In 1840, the world was experiencing significant changes, especially in the realms of technology and society. This year marked the beginning of the Penny Black, the world's first adhesive postage stamp, which revolutionized mail delivery. The stamp made sending letters more accessible and affordable, changing how people communicated across distances. In the United States, 1840 was also notable for the growing movement toward westward expansion. Many settlers were drawn to the promise of new land and opportunities, leading to the idea of Manifest Destiny, which held that Americans were destined to expand across the continent. This period set the stage for significant developments in American history.