1879 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawWomen’s Firsts: Belva Ann Lockwood (1830-1917) becomes the first woman admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court.PoliticsIrish nationalist Michael Davitt (1846-1906) founds the Irish Land League to resist absentee landlords and fight for a more equitable distribution of land in Ireland and independence from Britain.PoliticsPrime Minister Otto von Bismarck (1862-1890) engineers an Austro-German alliance in which either side will offer the other aid in the event of an attack from Russia. It's one of a series of alliances that prefigure the battle lines of World War I.GovernmentImmigration: A bill to restrict Chinese immigration is vetoed by President Hayes (1822-1893). GovernmentPresident Hayes (1822-1893) tries to reform the Civil Service, and to settle the question of Indian lands; large numbers of native Americans visit with him in Washington to argue their need for justice.GovernmentNational Capital: Electric lighting is installed in the Capitol building.WarThe Zulu War: The Zulu War begins between the British of the Cape Colony and the natives of Zululand. | ScienceThe discovery of saccharin is reported.ScienceRussian pathologist demonstrates by using dogs that the stomach will produce gastric juices even if there is no food, suggeting that reflexes are learned and conditioned, not natural, and that people can be taught to respond to anything.MedicineWomen's Firsts: Mary Mahoney(1845-1926) becomes the first black professional nurse in the U.S.InventionsThomas Edison (1847-1931) invents a workable electric light at his laboratory in Menlo Park, New Jersey.TechnologyAn internal combustion engine is used to power a "horseless carriage" by George Selden (1846-1922).TechnologyThomas Edison (1847-1931) gives the first public demonstration of an eletric incandescent lamp in Menlo Park, New Jeresy. | EducationWomen's Colleges: The first class at what was to become Radcliffe College, then called "The Society for the Collegiate Instruction of Women," begins.EducationAmerican educator Anna Hallowell(1831-1905) establishes free kindergartens in poor neighborhoods in Philadelphia.EducationNative Americans: Indian Education: The Carlisle Indian School is founded in Pennsylvania, in an aggressive U.S. government campaign to "civilize" Indian children.Arts and LettersLiterature: Among Henry James' (1843-1916) masterpieces is "Daisy Miller," in which the young and innocent American, Daisy, finds her values in conflict with European sophistication.Arts and LettersLiterature: Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881) writes "The Brothers Karamzov."Arts and LettersOpera: "Evgeny Onegin," or "Eugene Onegin," best known opera by Russian composer Tchaikovsky (1840-1893), receives its first performance at the Maily Theater in Moscow.Arts and LettersDrama: Henrik Ibsen's (1828-1906) modern classic about the erosion of traditional domestic roles, "A Doll's House," is performed for the first time in Copenhagen.Arts and Letters"The Pirates of Penzance"(or "The Slave of Duty"), an operetta by Gilbert and Sullivan, has its first performance in New York City.IdeasAmerican economist Henry George (1839-1897) writes "Progress and Poverty," in which he observes increasing economic inequality in the United States. | Taylor, MargaretRichard Taylor (1826-1879), son of Zachary and Margaret Taylor, dies April 12.Johnson, ElizaAndrew Johnson Jr. (1852-1879), son of Andrew and Eliza Johnson, dies March 12. Coolidge, GraceGrace Anna Goodhue Coolidge (1879-1957), wife of Calvin Coolidge, is born in Burlignton, Vermont on January 3. | EconomicsThe first five-and-dime store is founded by Frank Woolworth (1852-1919) in Utica, New York; it later moves to Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the same year.Daily LifeNewspapers: Henry Grady (1850-1889) takes over the "Atlanta Constitution," in the pages of which he begins to exhort the South to attract northern capital and transform itself into a modern industrial region--to little avail.Daily LifeElectric arc lamps are installed on the streets of Cleveland, Ohio, by Charles Brush (1849-1929). | Sports The first major skiing contest occurs in Norway.Popular CultureAnnie Oakley (1860-1926) defeats Frank Butler in a shooting match; they later marry and tour the country in Wild West shows. | ReligionSt. Patrick's Cathedral opens in New York after twenty-six years of work.ReligionWomen’s Firsts: Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910) establishes the Church of Christ, Scientist, becoming the first woman to found a major religion, Christian Science. Social IssuesImmigration: California adopts a new constitution which, in part, prohibits the employment of Chinese workers.Social IssuesRacism: With federal Reconstruction over and national troops out of the South, political repression of southern blacks starts to intensify.ReformTemperance Movement: Frances Willard (1839-1898) becomes president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, campaigning also for women's rights with the motto, "Do Everything." |
1880 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCivil Rights Movement: The Supreme Court rules that the exclusion of Blacks from jury duty is unconstitutional.PoliticsJames A. Garfield (1831-1881) beats President Ulysses Grant (1822-1885) in a hotly contested election and becomes the 20th President of the U.S.; Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886) is elected as the 20th Vice President. | MedicineThe parasite that causes malaria is discovered.MedicineRubber gloves are introduced in hospital operating rooms after nurse Caroline Hampton developed a skin allergy to the antiseptic solutions used; when postoperative infections dropped dramatically, such gloves became part of the surgical team’s standard uniform.InventionsThomas Edison (1847-1931) is granted a patent for his incandescent light. InventionsThe British Perforated Paper Company invents a form of toilet paper. InventionsEnglishman, John Milne (1850-1913) invents the modern seismograph. TechnologyAirplanes: Otto Lilienthal (1848-1896), Germany, begins to test cambered wing surfaces and measures their lifting capability.TechnologyThe first large furnace for making steel is developed by Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919).TechnologyThe first wireless telephone message is sent by Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) through a “photophone,” a devise that transmits sound on a beam of light. | EducationLibraries: The initial funding of buildings for public libraries is begun by Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919).EducationPublic Education: Kindergarten is incorporated into the Chicago public school system. Arts and LettersLiterature: Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821-1881) publishes "The Brothers Karamazov," a year before he dies. Arts and LettersLiterature: Lew Wallace (1827-1905) writes "Ben Hur."Arts and LettersSculpture: Rodin’s (1840-1917) sculpture, “The Thinker,” is exhibited in model form.Arts and LettersGilbert and Sullivan produce "The Pirates of Penzance" in London. It runs for over 300 performances. | Garfield, LucretiaLucretia Rudolph Garfield (1832-1918) is the first President's wife to be kissed by her husband at his inauguration. Arthur, EllenEllen Lewis Herndon Arthur (1837-1880), wife of Chester A. Arthur (1830-1886), dies of pneumonia on January 10, ten months before her husband is elected as Vice President of the United States.Hayes, LucyLucy Hayes (1831-1889) accepts the national presidency of the Woman’s Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Church, a group that helps poor women and children.Hayes, LucyLucy Hayes (1831-1889) and Rutherford (1822-1893) spend 72 days touring the west, the first such trip by a sitting President.Lincoln, MaryMary Todd Lincoln (1818-1882) returns to the United States in 1880 and again goes to the Edwards' home in Springfield to live. She is slowly going blind. Harrison, CarolineBenjamin Harrison (1831-1901) is elected to the U.S. Senate from Indiana. He and Caroline Harrison (1832-1892) move to Washington, DC.Harding, FlorenceEugene Marshall "Pete" DeWolfe (1880-1915), son of Warren and Florence Harding, is born September 22. | EconomicsThe De Beers Mining Corp. is founded by Cecil Rhodes (1853-1902) and Albert Beit (1853-1906) , both 27 years old. Rhodes will eventually acquire a near-total monopoly on the South African diamond industry. EconomicsThe population of Los Angeles, California, doubles between 1870 and 1880, a sign of the urbanization of the American west. EconomicsCensus: The U.S. population is 50.1 million people, including about 2.8 million immigrants.EconomicsNewspapers: Newspaper growth continues unabated in the postwar years. An astounding 11,314 different papers are recorded in the census.Daily LifeNewspapers: The first photographs are seen in newspapers that are printed using halftones.Daily LifeThe first canned fruits and vegetables appear in stores.Daily LifeThe first telephone box for public use goes into service. Daily LifeElectricity first lights the street lights in New York City. | Popular CultureJ.C. Harris publishes his “Uncle Remus” stories.Popular CultureThe game of bingo is developed from an Italian lotto game. | ReligionWomen Firsts: Anna Howard Shaw (1847-1919) is the first woman ordained by the Methodist Church.ReligionFrances Cabrini (later Mother Cabrini) (1850-1917) founds the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart in Italy.Social IssuesPoverty: The American Salvation Army is established in Philadelphia.Social IssuesImmigration: Italy’s troubled economy, crop failures, and political climate begin the start of mass immigration with nearly four million Italian immigrants arriving in the United States. ReformLabor Movement: The word boycott comes into use when Irish tenant farmers refuse to harvest crops on an estate managed by British army captain Charles Cunningham Boycott (1832-1897). |
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1881 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe United States Supreme Court rules that the Civil War income tax law of 1861 is constitutional. PoliticsIrish nationalist leader Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891) is imprisoned for agitating for home rule. From prison, he continues to direct tenant farmers to withhold rent as a means of gaining self-government. GovernmentThe assassination of Czar Alexander II in 1881 prompts civil unrest and economic instability throughout Russia. GovernmentJames A. Garfield (1831-1881) is inaugurated as the 20th President of the U.S.; Chester A. Arthur (1829-1886) is inaugurated as the 20th Vice President. GovernmentVice President Chester A. Arthur (1830-1886) becomes the 21st President of the United States upon the assassination of James A. Garfield (1831-1881). No new Vice President is selected. | MedicineVaccines: Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) develops an anthrax vaccine, and vaccinates a herd of sheep against the disease.
