1879:
* The Anglo-Zulu War begins. Napoléon IV (great-nephew of Napoléon Bonaparte and pretender to the French throne) is killed in this war.
* Albert Einstein is born.
* The Kingdom of Ryuukyuu is annexed by Japan, becoming the Prefecture of Okinawa. Ryuukyuu's last king, Shoutai, is exiled to Tokyo and stripped of his royal title, however is granted the title of marquis in compensation.
* Ned Kelly writes the Jerilderie Letter.
* The Torres Strait Islands are annexed by the British colony of Queensland, Australia.
* Thomas Edison invents the first practical light bulb.