William III dies and his son Frederick William IV becomes King of Prussia. Under Frederick William III my German/Prussian ancestors had great difficulties due to the Reform Church, supported by the state, demanding certain rites be performed with which their Pastors (members of the Lutheran Church) disagreed (known as the Agende). This lead to their persecution and eventual immigration to Australia beginning with the parishners of Pastors Kavel (pictured on the left) and Fritsche. The initial plan was to go to America or possibly Russia but through George Fife Angas in London, South Australia was the eventual destination. The irony is that Kavel & Fritsche had a falling out over the interpretation of some scripture about 20 or so years later and the church split into Evangelical Lutheran & Lutheran Church. This lasted for about 100 years when the two churches came together again (administratively) to form one Lutheran Church! Even so the various congregations oftened remained seperate so that there are often two churches in a small town. My ancestors included persons from both the Kavel and Fritsche congregations.
1841 - 1845 Carl Wilhelm Roehr marries a widow Louise Hampel (nee Hoffmann) on 9th July, 1842 in Bethany, Barossa Valley, South Australia. Both their original partners had died on the journey out from Prussia in 1841, on the ship "Skjold" via Hamburg. The first child of this marriage, Johann Adolf Roehr (1844 - 1915) is born on 9th July, 1844 in the Barossa Valley. Around this time Johann Niemz and his wife Anna Klienig were married in Saxony. In 1842 Jane Hayward arrives in Hobart Tasmania with her parents and other siblings on the ship "Orleana" from Plymouth, England. In 1845 the family moves to Adelaide travelling on the ship "Sisters" from Hobart. Britain proclaims sovereignty over Hong Kong which is confirmed by the Treaty of Nangking and which also ends the Opium Wars between Britain & China. William Henry Harrison, ninth president of the USA dies one month after his inauguration. Edward (1841 - 1910), eldest son of Queen Vistoria is born. New Zealand becomes a british colony but in 1843 Maoris revolt against British rule. Canada/US border is defined in the Webster-Ashburton Treaty. Riots & strikes in the industrial areas in the North of England. Military revolt in Spain forces General Espartero from power and Isabella II aged 13 is declared Queen. Prince Alexander Karageorgevich is made King of Serbia. Treaty of Tangier ends French war in Morocco. Revolts of the weavers in Silesia; attempt on the life of Frederick William IV of Prussia. Texas and Florida become states of the USA. China and USA sign first treaty of peace, amity and commerce. Anglo Sikh war begins in India and in 1846 they are defeated by the forces of the East India Company at Aliwal and Sobraon. Barnum opens an "American Museum" in New York City (exhibition of freaks curios etc.) English travel agent Thomas Cook (1808 - 1892) arranges his first excursion - a temperance meeting at Loughborough Leicestershire. Populations - Great Britain 18.5 million; USA 17 million and Ireland 8 million. First university degrees granted to women in the USA. James Braid of Scotland discovers hypnosis. Marx & Engels meet in Paris. Sir Joseph Whitworth proposes a standard screw thread and so the whitworth screw thread comes into being. Homeopathy founded by Samuel Hahnemann. The Thames Tunnel built by M.I. Brunel between Rotherhithe and Wapping (see litho above right); (Originally a pedestrian tunnel it was converted to a railway tunnel in 1865). The S.F.B.Morse telegraph used for the first time between Baltimore & Washington. Compound steam engine devised by British engineer William M Naught
Rossini "Stabat Mater", Schumann 1st Symphony ("The Spring"), Glinka opera "Russlan & Ludmilla" performed in St Petersburg. Meyerbeer becomes Musical Director of the Royal Opera House, Berlin. Arthur Sullivan (1842 - 1900) born. Wagner, operas "Rienzi", "Tannhauser" & "The Flying Dutchman" performed in Dresden. Mendelsohnn music for "A Midsummer Nights Dream" performed in Potsdam - overture written 1826. New houses of parliament begun in London to replace the Palace of Westminster destroyed in a fire. Nelsons Column erected in Trafalgar Square with staue by E.H. Bailey. Turner paints "Rain, Steam & Speed" First artistic photo portraits produced by David O. Hill. Madelaine Church (pictured on left) in Paris completed.
