Timeline January 1881

Events in January 1881 3

• 1805 – 1881 Auguste Blanqui (1805-1881) Died 1 January 1881, aged 75 French revolutionary socialist and political agitator who spent roughly half his adult life imprisoned for insurrectionary activity. His name gave rise to the term Blanquism, denoting revolution led by a small conspiratorial elite. He died in Paris shortly after his final release from custody.
• 1881 Construction begins on the Panama Canal French company starts digging the interoceanic canal The Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interocéanique, led by Ferdinand de Lesseps, began excavation work on a sea-level canal across the Isthmus of Panama. Disease and engineering setbacks would eventually bankrupt the French effort. The canal was later completed by the United States and opened in 1914.
• 1881 Chilean forces occupy Lima War of the Pacific reaches the Peruvian capital Chilean troops entered and occupied Lima after defeating Peruvian defenders at the battles of Chorrillos and Miraflores. The occupation lasted for the remainder of the War of the Pacific. Peru's government was forced into the interior, and the war ultimately cost Peru and Bolivia significant territory.