Medicine"Angel of the battlefield" Clara Barton (1821-1912) founds the American Association of the Red Cross. MedicineThe idea that mosquitoes are the carriers of yellow fever is proposed.InventionsAlexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) invents the first crude metal detector. TechnologyAirplanes: Louis Moulliard, France, writes another milestone in aeronautics, Empire of the Air, in which he proposes fixed-wing gliders with cambered wings, like birds. TechnologyBattery Technology: Leclanche's (1839-1882) battery is quite heavy and prone to breakage; the idea of encapsulating both the negative electrode and porous pot into a zinc cup is patented by J.A. Thiebaut in 1881.TechnologyThe first color photographs are produced by Frederick E. Ives. | EducationHigher Education: Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) organizes the Normal and Industrail Institute for Negroes, which later becomes Tuskeegee Institute.EducationChildren’s Books: The very first appearance, under a pen-name, of Robert Louis Stevenson’ s(1850-1894) first and best-known children's adventure story, "Treasure Island," os published in the penny weekly, "Young Folks, A Boys' and Girls' Paper of Instructive and Entertaining Literature." EducationRachel Bodley, dean of the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania conducts a statistical survey about the careers of her school’s graduates, published as the pamphlet The College Story, one of the earliest studies of women in the professions.EducationWomen’s Colleges: Spelman College is founded in Georgia as the first black women's college. Arts and LettersLiterature: Henry James (1843-1916) writes "The Portrait of a Lady," in which, again, a young American woman becomes a victim of her provincialism during her travels in Europe.Arts and LettersD’Oyly Carte (1844-1901) builds the electrified Savoy Theatre in London.Arts and LettersThe Boston Symphony Orchestra is founded. | Garfield, LucretiaJames Abram Garfield (1831-1881), 20th President of the U.S., is assassinated on July 2 and dies from the assault on September 19 in Elberon, New Jersey. Hayes, LucyLucy Hayes (1831-1889) and Rutherford (1822-1893) leave the White House at the end of his term and move to their home at Spiegel Grove in Ohio.Harrison, CarolineBenjamin Harrison (1831-1901) begins his term in the U.S. Senate. Caroline Harrison suffers a bad fall “and her health was delicate after that.” | Daily LifeThe first electric tram goes into public service in Germany, near Berlin. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Brothers Wyatt (1848-1929) and Virgil Earp (1843-1905) lead the shootout of Western movie fame against Ike Clanton''s gang at the O.K. Corral in Arizona territory. | Sports The first U.S. Lawn Tennis Championship is held.Popular CultureThe first vaudeville theatre to feature family entertainment is opened in New York City.Popular CultureTwenty-one-year old William Bonney, a.k.a. Billy the Kid (1859-61 exact year unknown-1881), escapes imprisonment but is hunted down and shot. Though he had killed 21 people, he becomes a legend, and pop retellings of his life story are hawked only weeks after his death. Popular CultureMark Twain (1835-1910) publishes "The Prince and the Pauper." | ReligionThe Vatican archives are opened to scholars.Social IssuesNative Americans: "A Century of Injustice" is published by Helen Hunt Jackson, about mistreatment of Indians.Social IssuesSegregation: Tennessee legislature passes a law mandating that black passengers be segregated on railroads. "Jim Crow" legislation is soon imitated throughout the South. ReformLabor Movement: The American Federation of Labor is formed. ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: Susan B. Anthony finances and publishes The History of Women’s Suffrage, which eventually totals six volumes |
1882 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawWomen's Rights Movement: Two U.S. judges decide that women may sue their husbands for assault and battery.GovernmentImmigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act, which bars Chinese laborers from coming to the United States, goes into effect.GovernmentThe 3-mile limit for territorial waters is agreed upon at the Hague Convention.GovernmentPresidents: Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), the 32nd President of the United States, is born in Hyde Park, New York. | MedicineRobert Koch (1843-1910) discovers the tuberculosis bacillus and establishes that the disease is communicable. MedicineHypnosis is used to treat hysteria, signaling the beginning of psychoanalysis.MedicineSurgical sutures made from catgut thread are replaced with silk ones.MedicineVaccines: Louis Pasteur (1822- 1895) develops a rabies vaccine.InventionsThe electric fan and the electric flat iron are invented. InventionsAfrican American Inventors: Lewis H. Latimer (1848-1928) patents the carbon filament for electric light bulbs.TechnologyThomas Edison (1847-1931) designs the first hydroelectric plant in Appleton, WI.TechnologyThe first motion picture is made, using a “rifle-camera” that shoots 12 images in one second. | EducationChildren''s Books: Children''s classic "Pinocchio" is written by Italian author Carlo Collodi (1826-1890). EducationEducation of Women: The American Association of University Women is founded by Alice Elvira Freeman Palmer (1855-1902).Arts and LettersOpera: Wagner's (1813-1883) opera "Parsifal" is first performed, at Bayreuth, western Germany. Arts and LettersTchaikovsky (1840-1893) writes the "1812 Overture."Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: David Belasco (1853-1931) apprenticed in San Francisco, moves to Madison Square Theatre in New York as stage manager and becomes an independent producer in 1895. | Cleveland, FrancesGrover Cleveland (1837-1906) is elected Mayor of Buffalo and then Governor of New York, as a Democrat. He wins reputation for uncovering political corruption.Lincoln, MaryMary Todd Lincoln (1818-1882) dies of “paralysis” at her sister Elizabeth’s house on July 15 in Springfield, Illinois. | EconomicsAmerican rail magnate William Vanderbilt (1856-1938) eliminates mail trains from Chicago, because they are not profitable. EconomicsJohn D. Rockefeller's (1839-1937) Standard Oil Trust brings 95 percent of the American petroleum industry under the control of a nine-man board. EconomicsCommercially supplied electrical power is inaugurated in New York City. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: After more than 15 years of robbing banks, outlaw Jesse James (1847- 1882) is shot in the back at St Joseph, Missouri, by Robert Ford, one of his own gang. Daily LifeEllen Swallow Richards (1842-1911) writes "The Chemistry of Cooking and Cleaning."Daily LifeHolidays: The first Labor Day celebration is held in New York City. | Sports Baseball: The American Baseball Association is founded.Sports Boxing: John L. Sullivan (1858-1918) wins the heavyweight boxing championship. Sports The National Croquet Association is founded.Sports Women in Sports: At the YWCA in Boston, the first athletic games for women are held. Popular CultureRobert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) writes "Treasure Island."Popular CultureJumbo the elephant appears in P.T. Barnum's (1810-1891) Barnum and Bailey Circus; he is advertised as the "largest elephant in or out of captivity." Popular CultureClan warfare between the Hatfields and McCoys breaks out in southern Appalachia. The bloodbath, which has its roots in lingering Civil War tensions, lasts for six years until Kentucky authorities seize some of the members of the Hatfield family. | ReligionThe Knights of Columbus, a fraternal organization of Catholic men, is founded in Connecticut.Social IssuesImmigration: Russia’s May Laws severely restrict the ability of Jewish citizens to live and work in Russia. The country’s instability prompts more than three million Russians to immigrate to the United States over three decades.Social IssuesImmigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 suspends immigration of Chinese laborers under penalty of imprisonment and deportation.ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: Two U.S. judges decide that women may sue their husbands for assault and battery. |