1846 - 1850 On the 3rd May 1846, Johann Friederick Niemz (1846 - 1937), the only known child of Johann & Anna (nee Kleinig) was born in Saxony, Germany. Samuel Smith (1849 - 1936), second child of Charles & Emma (nee Webb) was born at Kidderminster, England in 1849. Johanne Louise (nee Staehr) (1850 - 1934) was born in Prussia on 13th December, 1850. She was a child of Johann Christian Staehr & Marie Elizabeth (nee Unknown) who were married C1848 in Prussia. On 1st August, 1848 Carl Gottlieb Schache, his wife Maria Rosina (nee Vogel) and family arrived in Adelaide on the ship "Leontine". On the 26th April 1849 Newman Emmerton and Jane Hayward are married in Adelaide. Newman had received a ticket of leave on completion of his sentence and would appear to have moved to Adelaide soon after this. It is possible that he knew the Hayward family in Tasmania but this has not been confirmed. The treaty of Lahore ends the first Sikh war in India. Revolts break out in Poland and Austrian & Russian troops enter Cracow and Austria annexes the city. The USA/Mexico negotiations over New Mexico fail and American troops move in. They defeat Mexican troops at Palo Alto and in April 1846 the USA annexes New Mexico taking over Santa Fe. In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-USA war, ceding Texas, New Mexico, California, Utah, Nevada, Arizona and parts of Colorado and Wyoming to the USA in return for a large indemnity. Sonderbund War in Switzerland; Catholic cantons refuse to dissolve union. A new constitution is established and Switzerland becomes a federal union. 1848 is the year of revolution in Europe with uprisings in Paris, Vienna, Venice, Berlin, Milan and Parma. Uprisings take place in Rome and then in Dresden & Baden. Authorities deal with the troubles in various ways including force and changes in government to appease the protagonists. A liberal constitution is finally agreed to in Prussia (which lasts until 1918). Hungarian Diet proclaims independence from Austria but is defeated by them at Vilagos. Some of these are short lived and revolts occur more than once (three took place in Vienna). Pan-Slav congress in Prague leads to a Czech revolt which is suppressed by Austrian troops. Sardinia declares war on Austria (which has a number of Italian possessions) but is defeated and forced to leave Venice. Second Sikh war begins in India. The British defeat them at Chllianwalla & Gujarat and force their surrender at Ralwalpindi. Britain annexes Punjab by treaty with Maharajah of Lahore. In Britain the Factory Act restricts the working day for women & children aged 13 - 18 to 10 hours a day; and also passes the First Public Health Act. Friedrich von Flotow premiers his opera "Martha" in Vienna. Verdi's (pictured above right) "Macbeth" premiered in Florence.
The Propylaea in Munich is built by Franz Klenze. Gold is discovered in California and the rush begins. Brigham Young leads the Mormons from Nauvoo City to Utah where Salt Lake City is established. Balzac writes "La Cousine Bette", Longfellow writes "The Belfry of Bruges", George Sand (pseudo-name of Amantine Lucile Aurore Dupin) (portrait on left) writes ""La Mare au diable". Chopin dies of consumption at the age of 39. He and George Sand had a long and stormy liasion. Dostoevsky writes, "Poor Folk", Thackery writes "Vanity Fair", Alexander Dumas writes "La Dame aux Camelias"
1851 - 1855 The eldest daughter of Newman & Jane (nee Hayward), Virginia Jeanette Emmerton (1851 - 1921) was born 26th July, 1851 at Kensington, Adelaide, South Australia. Johann Friedrich Lange and Johanne Elizabeth Schache were married on 29th October 1851 in Tanunda, South Australia. On the 19th September 1852 their first child Johanne Karoline Lange (1852 - 1926) was born at Lights Pass, South Australia. In 1852 Charles & Emma Smith with 2 young sons, arrive in Adelaide on the ship "Epaminondas" from London, England. Johann Friederick Niemz arrives in Adelaide on the ship "Steinwarder" from Saxony in 1853, as an orphan (his mother died on the voyage out) and goes to live with his aunt & uncle (George Klienig) Prussia recognises the German Federation (precurser to a united Germany) and concludes commercial treaty with Hanover. Cuba declares independence. USA senate receives report suggesting the annexation of Cuba. Danilo II converts Montenegro into a