Fearing Persian ambitions in northern India, Great Britain and Afghanistan sign a treaty of alliance known as the Treaty of Peshawar. (By Brian Bockelman)

Great Britain grants limited self-government to its Australian colonies, with the exception of the Western outback. (By Brian Bockelman)

The New York-based Panama Railroad Company began offering railway service across the isthmus of Panama, cutting transportation costs for goods traded between the East and West coasts of the United States. (By John Osborne)

Spanish Prime Minister Enrique O'Donnell attempts to restore his country's liberal constitution. A month later, he is dismissed from his post and the constitution (first enacted in 1845) is once again suspended. (By Brian Bockelman)

The Austrian Empire passes an amnesty law that absolves Hungarian nationalists for their activities eight years before during the revolutions of 1848-49. (By Brian Bockelman)

The United States recognizes the Nicaraguan government of Patricio Rivas, suggesting its tacit approval of William Walker and the American soldiers of fortune who helped bring Rivas to power. (By Brian Bockelman)

European powers signed the Declaration of Paris, which called for the abolition of contraband trade worldwide and declared the right of neutral ships to operate freely during wartime.  The United States later objected to the terms of the declaration, saying they favor large countries over small ones. (By Brian Bockelman)

The Ottoman Empire issues the Reform Edict, which promotes religious freedom and promises protection for Christian subjects in Turkish territories. (By Brian Bockelman)