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1883 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCivil Rights Movement: The Supreme Court declares the Civil Rights Act of 1875 unconstitutional (except for jury duty), ruling that the government can protect political, not social, rights.GovernmentThe United States adopts standard time. GovernmentThe U.S. Civil Service Commission is established by the Pendleton Act.WarCongress orders the building of ships that begin the modern U.S. Navy. | ScienceThe fact that an electrical current can be sent through space—the basis of electronics—is discovered by Thomas Edison (1847-1931).MedicineThe bacillus that causes diphtheria is discovered.InventionsEnglish engineer Hiram Maxim (1840-1916) invents the fully automatic machine gun. InventionsYoung German-American entrepreneur Julius Schmidt invents a modern version of the condom. InventionsAfrican American Inventors: Jan Ernst Matzeliger (1852-1889) patents a machine that can make up to 700 shoes a day.TechnologyThe Brooklyn Bridge, the world's first suspension bridge, opens to pedestrian traffic, linking Manhattan to Brooklyn. TechnologyThe first “skyscraper” is built in Chicago: it has 10 floors.TechnologyAirplanes: John J. Montgomery (1858-1911) of California builds a monoplane glider and makes the first gliding flight in America. TechnologyAirplanes: Charles Parsons, England, inventor of the turbine motor, tests a small 1/4 horsepower steam turbine engine in a model airplane, propelling it for approximately 300 feet. Although Parsons experiments had little effect on the development of aviation, some consider this to be the first jet aircraft. | Arts and LettersPoetry: Poet Emma Lazarus (1849-1887) publishes the sonnet “The New Colossus,” which will be inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.IdeasPhilosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's (1844-1900) "Thus Spake Zarathustra" appears in print. | Tyler, JuliaJohn Alexander "Alex" Tyler (1848-1883), son of John Tyler and his second wife Julia, dies September 1. Johnson, ElizaMary Johnson Stover Brown (1832-1883), daughter of Andrew and Eliza Johnson, dies April 19. Hayes, LucyThe Hayes family is happy in retirement at Spiegel Grove. Lucy Hayes (1831-1889) spends a lot of time in the garden, and supervising the farm. She also continues to correspond with national figures and to give parties. | EconomicsRailroad History: The Northern Pacific Railroad across the United States is completed. EconomicsA deep drought begins on the western plains of the United States. The suffering of farmers produces radical political activity, such as the Farmer''s Alliance, one of the first demonstrations of Populism as a movement in the 19th century.EconomicsRailroad History: The Northern Pacific and Southern Pacific are completed.Daily LifeMagazines: "The Ladies’ Home Journal" is founded.Daily LifeMagazines: "Life Magazine" is established. | Sports Matthew Webb (1848-1883), first man to swim the English Channel (in 1875) drowns while attempting to swim the rapids above Niagara Falls. Sports The first annual New York Horse Show is held in New York City.Sports Women in Sports: Mrs. M. C. Howell wins her first archery title. She will win the national championship for women 17 times between 1883 and 1907. Popular CultureThe first vaudeville theater, the Gaiety Museum, opens in Boston. Popular CultureWilliam F. Cody (1846-1917) organizes his first “Wild West Show.”Popular CultureMark Twain (1835-1910) publishes "Life on the Mississippi."Popular CultureHoward Pyle (1853-1911) writes (and illustrates) "The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood." | |
1884 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThird Parties: Belva Ann Lockwood (1830-1917) runs for president as the candidate for the Equal Rights Party; she loses.PoliticsThird Parties: The Anti-Monopoly Party and the Greenback-Labor Party join to form People's Party, supporting many liberal measures including a graduated income tax.PoliticsDemocrat Grover Cleveland (1837-1906) defeats the Republican "plumed knight" James Blaine (1830-1893), becoming the first Democratic president of the United Staes since before the Civil War, and the 22nd President of the U.S. Thomas A. Hendricks (1819-1885) becomes the nation's 21st Vice President.GovernmentThe Bureau of Labor and the Department of the Interior are created by Congress.GovernmentNational Capitol: The capstone is placed on the Washington Monument.GovernmentPresidents: Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) , 33rd president of the United States (1945- 53), is born in Lamar, Missouri. | MedicineThe bacillus that causes tetanus is discovered.InventionsOttmar Mergenthaler (1854-1899) invents the Linotype machine, the first mechanized printing typesetter, which will speed up the presses for newspapers. InventionsThe first practical turbine engine is invented.InventionsThe first accurate adding machine is invented.InventionsThe first coin-operated weighing machine is patented by Percy Everitt. TechnologyThe first practical fountain pen is manufactured by Lewis E. Waterman (1837-1901).TechnologyAirplanes: Alexander F. Mozhaiski, Russia, builds a steam-powered monoplane and tests it at Krasnoye Selo, near St. Petersburg. It takes off on a jump ramp and flies for approximately 100 feet before crashing. This is the second power-assisted take-off in history. TechnologyAirplanes: Horatio F. Phillips, England, experiments with cambered wings in a wind tunnel and lays down the scientific foundation for modern airfoil design. He is the first to discover that when the wind blows across a curved surface, it creates a low pressure area on top of the surface and high pressure beneath it. This, in turn, generates lift. | EducationNative Americans: Indian Education: Educational policy regarding Native Americans is articulated at the Lake Mohonk Conference. EducationWomen's Colleges: The first state-supported college for women, Mississippi State College for women is chartered.Education The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary is published. EducationThe National Education Association forms a kindergarten department. | Roosevelt, EleanorAnna Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) is born in New York City on October 11. She is the seventh of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives.Roosevelt, EdithAlice Lee Roosevelt Longworth (1884-1980), only child of first marriage of Theodore Roosevelt and Alice Hathaway Lee Roosevelt, is born February 12. | Daily LifeThe Statue of Liberty is presented to America by the people of France. Daily LifeThe first roller coaster opens at Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York City. | Sports Baseball: Baseball gets new rules and goes on to become an extremely popular sport in America. Its growth is also linked to the development of cities and urban culture.Sports Baseball: The first U.S. baseball championship is won by Providence (RI) of the National League, beating the New York Metropolitans, 3-0.Sports Women in Sports: Women's singles tennis competition is added to Wimbledon. Maud Watson wins in both 1884 and '85. Popular CultureAmerican author Mark Twain (1835-1910) publishes "Huckleberry Finn." | ReligionCharles Taze Russell (1852-1916) founds the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (which led to the Jehovah''''s Witnesses in the United States).Social IssuesNative Americans: The novel "Ramona" is written by Helen Hunt Jackson (1830-1885) dramatizing the oppression of Indians in the American west. |
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1885 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentImmigration: The Contract Labor Act prohibits the importing of laborors who then work for the cost of transit; skilled, domestic, and professional workers are exempted.GovernmentNational Capitol: The Washington Monument is dedicated. GovernmentGrover Cleveland (1837-1906) is inaugurated as the 22nd President of the United Staes and Thomas A. Hendricks (1819-1885) in inaugurated as the nation's 21st Vice President.GovernmentPresident Cleveland (1837-1906) proposes the suspension of the minting of silver dollars, fearing that silver is undermining the nation’s gold reserves.WarIndian Wars: Apache Indians leave their reservation in Arizona and continue their war against Whites under Geronimo. | ScienceIn memory of ornithologist James Audubon (1785-1851), the National Audubon Society is founded in the United States to study bird species. ScienceSir Francis Galton (1822-1911) establishes the uniqueness of fingerprints.MedicineThe first appendectomy in the United States is performed in Davenport Iowa, by Dr. William Grant. MedicineVaccines: Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) administers the first anti-rabies vaccine to a nine-year-old schoolboy. InventionsThe first motorcycle is patented, built by Gottlief Daimler in Germany.InventionsKarl Benz (1824-1929) builds the world's first gasoline-powered vehicle. It has a traveling speed of nine miles per hour. InventionsThe first modern bicycle is built. Bikes are a craze in America and Europe until the end of the century. InventionsThe dictaphone, the electric transformer, the electric drill, and the thermos bottle are invented.InventionsAfrican American Inventors: Women’s Firsts: Sarah E. Goode becomes the first African-American woman to receive a patent, for a bed that folds up into a cabinet. | EducationChildren’s Books: Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924), writes "Little Lord Fauntleroy." EducationChildren's Books: Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) publishes "A Child’s Garden of Verses."EducationThe Bryn Mawr School for Girls in Baltimore, later joined by Bryn Mawr College for Women near Philadelphia, is founded.Arts and Letters"The Mikado," the comic operetta by William S. Gilbert (1836-1911) and Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900), premieres at the Savoy Theatre, London. Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Theatrical lighting with electricity is made available to theatrical productions. | Truman, BessElizabeth Virginia Wallace Truman (1885-1982), wife of Harry S. Truman, is born in Independence, Missouri, on February 13.Grant, JuliaUlysses S. Grant (1822-1885), 18th President of the United States, dies July 23 in Mount McGregor, New York. | EconomicsThe first commercially operated electrical streetcar begins operation in Baltimore. EconomicsRailroad History: The Santa Fe Railroad is completed.Daily LifeHistory of Toys: Crayola Crayons: Edwin Binney (1866-1934) and cousin, C. Harold Smith, begin the partnership of Binney & Smith in Peekskill, N.Y. Early products include red oxide pigments for painting red barns and carbon black for car tires.Daily LifeSpecial delivery mail service begins in the United States. Daily LifeNewspapers: Elizabeth Cochrane Seaman (1867-1922), writing as Nelly Bly, becomes a reporter for the Pittsburgh Dispatch, reporting on poor working conditions in factories, problems of working girls, slums, divorce, and political corruption. | Sports Golf: Golf is introduced to the U.S. from Scotland by John M. Fox of Philadelphia.Sports A weight-lifting strongman is reported to have lifted 3,239 pounds with a harness.Popular CultureH. Rider Haggard (1856-1925) writes the adventure novel, "King Solomon’s Mines."Popular Culture"A Thousand and One Nights" is translated by Richard Burton (1821-1890); it includes the stories of “Sindbad the Sailor,” “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp,” and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.” | ReligionThe U.S. Salvation Army is officially organized. ReligionThe Mormons divide into polygamous and monogamous factions. |
1886 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court rules that “persons” under the Fourteenth Amendment refers not only to individuals but also to corporations.GovernmentThe U.S. Forestry Service is established as part of the Dept. of Agriculture.GovernmentA new Presidential Succession Act is passed providing the presidential succession to go to the Vice President, and then to Cabinet officers in the order that their departments were created.WarIndian Wars: The last large-scale Indian war in the United States ends when American troops capture Apache chief Geronimo (1829-1909) after four years of warfare on the Mexican border. | ScienceFluorine is first produced by French chemist Henri Moissan (1852-1907).InventionsGerman motor pioneer Karl Benz (1844-1929) is granted a patent for the first successful gasoline-powered car.InventionsJosephine Cochrane (1839-1913) invents the dishwasher. InventionsGottlieb Daimler (1834-1900) builds the world's first four-wheeled motor vehicle. InventionsJohn Pemberton (1814-1881) invents Coca Cola. TechnologyHydroelectric plants are begun at Niagara Falls.TechnologyWax disks are developed to use with the phonograph.TechnologySewing machines are made with electric motors. | EducationChildren’s Books: Randolph Caldecott (1846-1886), provides the illustrations for Hallam Tennyson's (1852-1928) curious hexameter version of "Jack and the Bean-stalk." EducationLibraries: The main library and the first four branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library open in Baltimore, providing service to users of all races.Arts and LettersLiterature: Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) writes "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."IdeasKarl Marx’ (1818-1883) "Das Capital" is published in English. | Washington, MarthaMartha Washington (1731-1802) becomes the first woman to be portrayed on U.S. paper money.Adams, LouisaCharles Frances Adams (1807-1886), son of President John Quincy Adams and Louisa Adams, dies of a stroke on November 21 at the age of 79. Arthur, EllenChester A. Arthur (1830-1886), 21st President of the U.S., dies November 18 in New York, New York. Cleveland, FrancesWhite House Wedding: Frances Folsom (1864-1947) marries U.S. President Grover Cleveland (1837-1906) in the White House. Wilson, EllenMargaret Woodrow Wilson (1886-1944), daughter of Woodrow and Ellen Wilson, is born April 30. | EconomicsJohannesburg is founded in South Africa. The gold-mining town will eventually mine the vast majority of the world's gold. EconomicsCatering to farmers far from large stores, Richard Sears (1863-1914) establishes a successful mail-order house in Minneapolis, first selling watches. He hires A.C. Roebuck (1864-1948) as a watch repairmen the next year in Chicago. EconomicsThe first Coca-Cola is sold in Atlanta, advertised as a hangover remedy containing coca leaves and African kola nut extract. EconomicsAluminum is first produced independently in the U.S. and in France.Daily LifeThe first Tournament of Roses is held in Pasadena, California.Daily LifeThe Statue of Liberty is dedicated in New York Harbor. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: The first BB gun is created. Made for children, it scares many parents because it is actually a working gun that can cause injury. The BB gun is a descendant of the cap gun, which was invented soon after the Civil War, when some shotgun manufacturers converted their factories to make toys. Penny pistols and other authentic looking toy guns also began to appear in the 1880s. | | ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: A bill granting women suffrage is passed by the Vermont legislatureReformSettlement House Movement: The first settlement house is established in New York City.ReformLabor Movement: Chicago police officers shoot four strikers at a May 1st rally for the eight-hour day. The Knights of Labor holds a rally in Haymarket Square to protest the shootings; a bomb goes off, killing a policeman, and the police open fire on the crowd, killing many workers. ReformLabor Movement: Samuel Gompers (1850-1924), a cigar maker, founds the American Federation of Labor. |
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1887 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsWomen's Firsts: Susanna Medora Salter (1820-1906) is elected the first U.S. woman mayor, in Argonia, Kansas.GovernmentCongress creates Yellowstone National Park to be a refuge for buffalo and big game.GovernmentQueen Victoria (1819-1901) celebrates her Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the British throne.GovernmentCongress passes the Interstate Commerce Act, enabling the federal government to regulate railroad rates for the first time.GovernmentNative Americans: The Dawes Act, which provides for the allotment of reservation land for individual Native American families, is passed by Congress.WarCongress renews the U.S.-Hawaii Treaty, giving the U.S. exclusive rights to build a naval base at Pearl Harbor. | MedicineLouis Pasteur (1822-1895) and Jules-Francois Jourbert (1834-1910) of France first demonstrate the antibiotic effect.InventionsCelluloid film is invented.InventionsThomas Edison (1847-1931) invents the record player.TechnologyParis and Brussels become the first two capital cities to be linked by telephone. | EducationSpecial Education: Twenty-year-old teacher Anne Sullivan (1866-1936) begins to teach blind-and-deaf child Helen Keller (1880-1968) at the request of Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922). Helen soon learns to communicate.EducationHigher Education: Women's Colleges: The Smith College Observatory is founded.EducationThe Hatch Act appropriates federal money to study agriculture in any state with a Land Grant College.EducationHigher Education: Libraries: Melville Dewey (1851-1931) establishes a State Library School in Albany, NY.Arts and LettersOpera: Verdi's (1813-1901) opera "Othello" is first performed in Milan, Italy.IdeasPolish philologist Lazurus Ludwig Zemenhof (1859-1917) invents Esperanto, hoping that an international language will forestall war and bring about better communication between the peoples of the world. | Roosevelt, EdithTheodore "Ted" Roosevelt (Jr.) (1887-1944), son of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt, is born September 13. Wilson, EllenJessie Woodrow Wilson Sayre (1887-1933), daughter of Woodrow and Ellen Wilson, is born August 28. | EconomicsThe Pennsylvania Railroad runs an electrically lighted train between New York and Chicago.EconomicsThe first successful electric trolley line is built in Richmond, VA.Daily LifeMail is delivered free in all cities with a population of at least 10,000.Daily LifeDisasters: Terrible blizzards devastate America''s nothern plains. Families are found frozen to death in tar-paper shacks.