1. Texas Annexation: The United States annexed the Republic of Texas, adding it as the 28th state of the Union. This action led to tensions with Mexico and contributed to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846.
2. Irish Potato Famine: The Great Famine in Ireland began, caused by a fungus that destroyed potato crops. The famine resulted in widespread poverty, starvation, and emigration from Ireland.
3. Publication of "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass": Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, published his famous autobiography, "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave." The book became an influential work in the abolitionist movement, shedding light on the harsh realities of slavery.
4. Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels: Marx and Engels published "The Holy Family," a book presenting their philosophical and political ideas. They also began collaborating on what would later become "The Communist Manifesto."
5. Jane Eyre Publication: Charlotte Brontë published her renowned novel "Jane Eyre" under the pen name "Currer Bell." The book gained critical and popular acclaim, becoming a classic of English literature.
6. Electromagnetic Induction: Michael Faraday made groundbreaking discoveries related to electromagnetic induction, paving the way for the development of electric motors, generators, and transformers.
7. French Socialist Movement: The French socialist movement gained momentum with the publication of "The Philosophy of Misery" by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, influencing political thought and social movements in Europe.
8. U.S. Immigration Policy Changes: The United States implemented new immigration policies, including laws that imposed restrictions on immigration from China.
These events occurring simultaneously with the publication of "The Raven" offer a glimpse into the diverse historical and cultural landscape of 1845.