secular principality. Victoria, Australia becomes a seperate colony (from NSW). France goes through a period of turmoil with the outcome that a new constitution is agreed to; empire is revived; Louis Napoleon has Orleans family banished and then reigns as the Emperor Napoleon III, establishing the Second Empire until its removal in 1870. New Zealand establishes a new constitution. The second Burmese war begins and British forces annex Pegu. The conflict is ended a year later with a peace negotiation. The South African republic of Transvaal established. The British leave all territory north of the Orange River under the Convention of Bloemfontein. The Crimean War begins after Turkey rejects a Russian ultimatum. Russia has invaded the Danubian principalities. Austrian attempts to resolve the conflict were unsuccessful. Britain and France enter the war in the Crimea after completing an alliance with Turkey, and declaring war on Russia. They land unopposed in the Crimea and the seige of Sebastopol begins; allies have victories at Balaklava and Inkerman. It is during this time that Florence Nightingale (1820 - 1910) (pictured above) sets up a nursing service for the wounded against opposition from the British Army and in due course her influence will change the way nursing is undetaken in both peace and war. The Crimean war ends in 1856 after the capitulation by the Russians at Sebastopol. Commodore Perry negotiates the first American-Japan treaty. Britain annexes Mahratta State of Nagpur in India. Czar Nicholas I of Russia dies and is succeeded by Alexander II. Britain and Afghanistan join against Persia in the treaty of Peshawar. R.W. Bunsen produces the gas burner. Isaac Singer devises the continuous stitch sewing machine. William Thomson (later Lord Kelvin) prepares papers on the laws of the conservation and dissipation of energy. Henry Steinway with his 3 sons start the New York firm of piano manufacturers "Steinway & Sons". David Livingstone explores Zambezi. Dutch army surgeon Mathysen impregnates bandages with plaster for the setting of broken limbs and other purposes. Alexander Wood uses hypodermic syringe for injections under the skin. First forms of the electric light globe invented by a german watchmaker, Heinrich Goebel. British install telegraph Lines throughout India.Berlioz writes "Te Deum". Sir Ruchard Burton writes a travel book "Pilgrimage to Mecca". Robert Browning writes "Men & Women" poems. Charles Dickens (1812 - 1860)(pictured above right) writes "Little Dorrit" Tennyson writes "The Charge of Light Brigade". 
1856 - 1860 On February 12th, 1856 John Hunter and Mary Campbell (known as Linney, a foundling) were married at Ballylinney, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Persia occupies Herat and the British-Persian war breaks out. The peace of Paris ends the hostilities and the Shah of Persia recognises the independence of Afghanistan. Tasmania gains self-government. Austria gives amnesty to participants in the 1848-49 Hungarian revolution. Anglo-China war begins with Britain bombarding Canton. Chinese fleet destroyed and English and French forces take Canton. Anglo chinese war ended with treaty of Tientsin. Indian Mutiny against British rule ; siege of Delhi ending with its capture. British enter Cawnpore. Britain proclaims peace in India 1858 and the powers of the East India Company transferred to the crown. Queensland becomes seperate from NSW. The second Maori war begins in New Zealand and lasts until 1860. German National Association formed with the aim of uniting Germany under Prussia. Bismark becomes Prussian ambassador to Russia. Garibaldi (portrait bust above right) forms Italian Association for the unification of Italy. Austria sends an ultimatum to Sardinia in 1859 and begins invasion; France declares war on Austria. Austrian forces defeated. France signs an armistice with Austria followed by the peace of Villafranca and formalized by the treaty of Zurich. Plebiscites in Tuscany, Elilia, Romagna, Parma & Modena favour union with Sardinia. In 1860 Garibaldi and his 1,000 redshirts sail from Genoa. Reaching Marsala they take Palermo and Naples. Victor Emmanuel II king of Sardinia invades papal states and defeats the papal troops. Garibaldi proclaims Victor Emmanuel king of Italy. Abraham Lincoln (portrait above) is elected as the 16th US president.
