1840s

Centuries:
18th century - 19th century - 20th century
Decades:
1810s 1820s 1830s - 1840s - 1850s 1860s 1870s
Years:
1840 1841 1842 1843 1844 1845 1846 1847 1848 1849

Events and Trends

First signing of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) on February 6, 1840 at Waitangi New Zealand. The treaty between the British Crown and Maori made New Zealand a British Colony and is considered the founding point of modern New Zealand.
Mexican-American War (1846 - 1848) fought between Mexico and the United States of America. The latter emerges victorious and gains undisputed control over Texas while annexing portions of Arizona, California and New Mexico.
Wave of revolutions in Europe. Collectively known as the Revolution of 1848.

Introduction of the Postage stamp. The first of them is Penny Black, issued by the United Kingdom on May 1, 1840.