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Alexandria Victoria was Born
On May 24, 1819 Alexandria Victoria was born in Kensington Palace, London to the Duke of Kent and the Princess of Saxe- Coburg-Gotha. Victoria was born because her family needed a new heir to England's throne. Shortly after her birth, her father died, and her three uncles had no legitimate children that had lived, therefore she became the new heir to the throne. However, no one would have expected her to reign for over 60 years (Royal.uk) ("Queen Victoria¨). -
She Becomes Queen
Victoria awoke to the news that King WIlliam IV had died. This meant that she had the throne. The next year, on June 20, 1827, Victoria (at age 18) was crowned Queen of England in Westminster Abbey in London. This ceremony was the start of Queen Victoria's 63 year long reign over England (Victorian-era.org) (Biography.com). -
Republic of Texas Declares Independence
On March 2, 1836 the Republic of Texas declared independence from Mexico. The Texans defeated the Mexicans and captured Santa Anna. The Mexican dictator had to recognize their freedom and Texas became the 28th state of the U.S.A. (History,com) (Grun, Bernard). -
The Bedchamber Crisis
On May 7, 1839 the Bedchamber crisis happened when Whig politician wanted to resign as Prime Minister of the U.K. Queen Victoria asked a former Prime Minister to form a new government, but he declined. She then invited Conservative leader Robert Peel to form that government. He realized this could potentially ruin his political career. Victoria refused a request Peel had made because she considered he ladies friends, not objects. -
The Bedchamber Crisis Continued
Peel then refused the title of Prime Minister, and Melbourne eventually was convinced to stay as Prime Minister (Historyhome.co.uk). -
Great Fire in New York
On September 21, 1839 the Great Fire struck New York City. The fire was said to have started in Fighting Cocks tavern in Whitehall. The fire consumed 400-500 buildings including businesses and homes. There were debates between who started it, and why. Many British authorities were questioned, but there was never any conclusive evidence (U-S-history.com). -
Marries Prince Albert
In 1840 Queen Victoria married Prince Albert Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, which happens to be her cousin. The two of them met when they were 16 and their uncle Leopold suggested that they should get married. Victoria was queen, which meant he couldn't propose to her, so she proposed to him. They were a happy couple and had 9 children together (Biography.com) ("Queen Victoria"). -
First Born Child
On November 24, 1840 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's first child, Princess Victoria Adelaide, was born. She grew up well educated and learned many different languages. Victoria Adelaide went on to marry the future emperor of Germany. His name was Friedrich Wilhelm of Prussia (Biography.com). -
First U.S. Patent on a Typewriter
On August 26, 1843 the first practical typewriter was patented. Inventor Charles Thurber described his machine as a new and useful machine which helps the blind, and is a good way to print by hand. He was the first to put paper on a roller and allow it to move horizontally for accurate spacing. The typewriter was the start of all typing technology (edn.com). -
First Iron Railroad Bridge Built
In 1844 Richard Osbourne built the first iron railroad bridge in Manayunk, Pennsylvania. He believed that iron could hold locomotives better than wood, so he constructed the bridge without using a stick of wood. His bridge was stable and was used all throughout the 20th century (Explorehistory.com). -
Regained Public Approval
It was believed that Albert and Victoria were pro- Russia, so they were very unpopular. However, they regained their public approval in 1853 when the British declared war on the Russians. The government was defeated on their conduct of the war and Palmerston formed a new administration. In 1856 Victoria admitted that she did admire Palmerston's success in winning the war (Biography.com). -
Albert Dies
On December 14, 1861, after suffering from stomach problems, Prince Albert passed away from typhoid fever at the age of 42. Victoria was devastated, wore black for her whole life, and slept with a plaster of his hand beside her. She went into seclusion for 25 years. Although she was grieving for a while, she refused to give up the throne or give any power to her son (Biography.com). -
Becomes Empress of India
Queen Victoria had an interest in imperial affairs and on January 1, 1877 the Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli pronounced her Empress of India. The Queen had wanted that title for a while, but Disraeli was hesitant. Victoria was very demanding, and he didn't want to disrespect her, so he accepted ("Victoria, Queen"). -
The Mirophone Was Invented
In 1878 David Hughes invented the microphone. Hughes’ used a piece of pine board or any resonant material to pick up the sound. Although Hughes called his invention the microphone, the version we know was based off of Edison's ideas. The microphone continued to develop and is still plays a huge role in our culture today (Grun, Bernard). -
The Golden Jubilee
In 1887 Queen Victoria had her Golden Jubilee, which meant that she reigned for 50 years now. This not only celebrated Queen Victoria, but also Great Britain as a global power. There was an enormous banquet at Buckingham Palace, and the following day there was plenty exciting public spectacles. There was a procession through London to Westminster with over 10,000 guests attending. The day after, there was another celebration with over 27,000 children in Hyde Park (Royal.uk). -
The Eiffel Tower Was Designed
In 1889 Paris held a World Fair and that is when Gustave Eiffel designed the world famous "Eiffel Tower." Though Eiffel takes the credit for this monument, it was actually a structural engineer named Maurice Koechlin, that came up with the idea. The Eiffel Tower still stands as a monument in remembrance of the French Revolution and is seen by over 7 million visitors a year (Grun, Bernard) (History.com). -
Queen Victoria Dies
On January 22, 1901, Queen Victoria passed away in the Osbourne House on the Isle of Wight, United Kingdom. Later on in her life her health was beginning to decline, but she continued to make a difference in England. When she eventually died from a hemorrhagic stroke, her son, Edward VII, ruled after her. She was buried in Windsor next to Prince Albert, in the Frogmore Royal Mausoleum. She will be forever remembered as one of the greatest rulers of Great Britain (History.com) (Royal.uk).