The National Portrait Gallery opened in London. Victoria Cross instituted by Queen Victoria. Longest bare knuckle fight in history takes place in Melbourne Australia lasting 6 hrs 15 minutes. 186 rounds. James Kelly VS Jack Smith. "Big Ben" hour bell installed in the clock tower (clock face pictured at left) of the Houses of Parliament, London. G.B. Shaw born (1856 - 1950) Financial and economic crisis in Europe due to speculation on US railroads. Sigmund Freud (1856 - 1939) born. Gounods opera "Faust" premiered in Paris. Re-building of the Ringstrasse begun in Vienna. Charles Darwin publishes "On the Origin of Species by Natural Selection". First practical internal combustion engine constructed by Lenoir. In the period 1851 - 1860: 424,000 Britons and 914,000 Irish emmigrate to the USA. Primitive form of typewriter devised in 1860.
1865 - Beginning of the American Civil War (1861 - 1865) King of Naples surrenders to Garibaldi at Gaeta and the Italian parliament proclaims Italy a kingdom under Victor Emmanuel II. Warsaw Massacres see troops fire on demonstrators against Russian rule. Albert, consort of Queen Victoria dies and this begins her seclusion and retirement from public life (Photo of Albert on right taken just before his death) The Prince was the main force behind the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London. Profits from this venture were used to set up research & Museums such as the Natural History Museum in London. Bismark becomes Prussian Prime Minister. King Otto of Greece resigns after military revolt and William, Prince of Denmark becomes George I of Greece in his stead. Civil war breaks out in Afghanistan after the death of Dosi Mohammed. Schleswig incorporated into Denmark. Saxon & Hanoverian troops enter Holstein. Austria & Prussia send an ultimatum to Denmark concerning Schleswig and invade Denmark. Conference in London fails to solve the Schleswig-Holstein problem but in the Peace of Vienna both are returned to Austria & Prussia together with Lauenberg. French capture Mexico City and install Archduke Maximillian of Austria and his wife Carlotta as Emperor & Empress of Mexico. This lasted until 1867 when they were deposed and he lost his life. Karl Marx forms first International Workingmen's Associations in London & New York. 13th amendment of the US Constitution abolishes slavery. Mrs Beeton publishes "Book of household Management" First horse drawn trams appear in London. Krupp begins arms production in Essen, Germany. Passport system introduced by the USA. Abraham Lincoln assasinated 1865. Some population figures (in millions): Russia 76, USA 32, Great Britain 23, Italy 25. English cricket team tours Australia for the 1st time. Underground railway construction begins in London. William Booth creates an organisation in London which becomes the Salvation Armmy in 1878. Pullman railway sleeping cars introduced by the inventor in the USA. Nellie Melba (1861 - 1931) is born. Ludwig Kochel catalogues Mozart's works. Opera - Berlioz premiers "Les Troyens" in Paris; Bizet premiers "The Pearl Fishers"; Offenbach premiers "La Belle Helene". Schubert 8th Symphony "Unfinished" performed in Vienna for the first time. 
Sir Gilbert Scott designs the Albert Memorial built between 1872 & 1876. Restored at great cost in 2000 (Central elements pictured on left showing statue of the prince under a canopy - memorial not shown in full) Queen Victoria builds Sandringham House in Norfolk. Literature published - Tolstoy: "War & Peace"; Dickens: "Great Expectations": Mrs Henry wood: "East Lynne"; Victor Hugo "Les Miserables": Lewis Carroll "Alices Adventures in Wonderland". W.M Thakeray dies aged 51yrs. Sarah Bernhardt makes her debut at the Comedie Francais in Paris in "Iphigenie en Aulide".