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: The speaking doll, which had first been invented by Johann Maelzel in 1820, is improved when Thomas Edison combines his phonograph technology with a doll, allowing it to speak. | Sports Women in Sports: Ellen Hansell is crowned the first Women's Singles tennis champion at the US Open. Sports The first national women's tennis tournament is held at the Philadelphia Cricket Club.Sports Softball: Softball is invented by George Hancock, a reporter for the Chicago Board of Trade.Popular CultureSir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) publishes his first Sherlock Holmes mystery, "A Study in Scarlet." | Social IssuesNative Americans: The Dawes Act divides tribal land into individual allotted tracts, destroying tribal relations in an attempt to promote assimilation into white culture.ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: Utah repeals women's suffrage.ReformNellie Bly (1867-1922) is hired by the New York World; her reporting lays the groundwork for the reform-minded muckracking journalists who come after her. |
1888 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Grover Cleveland (1837-1908) nominates Melville Weston Fuller (1833-1910) Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He is confirmed by the Senate and serves for twenty-one years. PoliticsBenjamin Harrison (1831-1901) is elected as the 23rd President of the U.S., and Levi P. Morton (1824-1920) is elected as the nation's 22nd Vice President.PoliticsPolitical anthems: A Belgian woodcarver publishes the song "L'Internationale," with lyrics written during the Paris Commune uprising: "Arise, ye prisoners of starvation/ Arise, ye wretched of the earth...." The song is adopted by the Communist Party.PoliticsBelva Ann Lockwood (1830-1917) once more runs for the president for the Equal Rights Party; once again, she loses.GovernmentCongress creates the Department of Labor.GovernmentNational Capitol: The public is first admitted to the Washington Monument. | ScienceWeather fronts are first described; speculation considers thier relationship to storms.InventionsArtifical straws for drinking are patented.InventionsAfrican American Inventors: Granville T. Woods (1856-1910) patents a system for overhead communication between trains and railroad stations.InventionsJohn Boyd Dunlop (1840-1921) takes out a patent for his pnuematic bicycle tire.InventionsCroation-American Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) invents an alternating-current electronic motor. He also develops early radio technology, but he gets little financial reward for his achievements.InventionsGeorge Eastman (1854-1932) invents the Kodak camera.TechnologyEmile Berliner (1851-1929) gives the first demonstration of flat disc recording and reproduction before the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.TechnologyIncubators are used for premature infants.TechnologyThe first seismograph in the U.S. is installed in California.TechnologyAirplanes: Augustus Herring, New York, builds and tests a glider. It fails to fly. | EducationA women's annex to Columbia University is voted by the trustees.EducationNative Americans: Indian Education: Red Cloud invites the Jesuits to the reservation to establish a school for Lakota children in order to avoid sending children off the reservation.EducationThe National Geographic Society is established and publishes the first issue of its journal.Arts and LettersSculpture: Auguste Rodin (1840-1917) finshes his sculpture "The Thinker" in an enlarged size.Arts and LettersRimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908) composes "Sheherazade."Arts and LettersJohn Phillips Sousa (1854-1932) writes "Semper Fidelis" for the Marines.IdeasAmerican socialist Edward Bellamy (1850-1898) writes "Looking Backward," a utopian science-fiction novel depicting the United States in the year 2000. | | Daily LifeDisasters: The famous "Blizzard of''88" occurs, lasting 36 hours and killing 400 people.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: New York state establishes electrocution for murderers sentenced to die.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The body of Mary Ann "Polly" Nichols and Annie Chapman, the first two victims of murderer "Jack the Ripper," are found in London. Five more London prostitues are found disemboweled and a rumor circulates that Queen Victoria is responsible for their deaths to distract the public from scandals surrounding her son. | Sports Softball: Softball moves outdoors, played on a diamond smaller than baseball''s, and called Indoor-Outdoor Baseball.Sports Women in Sports: Women join bicycling clubs in Chicago and tennis clubs in New York City.Popular CultureThe world's first beauty contest takes place at Spa in Belgium. The first prize is awarded to Bertha Soucaret. an 18-year-old Creole from Guadeloupe.Popular Culture"Casey at the Bat" is recited for the first time in public. | |
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1889 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentNew State: Four states are admitted to the Union and include North and South Dakota as the 39th and 40th states, Montana as the 41st state, and Washington as the 42nd state.GovernmentNative Americans: Indian lands in Oklahoma are made available to white settlers. GovernmentBenjamin Harrison (1831-1901) is inaugurated as the 23rd President of the U.S., and Levi P. Morton (1824-1920) is inaugurated as the nation's 22nd Vice President. | ScienceThe origin of insulin in the pancreas is discovered.InventionsAn inexpensive method of producing aluminum is patented by Charles Hall of Ohio.InventionsJoshua Pusey invents the matchbook. InventionsSir James Dewar (1842-1923) and Sir Frederick Abel co-invent Cordite - a type of smokeless gunpowder. TechnologyAirplanes: Lawrence Hargrave (1850-1915), Australia, builds the first rotary airplane engine. It runs on compressed air and Hargrave uses it to power his model aircraft.TechnologyThe first celluloid movie in the U.S. is made.TechnologyThe Eiffel Tower is completed in Paris. | EducationCatholic Univeristy opens in Washington D.C.EducationClinical training is established as part of medical education at John Hopkins University Medical School.EducationBarnard College, a women's college affiliated with Columbia University and named after Columbia's president Frederick Barnard (1809-1889) is founded in New York.EducationWomen's Firsts: Marie Louise Baldwin becomes the first black school principal in Massachusetts; she supervises 12 white teahcers and more than 500 children, 98% of them white.EducationChildren’s Books: The Scottish-born poet, classicist, folklorist, and critic Andrew Lang (1844-1912) writes "The Blue Fairy Book."Arts and LettersPainting: In a frenzy of activity, Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) finishes several famous paintings, including "The Starry Night," one of his last works.Arts and LettersLiterature: Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) writes "The Master of Ballantrae." | Harrison, CarolineElectric lights are installed at the White House, but President Benjamin Harrison (1831-1901) and his wife, Caroline (1832-1892) refuse to touch the swithces, so the lights must be turned on by an employee at night, then turned off in the morning.Hayes, LucyLucy Webb Hayes (1831-1889) dies of a major stroke on June 25, while sewing as she watches a tennis match at Spiegel Grove, Ohio.Harrison, CarolineCaroline Harrison (1832-1892) tries to get Congress to appropiate funds to enlarge the White House; she fails, but does succeed in getting them to provide money for renovations.Tyler, JuliaJulia Gardiner Tyler (1820-1889) dies of a stroke in Richmond, Virginia on July 10.Roosevelt, EdithKermit Roosevelt (1889-1943), son of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt, is born October 10.Fillmore, AbigailMillard Powers Fillmore (1828-1889), son of Millard and Abigail Fillmore, dies November 15. Taft, HelenRobert Alphonso Taft (1889-1953), son of William Howard and Helen Taft, is born September 8. Wilson, EllenEleanor "Nellie" Randolph Wilson McAdoo (1889-1967), daughter of Woodrow and Ellen Wilson, is born October 