1861
Serfs Emancipated in Russia
Alexander II, humiliated by defeat in the Crimea and convinced Russia could not modernize with forty million human chattels, freed the serfs by imperial decree.
Fort Sumter
Confederate batteries in Charleston harbor opened fire on the federal garrison at Fort Sumter.
Cixi Becomes Co-Regent
After the young Xianfeng Emperor died of illness in exile at Chengde, his concubine Cixi - mother of the new five-year-old emperor - joined with the senior…
Kingdom of Italy Proclaimed
In Turin, a parliament elected by the newly unified provinces declared Victor Emmanuel II king of Italy.
First Bull Run
A Union army marched out of Washington expecting a Sunday stroll to Richmond.
Texas Secedes
Texas became the seventh state to leave the Union, over the veto of its elderly governor Sam Houston, who refused to swear an oath to the Confederacy…
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Frequently asked
What happened in the year 1861?
Saeculum lists 6 events from 1861. The most significant is Serfs Emancipated in Russia: Alexander II, humiliated by defeat in the Crimea and convinced Russia could not modernize with forty million human chattels, freed the serfs by imperial decree.
What era was 1861 part of?
1861 falls within the Industrial Age (1801-1900). Steam, empire, and the unmaking of the old order.
Which regions saw notable events in 1861?
The events from 1861 span Europe, North America and East Asia.