While Texans Were Declaring Independence, What Else Was Happening?
On March 2, 1836, delegates from across Texas gathered in Convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos to consider the question of independence from Mexico. After several days of deliberation, the delegates unanimously adopted the Texas Declaration of Independence. But what was happening elsewhere in the world at the same time? Let's take a look.
Across the Atlantic:
The Victorian Era Begins: In England, Queen Victoria ascended to the throne on June 20, 1837, marking the beginning of the Victorian era. This era was characterized by significant social, economic, and cultural changes, including the Industrial Revolution, the expansion of the British Empire, and the rise of the middle class.
The Great Reform Act: In 1832, the British Parliament passed the Great Reform Act, which expanded voting rights to more men. This was a significant step towards democracy, but it was still far from universal suffrage.
In Europe:
The July Revolution: In France, the July Revolution of 1830 ousted King Charles X and installed Louis-Philippe, Duke of Orléans, as king. This revolution was inspired by the American and French Revolutions, and it marked a significant shift in French politics.
The Belgian Revolution: In 1830, the Belgian Revolution led to the independence of Belgium from the Netherlands. This was a peaceful revolution, and it was recognized by the major European powers.
On the Other Side of the World:
The First Opium War: In China, the First Opium War (1839-1842) was raging between the Qing Dynasty and Great Britain. This war was sparked by Britain's desire to continue importing opium into China, despite the Chinese government's efforts to ban it. The war ended with a British victory and the signing of the Treaty of Nanking, which forced China to open its ports to foreign trade.
The Great Trek: In South Africa, the Great Trek of the 1830s saw thousands of Dutch settlers (Boers) move north to escape British rule. This migration led to the establishment of the Boer republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State.
Closer to Home:
The Second Seminole War: In Florida, the Second Seminole War (1835-1842) was being fought between the United States and the Seminole Indians. This war was sparked by the U.S. government's efforts to remove the Seminoles from their land. The war ended with a U.S. victory and the forced relocation of the Seminoles to Indian Territory.
The Mexican-American War: In 1846, the Mexican-American War broke out over a dispute about the border between Texas and Mexico. This war ended with a U.S. victory and the annexation of vast territories of Mexican land, including California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma.
As you can see, the world was a busy place in 1836. While Texans were declaring their independence, a number of other significant events were taking place around the globe. These events would have a profound impact on the course of history.
In addition to the events mentioned above, here are a few other things that were happening at the same time:
- The first postage stamp was issued in Great Britain.
- The first passenger railroad in the United States began operating between Baltimore and Manchester, Maryland.
- Charles Darwin published his book "On the Origin of Species."
- The American Civil War began.
- The French Revolution began.
- The Second World War began.
I hope you enjoyed this little trip through time. It is always interesting to see how different events are connected to one another.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.