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Born
Born to Robert Waring Darwin and Susannah Wedgwood in Shrewsbury, England. -
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Life
73 years -
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Studied at Anglican Shrewsbury School
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Studied at Edinburgh University
His father sent him here to study medicine. Darwin hated the study of medicine, but learned a lot from his open minded classmates. -
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Studied at Christ's College, Cambridge
Placed 10th in the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1831. -
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Voyage of the HMS Beagle
22 year old Darwin sailed from England to Tierra Del Fuego, South America, with Captain Robert Fitzroy. https://youtu.be/Wt259ktOP70 -
Married
Wed to Emma Wedgwood, his cousin. -
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Writes Theory of Natural Selection
Darwin writes his theories with no intention of them being published while he's alive, most likely due to societal backlash and Christian beliefs. -
Earned Royal Society's Royal Medal
For his research on barnacles from 1846-54. This award is given for the most important contributions to the natural knowledge. -
Begins writing "Natural Selection"
After speaking with biologist Thomas Huxley and botanist Joseph Hooker, Darwin begins writing his theories on Natural Selection.
https://youtu.be/w56u2gv8XLs -
First public presentation of Natural Selection
Darwin's friend Thomas Huxley presents his theory for him. Charles missed this important event due to grieving the loss of his son. -
On the Origin of Species
At 50 years old Darwin published "On the Origin of Species by means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life", an abstract of Natural Selection. Darwin, Charles. On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, Or, the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. London: J. Murray, 1859. Print. -
Earned Royal Society's Copley Medal
The most prestigious scientific award in the United Kingdom, given annually by the Royal Society of London. Given to Darwin for his discoveries in geology, zoology, and botanical physiology. -
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Autobiography
Darwin writes his autobiography, intended for his family to read. The Autobiography of Charles Darwin, 1809-1882: With Original Omissions Restored. New York: Norton, 1969. Print. -
Death
After years of suffering stomach sickness and angina, March 1882 had a seizure. One month later Darwin passes at 73 from a heart attack. He was buried at the Westminster Abbey on April 26th.