1870 -
On January 7th, 1866 Johanne Louise Staehr arrived in Australia with her father Johann Christian Staehr and other family members from Hamburg on the ship "Reiherstieg". Prussia sets up an alliance with Italy against Austria. Also has a secret treaty with France to remain neutral during the conflict. The outcome of the hostilities is the end of the German Federation and the annexation of Hanover, Hesse, Nassau and Frankfurt.(as agreed in the Peace of Prague) The Treaty of Vienna ends the Austro-Italian hostilities and the Venetians endorse union with Italy. Peace between Saxony and Prussia which incorporates Schleswig-Holstein into Prussia. Baden also joins the North German Confederation. Shogun Kekei of Japan abdicates and the shogonate is abolished. Meiji Dynasty is restored. Napoleon III withdraws support for Maximilian in Mexico which leads to his overthrow and execution. Russia sell Alaska to the USA for 7.2 million dollars. Dominionof Canada established by British Parliament. British Parliamentary Reform Act passed. William Gladstone (pictured in drawing above as a young man) becomes Prime Minister in England for the first of 4 times. He was a great parliamentary reformer making many changes including making laws to allow woman to own property in their own right. Ulysses Grant becomes President of USA. British armed expedition sent to Ethiopia and Magdala captured. Troubles in Ireland with Fenian outrages. Garibaldi attempts to take control of Rome but is defeated by French troops and taken prisoner. Hostilities between Greece and Turkey over Crete see the Greeks agree to leave the island. Suez Canal opened by Empress Eugenie. The Franco Prussian War begins (1870 - 1871) with France being defeated in a number of battles during which Napoleon III (portrait above right) is captured, with the final capitulation at Sedan. Revolt takes place in Paris with the proclamation of the 3rd Republic followed by the seige of Paris by the Prussians. Paris capitulates and an armistice is signed. Alsace-Lorraine is ceded by France to Germany and pays indemnity of 5 billion francs! The Commune rules in Paris for 2 months during this turbulent period. William I of Prussia is proclaimed Emperor of Germany at Versailles. Germans remain in France until withdrawal in 1873. Dr Barnado (1845 - 1905) opens his first home for destitute children in Stepney, London. Badmington devised by the Duke of Beaufort at his residence, Badmington Hall. First regular Trades Union Congress held in Manchester. Debtors Prisons abolished in England. "Cutty Sark" is launched. First postards introduced in Austria.
Literature - Wilkie Collins "The Moonstone" (considered one of the first detective novels); L.M. Alcott "Little Women"; Dostoevsky "The Idiot"; Ibsen "Peer Gynt" (incidental music to the play composed by Greig). Music - "The Bartered Bride" by Smetena; Gounod "Romeo & Juliet"; A.S Sullivan "Cox & Box"; Johann Strausss II "The Blue Danube Waltz"; Brahms "German Requiem"; Tchaikovsky (pictured at left) "Symphony No. I". Livingstone explores the Congo. Joseph Monier patents process for reinforced concrete.
1871 - 1875 Johanna Louise Staehr and Johann Adolf Roehr were married on 19th July 1872 in Nuriootpa, South Australia. On 30th July, 1875; David Hunter (1875 - 1952), the second youngest son of John & Mary Hunter was born at Burnfoothill, Dalmellington, Scotland. In the same year on the 7th April at Point Pass, South Australia Johann Niemz and Johanne Karoline Lange were married.The Italians finally enter Rome and declare Rome the capital of Italy. The Italian Law of Guarantee allows the Pope possesion of the Vatican within Rome. Western Australia attains representative government. Labor unions legalised in England. Disraeli, (photo above right) becomes prime minister in England. During his prime ministership Britain purchases 176,602 Suez Canal shares from the Khedive of Egypt. Rasputik (1871 - 1916) is born in Russia. Civil war in Spain in which the Carlists are defeated and Don Carlos escapes to France leading to the proclamation of a republic. This is short lived and Alfonso XII son of Isabella is proclaimed King of Spain. Voting by secret ballot introduced into England and Public Health Act passed. Three emperors league established in Berlin between Germany, Russia & Austria. Financial panic in Vienna and New York during 1873. In South Africa Britain annexes diamond fields of Kimberley. Basutoland becomes part of Cape Colony and the Ashanti War ends.Britain annexes the Fiji Islands. Winston Churchill born (1875 - 1965). Kwang Hsu becomes Emperor of China. Risings in Bosnia & Herzegovina against Turkish rule and the sultan promises reforms to meet the rebel's demands. Charles Dickens dies at age 58. Writers published in this period: George Eliot - "Middlemarch", Jules Verne - "Around the World in 80 Days", Tolstoy - "Anna Karenina", Mark Twain - "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer". G.A. Hansen discovers Leperosy bacillus. Delibes composes "Coppelia" ballet. The Albert Hall is opened in London. Verdi opera "Aida" premiered in Cairo. Bizet, incidental music to "Le Arlesienne". Enrico Caruso born (1873 - 1921). Rimski Korsakov opera "Ivan the Terrible" premiers in St. Petersburg. Color photography first developed.
