In France, a plebiscite orchestrated by president Louis Napoleon Bonaparte confirms popular support for the restoration of the French empire. (By Brian Bockelman)

In southeast Asia, Great Britain and Burma go to war following an unresolved trade dispute. (By Brian Bockelman)

Supported by Brazil, Uruguay, Great Britain, and France, the Argentine rebel forces of Justo José de Urquiza oust dictator Juan Manuel de Rosas at the Battle of Caseros, ending more than two decades of authoritarian government in the fledgling Argentine nation. (By Brian Bockelman)

Argentine statesman Juan Bautista Alberdi publishes Foundations and Points of Departure for the Political Organization of the Argentine Republic, a proposal for a new Argentine constitution based heavily on the Constitution of the United States. (By Brian Bockelman)

Justo José de Urquiza, the de facto president of Argentina, signed an agreement with France, England, and the United States opening up the Paraná River to free navigation and trade. (By Brian Bockelman)