16. | EconomicsThe first anti-trust laws are passed in Kansas, North Caolina, Tennessee, and Michigan.Economics"The man who dies rich dies disgraced." writes steel baron and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919), displaying the contradictory attitudes towards wealth characteristic of the American Gilded Age.EconomicsIsaac Singer (1811-1875) markets an electric sewing machine.Daily LifeThe first premixed self-rising pancake mix is marketed in the U.S.Daily LifeDisasters: The Johnstown flood occurs in Pennsylvania.Daily LifeNewspapers: The "Wall Street Journal" begins publishing.Daily LifeMagazines: "Cosmopolitan Magazine" is founded. | Sports Softball: George Hancock publishes the first set of Indoor-Outdoor Baseball (softball) rules.Sports Football: The first All-American Football Team is chosen by coach Walter Camp (1859-1925).Sports Boxing: The last bare-knuckled boxing championship occurs in Mississippi.Sports Women in Sports: The first women's six-day bicycle race ends at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Popular CultureMark Twain (1835-1910) writes "A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court."Popular CultureNelly Bly (1867-1922) circles the globe in 72 days, beating by 8 days the record of the fictional Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days."Popular CultureJohn Phillip Sousa (1854-1932) composes the "Washington Post March." | Social IssuesNative Americans: Land in Oklahoma, formerly in Indian hands, is opened to white settlers; about 50,000 settlers rushed in on the first day.ReformSettlement House Movement: Jane Addams (1860-1935) opens Hull House in Chigago. It''s part of the settlement-house mevement to help immigrant populations adjust to American life both materially and culturally.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: M. Carey (1857-1935) Thomas leads the group of feminists who secure admission of women students to the John Hopkins Medical School as a condition of a large gift to its endowment. |
1890 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Sherman Anti-Trust Act bans every type of restraint of trade in the United States, but the anti-monopoly law initially accomplishes little.GovernmentYosemite and Sequoia National Parks are created by an act of Congress. The national park is one sign of a developing conservation movement in the United States.GovernmentPresidents: Dwight David Eisenhower (1890-1969), 34th President of the United States, is born in Denison, Texas.GovernmentNew State: Idaho is admitted to the Union as the 43rd state and Wyoming is admitted as the 44th state in the Union.GovernmentWomen's Firsts: Alice Sanger becomes stenographer for President Harrison, the first woman employed in U.S. executive offices.WarIndian Wars: An army of about 500 United States soldiers massacres 300 Sioux Indian men, women, and children in a South Dakota encampment. The Battle of Wounded Knee is the final violent struggle between Native Americans and whites in the United States. | MedicineEmil von Behring (1854-1917), in Germany, develops a diphtheria antitoxin.MedicineFor the first time, rubber gloves are used in surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore.MedicineDr. Ida Gray (1868-1907) becomes the first black woman dentist in the U.S.MedicineThe standardization of diphtheria antitoxin establishes the field of immunology.InventionsPans made from aluminum are invented in Ohio.TechnologyAirplanes: Clement Ader (1841-1926), France, builds a steam-powered, propeller-driven bat-wing airplane, the Eole. It rises about 8 inches in the air and flies 165 feet. It is the first manned aircraft to take off from level ground. | Arts and LettersPoetry: Emily Dickinson's (1830-1886) first volume of poetry is published posthumously.Arts and LettersDrama: Henrik Ibsen (1828-1906) writes "Hedda Gabler."Arts and LettersLiterature: Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) writes "The Picture of Dorian Gray."IdeasWilliam James (1842-1910) publishes "The Principles of Psychology." | Harrison, CarolineCaroline Harrison (1832-1892) helps raise funds for the Johns Hopkins Medical School, on the condition that they admit women.Harrison, CarolineWith the help of Caroline Harrison, the Daughters of the American Revolution is founded in Washington, D.C. | EconomicsAnti-trust laws are passed by 11 more states.EconomicsLadybugs are imported to control insects threatening California's citrus trees.EconomicsCensus: According to the 1890 census, the total population in the United States is nearly 63 million people.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Convicted murderer William Kemmler (1861-1890) becomes the first person to be executed in the electric chair as he is put to death at Auburn State Prison in New York.Daily LifeGerman drug manufacturer Eugene Schieffelin introduces starlings to New York City. Today, starlings are one of the most common urban bird species in the United States.Daily LifeFashion: American women begin to wear knickerbockers for bicyclce riding.Daily LifeThe General Federation of Women's Clubs is founded. Daily LifeNewspapers: Modern newspaper features include bold "banner" headlines, extensive use of illustrations, "funny pages," plus expanded coverage of organized sporting events. | Sports Women in Sports: Baseball: The Bloomer Girls baseball era lasted from the 1890s until 1934. Hundreds of teams -- All Star Ranger Girls, Philadelphia Bobbies, New York Bloomer Girls, Baltimore Black Sox Colored Girls -- offered employment, travel, and adventure for young women who could hit, field, slide, or catch. Popular CultureThe first moving picture shows (movies) are shown in New York City. | Social IssuesChild Labor: Almost 23,000 children work in the factories of 13 southern states.Social IssuesNative Americans: Sitting Bull (Tatanka Iyotake) (1831-1890), the chief who led the Sioux Indians at the Battle of Little Big Horn against Lt. Col. George Custer (1839-1876), is killed. He dies while resisting arrest by Indian police.ReformCivil Rights Movement: Mississippi institutes a poll tax, literacy tests, and other measures to prevent blacks from voting. This marks the end of the political freedoms freed slaves had enjoyed during federal Reconstruction.ReformLabor Movement: United Mine workers of America is founded. ReformPoverty: New York photographer and social critic Jacob Riis (1849-1914) publishes "How the Other Half Lives," documenting the everyday poverty in the slums of New York City; the book is instrumental in forging a coalition of reform in the years of the Progressive Movement. |
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1891 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe newly established U.S. Circuit Courts of Appeals ease the load of the Supreme Court.PoliticsExiles from the Ottoman Empire, called Young Turks, meet in Geneva. The Young Turks later become the architects of Turkey's nationalist movement.GovernmentHawaii proclaims as its Queen Liliukalani (1838-1917), renowned for her song "Aloha Oe."GovernmentThe Forest Reserve Act enables the President to reserve public lands for national parks. | MedicineThe American Psychological Association is founded.MedicineChicago's Provident Hospital becomes the first interracial hospital in the United States.InventionsAmerican, W.L. Judson invents the zipper, though it is not widely used until 1919.TechnologyThe submarine, "Monarch," lays telephone cable along the English Channel bed to prepare for the first telephone links across the Channel.TechnologyWireless telegraphy begins.TechnologyAirplanes: Otto Lilienthal (1848-1896) begins to test winged gliders, made from cloth stretched over willow frameworks.TechnologyAirplanes: Samuel Langley, Virginia, begins to experiment with steam-powered model aircraft he calls Aerodromes. The first five are failures. | EducationHigher Education: The University of Chicago is founded. The new Midwestern university, which sets out to lure academic stars away from the Northeast, gets its intial endowment from oil magnate John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937).Arts and LettersPeter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) conducts part of the first concert in brand new Carnegie Hall.Arts and LettersLiterature: English author Thomas Hardy's (1840-1928) classic, "Tess of the d'Urbervilles," is published.Arts and LettersPoetry: Emily Dickinson's 1830-1886) "Poems: Second" is published in 1891 and runs to five editions by 1893. | Roosevelt, EdithEthel Carow Roosevelt Derby (1891-1977), daughter of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt, is born August 13. Cleveland, FrancesRuth Cleveland "Baby Ruth" (1891-1904), daughter of Grover and Frances Cleveland, is born. Harrison, CarolineCaroline Harrison (1832-1892) designs the corn-and-flower pattern of the White House china used during her husband's administration.Harrison, CarolineCaroline Harrison (1832-1892) gives the first public address ever made by an incumbant First Lady on October 21.Polk, SarahSarah Childress Polk (1803-1891) dies at Polk Place in Nashville at the age of eighty-seven.Taft, HelenHelen Herron Taft Manning (1891-1987), daughter of William Howard and Helen Taft, is born August 1. | EconomicsThe United States' first full-service advertising agency opens in New York City. | Sports The first marathon race is run in Massachusetts; it is 26 miles, 385 yards, the same distance run in 490 B.C. to carry the new of an Anthenian victory over the Persians.Popular CultureArthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) publishes "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes."Popular CultureMadison Square Garden is designed by Stanford White (1853-1906).Popular CultureHenri Toulouse-Lautrec (1864-1901) paints his first music hall posters. | ReligionAnn Spencer becomes an ordained minister of the Unitarian Church, serving in Providence, RI.Social IssuesNative Americans: More Indian Territory land is opned to the public for settlement. |
1892 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsGrover Cleveland (1837-1906) is re-elected as the 24th President of the United States, and Adlai Stevenson (1835-1914) is elected the nation's 23rd Vice President.PoliticsThird Parties: Angry Southern and Western farmers found the Populist Party at a convention in Omaha, Nebraska. Their candidate for President, James Weaver (1833-1912) wins 9 percent of the vote and receives 22 electoral votes. GovernmentImmigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act is extended for ten years. | MedicineAmerican School of Osteopathy opens in Missouri. The practice spreads rapidly and in most states is granted legal recognition identical with that of allopathic medicine.InventionsGottlieb Daimler (1834-1900) invents the carburetor.InventionsThe Ferris Wheel is invented by George W.G. Ferris (1859-1896) for the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.InventionsThe first escalator, The Reno Inclined Elevator, is patented by Jesse W. Reno (b. 1861) of New York.TechnologyThe first electric car is driven from Des Moines, Iowa to Chicago, Illinois.TechnologyThe first automated telephone swithcboard is introducedTechnologyArtifical textile fibers, later named Rayon, are improved. TechnologyAirplanes: Wilbur (1867-1912) and Orville Wright (1871-1948) purchase "safety bicycles" and open a sales and repair shop. They give a bicycle to their friend, Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906). | EducationPublic Education: The National Education Association establishes what becomes known as the Committee of Ten to study the function of the American high school.EducationThe International Kindergarten Union, an organization of kindergarten teachers, is founded in the U.S.Arts and LettersTchaikovsky's (1840-1893) "The Nutcracker" ballet is performed in St. Petersburg.Arts and LettersPoetry: Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950) publsihes her first collection of poetry.IdeasCharolette Perkins Gilman (1860-1935) publishes her short story, "The Yellow Wallpaper." | Harrison, CarolineCaroline Harrison (1832-1892) dies of tuberculosis in the White House on October 25, at the age of 60. | EconomicsBoll weevils invade from Mexico and infest most of the South's cotton crop.EconomicsThe Ohio Supreme Court outlaws John D. Rockefeller's (1839-1937) Standard Oil Trust under the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. But Rockafeller simply re-incorporates in New Jersey, where corporations are allowed to hold other companies, and keeps his company under the new name Standard Oil of New Jersey.Daily LifeMelba toast is named for opera singer Nellie Melba (1861-1931).Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Lizzie Borden (1860-1927) is acquitted in the ax murder of her parents; it is one of America''s first sensational trials.Daily LifeFire seriously damages New York's original Metropolitan Opera House, located at Broadway and 39th Street.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The Dalton Gang, notorious for its train robberies, is practically wiped out while attempting to rob a pair of banks in Coffeyville, Kansas. | Sports Boxing: "Gentleman Jim" Corbett (1866-1933) wins the heavyweight boxing title by defeating John L. Sullivan (1858-1918); the fight is the first under the new Marquis of Queensbury rules.Sports Women in Sports: The journal Physical Education (a publication of the YMCA) devote an issue to women, saying that women need physical strength and endurance and dismis the popular idea that women are too weak to exercise. Popular CultureRudyard Kipling (1865-1936) publishes "Barrack-Room Ballads," that include "Gunga Din" and "The Road to Mandalay." | Social IssuesImmigration: Ellis Island replaces Castle Garden as the receiving place immigrants to the United States.ReformTemperance Movement: Carrie Nation (1846-1911) begins her violent fight for temperance legislation, often taking an ax to saloons.ReformLabor Movement: Steelwokers at one of Andrew Carnegie's (1835-1919) mills in Homestead, Pennsylvania, go on strike because manager, Henry Clay Frick (1849-1919), refuses to grant them a union contract. The workers lose after five months in one of the owrst defeats the American Labor movement has ever suffered.ReformEnvironmental Movement: The Sierra Club organizes to protect America's enviroment. |
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1893 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawImmigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act is declared constitutional by the Supreme Court.GovernmentHawaii is proclaimed a republic; it is annexed by treaty to the U.S. in February; in March, the treaty is withdrawn.GovernmentFrance acquires a protectorate over Laos and governs it as part of Indochina.GovernmentThe rank of Ambassador is created by Congress under the Diplomatic Appropriations Act.GovernmentA second Irish Home Rule bill is passed by the British House of Commons but rejected in the House of Lords.GovernmentCongress defeats an attempt to switch the U.S. to the metric system.GovernmentStamps: The first U.S. commemorative stamps are issued. They depict scenes of Columbus' voyage to America.GovernmentGrover Cleveland (1837-1906) is inaugurated as the 24th President of the United States, and Adlai Stevenson (1835-1914) is inaugurated the nation's 23rd Vice President. | ScienceThe "Journal of Geology" is founded by Thomas C. Chamberlin (1843-1928).ScienceThe length of the meter is standardized using a measurement based on the wavelength of red cadmium light.ScienceA forerunner to the theory of relativity is set forth by physicists George Fitzgerald, Jr. (1851-1901) and Hendrik Lorenz (1853-1928), stating that objects get smaller as they approach the speed of light.InventionsHenry Ford (1863-1947) builds his first successful gasoline engine.InventionsChemist Leo H. Baekeland (1863-1944) develops "Velox," the first photographic paper sensitive enough to be printed by artificial light.InventionsKarl Benz (1844-1929) builds a four-wheel car.TechnologyChlorine is first used to treat sewage in Brewster, New York.TechnologyAirplanes: Hiram Maxim (1840- 1916) predicts that even "under the most unfavorable circumstances, aerial navigation will be an accomplished fact inside of ten years." TechnologyAirplanes: Lawrence Hargrave (1850-1915), Australia, invents the box kite. Because it is remarkably stable and generates large amounts of lift, it creates a sensation in aeronautical circles. It's general form influences all early airplane designers. | EducationPublic Education (1893-1913): Size of school boards in the country's 28 biggest cities is cut in half. Most local district (or "ward") based positions are eliminated, in favor of city-wide elections. This means that local immigrant communities lose control of their local schools. Makeup of school boards changes from small local businessmen and some wage earners to professionals (like doctors and lawyers), big businessmen and other members of the richest classes.EducationWomen's Colleges: Mt. Holyoke Seminary becomes Mt. Holyoke College.EducationLillian Wald (1867-1940) organizes Home nursing classes for immigrant families in New York City.Arts and LettersLiterature: Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) writes "A Woman of No Importance."Arts and LettersLiterature: Henry Blake Fuller (1857-1929) publishes "The Cliff-Dwellers," considered to be the first American novel about the city.Arts and LettersOpera: Englebert