Brooklyn Bridge in New York, (pictured at left) is opened. Gunsmith firm of E. Remington and Son begin production of typewriters. Excavations begin at Olympia in Greece underwritten by the German Government. Osteopathy founded by A. T. Still in Kansas, USA.
1880 - Korea becomes and independent nation. Ethiiopian forces defeat Egyptians at Gura. Massacre of Bulgarians by Turkish troops. Serbia declares war on Turkey as does Montenegro. Turmoil in Turkey with Sultan Abdul Aziz deposed, his successor Murad V also deposed and then succeeded by Abdul Hamid II. New ottoman constitution proclaimed. Konrad Adenauer (1876 - 1967) born. Russia declares war on Turkey and invades Rumania, cross Danube and storm Kars and take Pievna in Bulgaria.Turks capitulate at Shipka Pass and appeal to Russia for armistice. Russia takes Andrianople and the British fleet arrives in Constantinople at the sultan's request. (This begins a period of jingoistic war fever in Britain.) Russia and Turkey sign armistice. Preliminary treaty of San stefano between Russia and Turkey. Greece decalres war on Turkey. Anglo-Turk agreement to check Russian advance in Asia Minor. Congress in Berlin ends with Treaty of Berlin. Italy begins campaign to get Trieste and South Tyrol from Austria. Treaty of Gandamark - Britain occupies Kyber Pass. British legation to Kabul is massacred. Stalin (1879 - 1953) and Trotsky (1879 - 1940) are born. Alsace and Lorraine are declared part of Germany in accordance with the 1871 Peace of Frankfurt. France annexes Tahiti. J.A. Garfield (see portrait above right) is elected President of USA but is assasinated within 9 months of inauguration.
Bayreuth Festspielhaus opens (pictured at left) with the first complete performance of Wagners "Ring des Niberlungen". Brahms Symphony No 1 premiered. Delibes "Sylvia" ballet. Ponchielli opera "La Gioconda" premiered in Milan. Camille Saint-Saens opera "Samson & Delilah" performed in Weimar. Tchaikovsky "Francesco da Rimini" syphonic poem. Gilbert & Sullivan "HMS Pinafore". George Grove, Dictionary of Music and Musicians published. Suppe opera "Boccaccio" in Vienna. Laveran discovers Malarial parasite. David Hughes invents the microphone. Iodoform first used as an antiseptic. Saccharin discovered by Fahlberg & Remser. The game of Bingo developed from the Italian lotto game, (Tombola) Edison invents phonograph. Graham Bell invents telephone. Robert Koch discovers anthrax bacillus. First tennis championships held at Wimbledon. World exhibitions held in Philadelphia and Paris. Famine in Bengal. Electric street lighting introduced in London.
Casino designed by Garnier in Monte Carlo. Rodin sculpture "John the Baptist" and "The Thinker". Manet painting "Nana", Renoir painting "Le moulin de la Galette", The Canoeists Luncheon" (pictured on left) and "Place Clichy". William Morris "The decorative Arts". Cezanne painting "Chateau de Medan". Cologne cathedral completed (begun in 1248). Helen Keller (1880 - 1968) deaf & blind educator born.
