In 1839, a significant event in the world of photography occurred with the invention of the first practical photographic process called daguerreotype. This method, developed by Louis Daguerre, allowed images to be captured on a metal plate, making photography more accessible and popular. This breakthrough marked the beginning of a new era in visual art and documentation.
Additionally, 1839 was notable for the First Anglo-Afghan War, which began when British forces invaded Afghanistan. This conflict aimed to secure British interests in India but led to a challenging and costly campaign. The war had lasting effects on British-Afghan relations and shaped future military strategies in the region.