Crown Prince
Becomes Crown Prince of Prussia when William I becomes king.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1861 in Germany
Explore 25 historical events and records for Germany in 1861.
Historical records for Germany in 1861
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 25 of 25 unique records.
25Unique records
1 of 1Page
24Named events on this page
9Named people on this page
3Places on this page
January
Death of Ludwig Friedrich Leopold von Gerlach
Death of Ludwig Friedrich Leopold von Gerlach
June
Birth of Maximilian Johannes Hubert von Spee
Birth of Maximilian Johannes Hubert von Spee
October
The American Question in England
Publishes an article examining British political attitudes toward the developing American Civil War.
The North American Civil War
Publishes an analysis of the causes and political character of the American Civil War.
November
The Civil War in the United States
Publishes a further article analysing military and political developments in the American Civil War.
The Dismissal of Fremont
Publishes an article on the dismissal of Union General John C. Fremont.
December
The Trent Case
Publishes an article analysing the diplomatic crisis created by the Trent affair.
The Anglo-American Conflict
Publishes an article assessing the danger of conflict between Britain and the United States.
Controversy Over the Trent Case
Publishes a further analysis of the international controversy surrounding the Trent affair.
The Crisis Over the Slavery Issue
Publishes an article examining slavery as the central political issue of the American conflict.
News from America
Publishes an article reviewing political and military news from the United States.
The Progress of Feelings in England
Publishes an article examining changing British public opinion toward the American Civil War.
Newspapers and the Opinion of the People
Publishes an article contrasting newspaper positions with wider public opinion on the American crisis.
Other events (month unknown)
American Civil War Articles
Marx and Engels analyse the American Civil War for European and American newspapers.
General
Appointed General of the Cavalry
Ministry of Marine
Placed in chharge of the Ministry of Marine
Progressive Party
Helps found the Progressive Party
Prussian Citizenship Application
Marx unsuccessfully applies to regain Prussian citizenship.
Reform of Armed Forces
Supported by Edwin von Manteuffel and the new Prussian Chief of Staff Helmuth von Moltke, Roon draws up plans to adapt Scharnhorsts system to Prussia's altered circumstances. Proposes an increase in universal military service to three years, with new regiments raised and a reduced role for the reserve (Landwehr), requires years of political fighting and the strong support of the new Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck and Moltke
Reform of Armed Forces
Supported by Edwin von Manteuffel and the new Prussian Chief of Staff Helmuth von Moltke, Roon draws up plans to adapt Scharnhorsts system to Prussia's altered circumstances. Proposes an increase in universal military service to three years, with new regiments raised and a reduced role for the reserve (Landwehr), requires years of political fighting and the strong support of the new Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck and Moltke
Speed of Light
Maxwell proposes a theory which links the speed of light to the electromagnetic field
Theories of Surplus Value
Marx begins manuscripts tracing earlier economic theories of surplus value.
Visit to Germany
Marx visits Germany seeking financial support and discussing publishing plans with Ferdinand Lassalle.
William First Accession in Prussia
William I became king of Prussia, initiating a new stage of arguments about military organisation and constitutional power.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.