The British fight the Boers over the Transvaal and are defeated at Majuba Hill. This leads to the treaty of Pretoria in which Britain recognises independent Transvaal Republic. Paul Kruger becomes President of South African Republic. Political parties founded in Japan. Austria & Serbia sign a treaty of alliance. Prince Milan Obrenovich proclaims himself king of Serbia. Troubles in Ireland with the imprisonment of Parnell by the British. Assasinations and massacres take place in Dublin & Maamtrasne. The 3 mile limit for territorial waters is agreed in the Hague. British occupy Cairo. Tunis becomes a French protectorate and eventually is fully controlled by France. Triple alliance formed between Italy, Austria & Germany. (Renewed in 1891 for a further 12 years) US Civil service is to be reformed and this is completed by 1901. The last male Bourbon heir to the French throne Comt de Chambord, dies. In the Sudan General Gordon (see photo above) reaches Khartoum where the Mahdi refuses to negotiate and occupies Omdurman. The Mahdi takes Khartoum and Gordon is killed in the fighting. The British evacuate Sudan. In Africa the european powers start the carve up of the continent after the Berlin conference of 14 nations. Leopold of Belgium makes the Congo his personal possession. Germany annexes Tanganyika & Zanzibar and areas of South West Africa. Britain establishes protectorates over Bechuanaland and the Niger River region. Convention established on the Transvaal.
Books published: Henry James "Portrait of a Lady"; R.L. Stevenson "Treasure Island"; Mark Twain "Hucklebery Finn"; Ibsen "The Wild Duck", Richard Burton "The Arabian Nights". Savoy Theatre opened by D'Oyle Carte. (1929 art deco refurbishment pictured on left) The theatre was one of the first to be lit with electric light. Composers: Rimsky Korsakov "The Snow Maiden"; Johannes Brahms (pictured above as a young man) "Academic Festival Overture" & "Symphonies Nos.3 & 4"; Massenet "Manon"; Tchaikovsky "1812 Overture"; Gilbert & Sullivan "Iolanthe", "The Pirates of Penzance"; Wagner "Parsifal"; Chabrier "Espanol" rhapsody; Delibes "Lakme".. Berlin Philharmonis & the London Royal College of Music founded.
Sir Charles Parsons invents 1st practical steam turbine engine. Karl Benz builds single-cyliner motor car engine. Louis Pasteur devises rabies vaccine to cure hydrophobia. Hiram S. Maxim patents recoil-operated machine gun. Flogging abolished in the British forces. St Gotthard tunnel completed. City populations in millions: London 3.3, New York 1.2, Berlin 1.1, Vienna 1, Tokyo .8, St Petersberg .6m. Queen Victoria gives Epping Forest to the nation. Bismark introduces sickness insurance in Germany. First run of the Orient Express from Paris to Istanbul (1895 poster pictured on right). First deep tube underground in London. Golf introduce to the USA by John M. Fox. Born in this period - Harry S. Truman, Clement Atlee, Franklin Roosevelt, Kemel Ataturk.
1890 -Home Rule for Ireland Bill introduced by Prime Minister Gladstone. Bonaparte and Orleans families banished from France. Ludwig of Bavaria and patron of Wagner dies and is succeeded by the insane Otto I whose uncle Luitpold becomes regent. First Indian National Congress meets. First Colonial Conference opens in London and Queen Victoria celebrates 50 years as queen. Lobengula, King of Matabele accepts British "protection" and grants Cecil Rhodes mining rights. Sarawak also becomes British protectorate. Behjamin Harrison elected President of the USA. Wilhelm II of germany becomes Emperor of Germany after the deaths of Wilhelm I and Frederick III in the same year. Bismark (picture above centre) is dismissed by Wilhelm II. Luxembourg is separated from the Netherlands. The crown prince of Austria and next in line to the throne; Archduke Rudolf (portrait C1875 above right) commits suicide at his hunting lodge at Mayerling. Britain exchanges Heligoland with Germany for Zanzibar and Pemba in east Africa. Born in this period - Charles De Gaulle, Dwight Eisenhower, V. M. Molotov, Chiang Kai-shek, David Ben Gurion, T.E. Lawrence. Canadian Pacific Railway is completed. Severn Tunnel open in England. English Lawn Tennis Association established. The language Esperanto devised by L.L. Zamenhof. The person known as "Jack the Ripper" murders women in London. The first ever beauty contest is held in Spa, Belgium. First May Day celebrations held in Paris. Punch card system created by H. Hollerith, based on that used by Jean Marie Jaquard in the 18th century to instruct mechanical looms to weave patterns into cloth. Global influenza epedemics take off. Daughters of the Revolution founded in Washington. First steel framed building erected in Chicago. Forth Bridge opened. Rubber gloves used for the first time in surgery at John Hopkins hospital, Baltimore. Edison and Swan combine to produce electric lamps. Kodak box camera perfected by George Eastman. Hydro-electric generators installed at Niagra Falls. 
