In 1845, the United States experienced significant events, including the publication of The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe, which marked a pivotal moment in American literature. This year also saw the beginning of the Irish Potato Famine, leading to mass emigration from Ireland to America and other countries. Additionally, 1845 was the year when Texas was officially annexed by the United States, becoming the 28th state. This annexation heightened tensions with Mexico, eventually contributing to the outbreak of the Mexican-American War in 1846.