1640s

The 1640s was a decade that started on 1 January 1640 and ended on 31 December 1649. It is distinct from the decade known as the 165th decade which began on January 1, 1641 and ended on December 31, 1650.

Millennium:	2nd millennium
Centuries:	16th century – 17th century – 18th century
Decades:	1610s 1620s 1630s – 1640s – 1650s 1660s 1670s
Years:	1640 1641 1642 1643 1644 1645 1646 1647 1648 1649
Categories:	Births – Deaths – Architecture Establishments – Disestablishments

Events

• The Qing dynasty begins in China.
• Europeans reach New Zealand and Tasmania.
• The English Civil War.

Births

• William Penn, English Quaker

Deaths

• Galileo Galilei, Italian writer and scientist

World leaders

• King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway (1588–1648).
• King Frederick III of Denmark (1648–1670).
• King Charles I of England, Scotland and Ireland (1625–1649).
• King Louis XIII of France (1610–1643).
• Cardinal Richelieu, chief minister of France (1624–1642).
• Cardinal Mazarin, chief minister of France (1642–1661).
• Anne of Austria, Queen Dowager and Regent of France (1643–1651).
• King Louis XIV of France (1643–1715).
• Ferdinand III, Holy Roman Emperor (1637–1657).
• Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Overijssel and Gelderland (1625–1647).
• William II, Prince of Orange, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Overijssel and Gelderland (1647–1650).
• Pope Urban VIII (1623–1644).
• Pope Innocent X (1644–1655).
• King John IV of Portugal (1640–1656).
• King Philip IV of Spain (1621–1665).
• Queen Christina of Sweden (1632–1654).