The early 1800s proved to be an interesting time. This period experienced one of the earliest recorded instances of global climate change. In addition, the War of 1812 ended, Napoleon Bonaparte lost at Waterloo and Otto von Bismarck was born. The year 1816, in particular, stands out as being almost as tragic as 536 CE.
Known as the "Year Without a Summer," 1816 negatively impacted the entire world, from the most poverty-stricken farmer in China to Thomas Jefferson.
In 1815, Mount Tambora erupted, and its aftermath spurred droughts, crop failure, and endless winter.