Books published - Henry James, "The Bostonians"; R.L. Stevenson, "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" & "The Master of Ballantre"; Frances H. Burnett, "Little Lord Fauntleroy"; Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, "The Woman in Scarlet" (fisrt of the Sherlock Holmes novels); Oscar Wilde, "The Happy Prince and other Tales" & "The Portrait of Dorian Gray". Composers - John Stainer, "The Crucifixion"; Verdi, "Otello", Gilbert & Sullivan, "The Gondoliers", "Yeoman of the Guard", "Ruddigore"; Richard Strauss, "Don Juan"; Rimsky-Korsakov, "Sheherazade"; Cesar Franck, "Symphony in D"; Borodin, "Prince Igor"; Art - Statue of Liberty dedicated; Max Klinger, "Beethoven sculpture", Van Gogh, (self portraits above left) "The Yellow Chair", "Landscape with Cypress Trees"; Cezanne "The Card Players".
1895 -Triple alliance between Germany, Austria and Italy renewed until 1902. Wilhelm II (pictured on right) of Germany visits London. Young Turk movement formed in Geneva. Grover Cleveland elected President of the USA and Gladstone becomes Prime Minister of England. Entente Cordiale between France & Russia. Tito (1892 - 1980), Hermann Goering (1893 - 1946), George VI (1895 - 1952), Nikita Krushchev (1895 - 1971) and Halle Selassie (1892 - 1975) are born. Problems in Africa continue with Uganda becoming a British Protectorate, Britain and Germany agreeing over Cameroon, revolt in Matabele crushed by Starr Jameson and Bulawayo occupied. British South African Company territory south of the Zambezi taken over by Rhodesia. Swaziland annexed by Transvaal which in turn is invaded by Starr Jameson. Armenian massacre takes place in Turkey and Sultan Abdul Hamid II promises reforms. Japan and Korea launch an attack on China and defeat them at Port Arthur. China is defeated by Japan at Wei-hai-Wei and Formosa and Port Arthur ceded to Japan who return them to China in exchange for indemnity. With the conivance of Japan the Korean Queen is assasinated. Cuba fights Spain for independence. Italians defeated by Abyssinians at Amba Alagi. Widespread famine in Russia during 1891. Earthquake in Japan kills 10,000. Java Man discovered by Dutch anthropologist Eugene Dibois.Corinth canal in Greece opened (idea and first beginnings of such work occured nearly 2,000 years earlier) Committee to organize the modern olympics founded by Baron de Coubertin. (IOC) Safety razor invented by King C Gillette. Kiel Canal in Germany opened (an important requirement in the arming of Germany and access for its navy) Literature - Oscar wilde "Lady Windemere's Fan", Conan Doyle "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes", Ibsen "The Master Builder", George De Maurier "Trilby", Kipling "The Jungle Book", H.G. Wells "The Time Machine". Music - Gustav Mahler "Symphony No. 1". Rachmaninoff "Piano Concerto No. 1", Leoncavallo "I Pagliacci", Tchaikovsky "Nutcracker Ballet" "Symphony No. 6" "Swan Lake Ballet", Sibelius "Finlandia", Massenet the opera "Thais".
Art - Art Nouveau appears in Europe (pictured on left -poster, Laurel 1897), Aubrey Beardsley "drawings for Oscar Wilde's Salome", the painters Monet beginds his series of pictures on the Rouen Cathedral (1892 - 1895), Lautrec the Moulin Rouge painting & Degas "Femme a sa toilette" (Woman at her toilet). Science - Karl Benz constructs his 4 wheel car. Henry Ford builds his first car (1893). Louise Lumiere invents the cinematograph and with Auguste invent the motion-picture camera. Machine to liquefy air devised by C. von Linde. Yersin & Kitasato independently discover plague bacilus. Wilhelm Rontgen discovers X-rays.