On This Day

August 1840 in History

Events in History


UKBritain Abolishes the Slave Trade

Aug 1 Labourer slaves in most of the British Empire are emancipated

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'Am I Not a Man and a Brother?' emblem used by some abolitionists determined to end the slave trade in the British Empire
'Am I Not a Man and a Brother?' emblem used by some abolitionists determined to end the slave trade in the British Empire
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  • Aug 18 American Society of Dental Surgeons founded (NY)
  • Aug 18 French colony established in Akaroa, South Island of New Zealand
  • Aug 28 Nine Jewish prisoners are released from Damascus jails

Birthdays in History

  • Aug 14 Richard von Krafft-Ebing, Austro–German psychiatrist and author (Psychopathia Sexualis), born in Mannheim, Baden, Germany (d. 1902)
  • Aug 17 Wilfrid Scawen Blunt, England, writer (Irish Land League)
  • Aug 28 Alexander Cameron Sim, Scottish merchant, born in Aberlour, Scotland (d. 1900)

Deaths in History

  • Aug 18 Antony CW Staring, Dutch patriot/poet (Jaromir), dies at 73
  • Aug 25 Karl Leberecht Immermann, German writer, dies at 44
  • Aug 27 William Kneass, 3rd US chief engraver (1824-40), dies in office