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Claude Monet is Born
Claude Monet was born on November 14, 1840 in Paris, France. His parents were Adolphe Monet and Louise Justine Aubree. Monet was a second child and his brother, Leon, was born four years prior. (Claude Monet 1840-1926 pg. 186). -
Paris Revolution of 1848
Economical issues led groups of leftists in France to revolt. They wanted social reforms and a democratic form of government, so they invaded the Chamber of Deputies and proclaimed a republic. Improvements in employment and suffrage were made. Many voted in the next election but were still unsatisfied, and the revolution continued. This is significant because it led to important reforms regarding employment and economics in France. (Great Events from History: The 19th Century Vol. II pg 773). -
Chinese Begin Immigrating to California
During the 1849 gold rush, many Chinese people emigrated to California in search of opportunity for a prosperous life. Many were young and lacked skill but were diligent and ended up making a profit. Many successful Chinese people started their own businesses. More than 25,000 Chinese resided in California by 1852. This is significant because their hard work helped the economy and led to the "melting pot" of cultures in America today. (Great Events From History: The 19th Century Vol. II pg 793) -
Monet Moves to Paris
Eugene Boudin, who was Monet's art teacher, had gotten a grant to work in Paris. Claude's father decided to apply for Claude to get a grant as well. It was denied, but Monet moved to Paris anyway, using money he made drawing caricatures on the streets. Claude had watched Boudin paint and this inspired him to create paintings rather than caricatures. He set off on his own to the French capital in 1858. This event led him to pursue his dream of becoming a painter. (Claude Monet pgs. 8, 9, 12, 15). -
Monet Joins the Military
When Monet was around 20 years old, he received a low number in the lottery for the military draft and was faced with seven years of duty. His family refused to pay the 2,500 francs for replacement unless he completely gave up painting. Rather than abandoning his dream, Monet enlisted in the elite first regiment of the African Cavalry. This is important because the landscape of Algeria, where his barracks were, inspired and prepared him to pursue impressionism. (Claude Monet 1840-1926 pg 188). -
Russian Serfs are Emancipated
Serfdom was a system that said peasants belonged to the land they worked on. Due to Enlightenment thinking, Alexander II realized serfdom wouldn't benefit industrialization. He knew reforms were necessary so an emancipation decree was signed in 1861. Serfs weren't completely free, though, as they owed redemption payments for 49 years and weren't considered legal beings. This is important because it led to the modernization of Russia. (Great Events From History: The 19th Century Vol II pg 1026) -
Transcontinental Telegraph is Completed
In 1836, Samuel Morse introduced the telegraph. The longest line at the time was 40 miles long. The importance of telegraphs in the western U.S. wasn't recognized until the late 1850s and in 1860, the Pacific Telegraph Act granted $40k to build a telegraph from Missouri to California. It was completed in Salt Lake City in 1861. This is significant because the invention of this telegraph revolutionized long-distance communication. (Great Events From History: The 19th Century Vol. II pg 1048) -
The Salon Accepts Monet's Work
After a decade of limited success, Claude's parents told him he either needed to make money or keep studying. Monet decided to submit two seascapes to the Salon of 1865, an art exhibition. Both were accepted and highly praised. He was successful but critics said that his pictured looked unfinished since they lacked the smooth brushstrokes that were popular, but he kept his own style. This is important because it was his first big success and the start of his career. (Claude Monet pgs 28-29) -
Monet's Rejection Fuels His Motivation
A handful of Monet's works had been accepted by the Salon but in 1866, a large and ambitious painting called "Women in the Garden" was rejected. This failure inspired Monet to stray from the Salon and join other Impressionist painters to create their own exhibition. Soon after, Monet painted "Impression, Sunrise" which is associated with the beginning of Impressionism. This is significant because his rejections inspired him to become more independent and pursue Impressionism. (www.metmuseum.org) -
Civil Rights Act of 1866 is Passed
Following the Civil War, the U.S. government felt that freed slaves were owed a debt. During this time, Black people were subjected to racism by both the KKK and unjust laws. The Civil Rights Act was passed, which was the first set of laws that protected the rights of Black people. They were granted citizenship and other essential rights. This is important because this was the first step in creating racial equality in America. (Great Events From History: The 19th Century Vol. III pg 1175) -
Monet Begins Impressionism
In October of 1869, Impressionism was born as Monet and other artists began to adopt this style. Monet painted three landscapes depicting a popular Parisian boating and bathing site. His paintings show a moment of daily life created with bright colors, small brushstrokes, and persuasive light. While Monet studied his composition intently, the final effect seemed spontaneous and free. This is important because it was the beginning of a revolutionary art style. (Monet: Impressions of Light pg. 30) -
Monet Moves to Argenteuil
After his travels to London, Le Havre, and the Netherlands, Monet rented a house at Argenteuil which is on the Seine river. This point in his life marked the height of Impressionist movement. While he lived at Argenteuil,He worked to organize an exhibition private from the Salon and it was filled with impressionist work including his renowned painting, "Impression: Sunrise". This is important because he painted many of his most famous paintings while he lived at Argenteuil. (www.britannica.com). -
Impressionist Exhibition is Formed
At this time, the Salon primarily valued Romanticism. Monet and his friends created their own salon to protest, called the Impressionist Exhibition. They displayed work by artists who were pioneers in Impressionism. They portrayed life in a spontaneous way rather than in a very precise style. Their paintings responded to the modernization of Paris and the rapidly-changing way of life in the 1870s. This is important because it was crucial to the acceptance of Impressionism. (www.theartstory.org) -
First Practical Automobile is Invented
The creation of railroads sparked ideas for a self-propelling vehicle. Inventors used steam engines to try to achieve this goal but faced problems with size and practicality. The Otto engine was created as an alternative and was used by mechanical engineer Carl Benz. He built a gas engine and had a prototype by 1885. He patented his automobile in early 1886. This is important because today, most cars are based off this design. (Great Events From History: The 19th Century Vol. III pg 1640) -
Monet Builds a Water-Lily Garden
In 1893, Monet began one of his last projects. He purchased a strip of marshland and set off to build his garden. Willows, iris, and bamboo began to grow around a pond filled with water lilies, laying under a Japanese bridge, His garden was a work of art in itself and for nearly 30 years, Monet meditated and painted in it. This is important because many of his most legendary works showcase scenes from this garden, like the pond with its lilies, blossoms, and the bridge. (www.britannica.com) -
Monet Dies
At age 86, Claude Monet dies on December 5, 1926. At this time, Monet was bedridden and suffering from a lung tumor. He died at around 1pm and was buried three days later in the Giverny cemetery. His funeral, while he hoped for it to be small, drew quite a crowd and was covered by the press. (Claude Monet 1840-1926 pg 256).
