1. Indian Rebellion: The Indian Rebellion, also known as the Sepoy Mutiny, erupted on May 10, 1857, in Meerut, India. It was a major uprising against British rule, primarily driven by Indian soldiers (sepoys) who were dissatisfied with the treatment they received from the British East India Company. The rebellion spread across various parts of India, leading to violent conflicts and the deaths of thousands of people.
2. Establishment of the Colony of British Columbia: The Crown Colony of British Columbia was officially proclaimed on August 2, 1858 (dated 1857), following a series of negotiations between the British government and the Hudson's Bay Company. It encompassed the mainland part of present-day British Columbia in Canada.
3. Construction of the Telegraph: In October 1857, the first transatlantic telegraph cable was completed, enabling the transmission of telegraph signals between Europe and North America. This marked a significant milestone in communication, allowing faster communication across the Atlantic Ocean.
4. Economic Panic in the United States: The Panic of 1857 was a financial crisis that occurred in the United States, leading to a severe drop in economic activity and widespread unemployment. The crisis was triggered by a combination of factors, including a banking crisis, overspeculation in the railroad industry, and a decline in agricultural prices.
5. Publication of "Madame Bovary: French author Gustave Flaubert's novel "Madame Bovary" was published in 1857. The novel tells the story of the dissatisfied wife of a provincial doctor and her pursuit of love and social status. It was met with controversy due to its realistic depiction of adultery and criticism of provincial life, but is now considered one of the greatest novels in French literature.
6. Birth of Thomas Edison: Thomas Alva Edison, the renowned inventor and businessman, was born on February 11, 1857, in Milan, Ohio, United States. Edison would later make significant contributions to the development of electricity and numerous technological advancements.