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.

 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).