Oxford University – All Souls Quad
As the glossary has run its course, I have decided to embark on a new listing – one of a “steampunk” historical timeline to provide a bit of background to the genre of what “really happened”. It will consist of events from 1830 to about 1900, so starting at the begining…
1830 George IV dies and is succeeded by his brother William IV
1831 Belgium gains independence form the Netherlands under King Leopold I
Charles Darwin leaves England on the HMS Beagle
1832 Charles Babbage publishes The Economy of Machines and Manufactures, calling for the integration of research, invention, and industry.
1833 Slavery is abolished in the British Empire
Whiliam Whewell coins the term “scientist”
1834 The German states form the Zollverein, or “free trade area”
The Spanish Inquisition is abolished
Charles Babbage develops plans for his Analytical Engine
1835 Texas gains independence from Mexico
Samuel Colt patents the first revolver
1836 The Chartist movement in Great Britain demands universal suffrage (for men, of course)
Boers in South Africa begin the “Great Trek” across the Orange River. The found Natal, the Orange Free State, and the Transvaal as independent states.
1837 William IV dies, ending the personal union of Great Britain and Hanover, and is succeeded in Great Britian by Victoria, crowned in 1838.
1839 to 1842 The First Opium War: Britain forces China to accept the opium trade and gains possession of Hong Kong.
1839 J.L. Stephens begins excavation of the ancient Mayan city of Copan
Charles Goodyear develops vulcanized rubber.
1840 Victoria marries Albert of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha
