1. American Civil War Begins (February): The American Civil War officially commenced with the Battle of Fort Sumter in South Carolina. Confederate forces besieged the Union-controlled fort, initiating the four-year conflict between Northern and Southern states over slavery, federal authority, and states' rights.
2. Abraham Lincoln's Inauguration (March): Abraham Lincoln was sworn in as the 16th President of the United States. His inauguration address attempted to reconcile the divided nation, but his stand against the expansion of slavery further aggravated tensions between the North and the South.
3. Virginia Secedes and Battle of Bull Run (April-July): Virginia seceded from the Union, and the first major battle of the Civil War occurred – the First Battle of Bull Run (also known as the Battle of Manassas) in Virginia. The Confederate army achieved victory in this initial engagement.
4. Emancipation of the Serfs in Russia (March): Tsar Alexander II of Russia issued the Emancipation Manifesto, freeing millions of serfs in a significant social and economic reform that abolished the feudal serfdom system.
5. United Italy Declared (March): The Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed with Victor Emmanuel II as its king. This event marked a key turning point in Italian history, as much of the country was unified under a single nation-state.
6. Japan Signs Unequal Treaties (July-August): The Tokugawa Shogunate of Japan signed a series of unequal treaties with Western powers, including the United States, Britain, France, and Russia. These agreements imposed unfair trade conditions and extraterritorial rights on Japan.
7. Crimean War Ends (March): The Crimean War between the Russian Empire and the coalition forces of the Ottoman Empire, France, Britain, and Sardinia came to an end. The war had significant geopolitical consequences, reshaping alliances in Europe.
8. Birth of Alexander Graham Bell (March 3): The influential scientist and inventor Alexander Graham Bell was born in Scotland. He later became known for his groundbreaking contributions, particularly in developing the telephone.
9. Gold Rush in Colorado (July-December): The Pike's Peak Gold Rush in the newly established Colorado Territory drew thousands of prospectors and settlers, leading to the rapid growth and development of the region.
10. Death of Prince Albert (December 14): Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, passed away at the age of 42. His influence on royal and political matters had a lasting impact on the British monarchy and public life in Britain.