WHAT ALL HAPPENED AUGUST TO DECEMBER 1879
Find out what all happened August to December 1879

Germany and Austria-Hungary sign the "Twofold Covenant" and create the Dual Alliance. (7. October 1879)

The Virgin Mary, along with St. Joseph and St. John the Evangelist, reportedly appears at Knock Shrine in Knock, County Mayo, Ireland. (21. August 1879)

Tay Bridge disaster: The central part of the Tay Rail Bridge in Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom collapses as a train passes over it, killing 75. (28. December 1879)

The Blackpool Illuminations are switched on for the first time. (19. September 1879)

War of the Pacific: the Chilean Navy defeats the Peruvian Navy in the Battle of Angamos, Peruvian Admiral Miguel Grau is killed in the encounter. (8. October 1879)

Using a filament of carbonized thread, Thomas Edison tests the first practical electric incandescent light bulb (it lasted 13½ hours before burning out). (22. October 1879)

Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time, in Menlo Park, New Jersey. (31. December 1879)

World première of Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark. (21. December 1879)

The opening of the Poor Man's Palace in Manchester, England. (7. August 1879)

Cetshwayo, last king of the Zulus, is captured by the British. (28. August 1879)