Humperdinck composes the opera "Hansel and Gretal."Arts and LettersItalian actress Eleanora Duse (1858-1924) makes her debut in New York City.Arts and LettersLiterature: Stephen Crane's (1871-1900) first novel, "Maggie: A Girl Of The Streets," (1893) is a milestone in the development of literary naturalism.Arts and LettersWilla Catha (1873-1947) becomes a regular contributor to the "Nebraska State Journal"; she begins to review plays and write a Sunday column. She is also managing editor of "The Hesperian" and contributes numerous pieces.IdeasMatilda Gage publishes her classic feminist analysis, "Women, Church, and State."Ideas"The Psychic Mechanism of Hysterical Phenomena" is published by Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and Josef Breuer (1842-1925), laying the foundations of psychoanalysis.IdeasPsychologist Milicent Washburn Shinn (1858-1940) publishes "Notes on the Development of a Child." | Cleveland, FrancesEsther Cleveland (Bosanquet) (1893-1980), daughter of Grover and Frances Cleveland, is born September 9. Hayes, LucyRutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893), 19th President of the U.S., dies January 17 at Spiegel Grove in Fremont, Ohio. | EconomicsA financial panic in the U.S. is touched off because gold reserves fall below $90 million.EconomicsL C. Tiffany (1838-1933) develops fervile glass, an elegant type of stained glass with which he makes screens, lampshades, and other items.EconomicsRailroad History: On May 10th locomotive #999 of the New York Central & Hudson River RR hauled four heavy Wagner cars of the Empire State Express down a 0.28% grade at record-braking speed. DiscoveryThe World Columbian Exposition opens in Chicago and celebrates the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America. | Sports Boxing: The longest recorded boxing match occurs in New Orleans between Andy Bowen and Jack Burk; it lasts for 110 rounds, 7 hours, 4 minutes.Sports A relay race is first run at the University of Pennsylvania.Sports Ice hockey is introduced from Canada at Yale and Johns Hopkins Universities.Sports The first cross-country skiing competition for women takes place in Sweden.Sports Baseball: The stories differ, but some time during these years baseball meets the hot dog and an American classic is born.Popular CultureThe words to "America the Beautiful" are written by Katherine Lee Bates (1859-1929).Popular CultureHaving killed him off in "The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes," Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) is subjected to major public outrage and demands that the detective be brought back to life.Popular CultureCalamity Jane (1848-1903) tours Europe and the U.S. in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.Popular CultureMildred Hill (1859-1916), from Kentucky, publsihes her song, "Good Morning to All"; Robert H. Coleman adds a second verse beginning, "Happy Birthday to You." | Social IssuesNative Americans: Cherokee land between Kansas and Oklahoma is declared open to settlement.ReformSettlement House Movement: Lillian Wald (1867-1940) and Mary Brewster found the Henry Street Settlement on the lower east side of New York City, providing, among other things, visiting nursing to poor families.ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: Colorado adopts suffrage for women.ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: New Zealand adopts suffrage for women.ReformThe first World Congress of Women is held in Chicago. |
1894 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFrench army Captain Alfred Dreyfus (1859-1935) is arrested for treason; he is convicted "in camera," and deported to Devil's Island, French Guiana. This case, widely known as the "Dreyfus Affair," is, in part, an example of anti-Semitic persecution.GovernmentNicholas II (1868-1918) becomes the last czar of Russia.GovernmentCongress passes the first graduated income tax law as part of the Wilson-Gorman Tariff Act, which lowers tariffs.WarThe Sino-Japanese War over control of Korea begins. | ScienceFlorence Bascom (1862-1945) becomes the first woman elected as a fellow of the Geological Society of America.ScienceLord Rayleigh (1842-1919) and William Ramsay (1852-1916) discover argon.ScienceThe Lowell Observatory is built in Flagstaff, Arizona.MedicineAlexander Yersin (1863-1943) and Kitasato Shibasaburo (1853-1931) independently discover the plague bacillus.MedicineThe Boston Board of Health begins medical examination of school-children.MedicineThe first effective antitoxin against diphtheria is developed by Anna Wessel Williams (1863-1954).InventionsThomas Edison (1847-1931) demonstrates the kinetoscope, a device for peep-show viewing using photographs that flip rapidly in sequence.InventionsLouis Lumiere (1864-1948) invents the cinematograph.InventionsA small hand-powered submarine is launched by inventor Simon Lake (1866-1945).InventionsRudolf Diesel (1858-1913) invents the diesel engine.TechnologyAirplanes: Otto Lilienthal (1848-1896) is regularly making glides of over 1000 feet. He begins to outfit his gliders with a "rebound bow" at the front to absorb the shock of a rough landing. It saves his life on at least one occasion. | EducationChildren’s Books: Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) uses his own upbringing in India for his Mowgli stories in "The Jungle Book."EducationLibraries: North Carolina A&T State University's Bluford Library is founded in Greemsboro.EducationWomen's Colleges: Radcliffe College recieves its formal charter as a women's college associated with Harvard University; Elizabeth Agassiz (1822-1907) becomes its first president.EducationWomen's Colleges: Martha Carey Thomas (1857-1935) becomes president of Bryn Mawr College.EducationEllen Gates Scott, co-founder of Hull House, founds the Chicago Public School Art Society in an effort to keep great art before the eyes of slum dwellers.Arts and LettersDrama: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) writes "Arms and the Man."Arts and LettersJean Silbelius (1865-1957) composes "Finlandia."Arts and LettersDebussy (1862-1918) composes "The Afternoon of a Fawn" (L'Apres-midi d'un faune).Arts and LettersLiterature: "The Prisoner of Zenda" is published by English author Anthony Hope (1863-1933).Arts and LettersLiterature: The character of the hypnotist Svengali is introduced in the novel, "Trilby," by George du Maurier (1834-1896).Arts and LettersEmily Dickinson's (1830-1886) two volumes of letters, heavily edited and selected, are published. | Roosevelt, EdithArchibald "Archie" Bulloch Roosevelt (1894-1981), son of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt, is born April 9. | Daily LifeNewspapers: Comics first appear in Sunday newspapers. | Sports Horse Racing: The New York Jockey Club is founded.Sports A committee is established to organize the modern Olympic Games.Sports Golf: The United States Golf Association is founded.Sports Women in Sports: Golf: The first Australian women''s national golf championship is held. Popular CultureMark Twain (1835-1910) publishes "Tom Sawyer Abroad" and "The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson." | ReligionThe World's Young Women's Christian Association (WYWCA) is founded in Geneva, Switzerland.ReligionChildren’s Books: Talbot Baines Reed (1852-1893) bibliographer whose twenty-plus books include "The Master of the Shell," written for the Religious Tract Society. ReformA band of unemployed men led by Jacob S. Coxey (1854-1951) engages in a march on Washington to petition Congress for public works projects to help the jobless. Coxey is arrested for trespassing and the "army" disbands.ReformLabor Movement: In a year of major labor unrest, Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926) leads the American Railway Union in support of Pullman strikers; railroad traffic out of Chicago comes to a halt; federal troops break the strike; Debs is jailed. |
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1895 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawIn "Pollack v. Farmers Loan and Trust Company," the Supreme Court finds the income tax unconstitutional.LawLabor Movement: The Supreme Court upholds the use of the injuction as a strike-breaking device.GovernmentThe British South Africa Company territory south of Zambezi becomes Rhodesia.WarThe Sino-Japanese War ends with the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki. | ScienceWilhelm Rontgen (1845-1923) discovers x-rays.ScienceThe Yerkes Observatory is established at Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.MedicineA group of black doctors form the National Medical Association, asserting that their interests are not being met by the American Medical Association.MedicineAlexander Yersin (1863-1943) develops a serum to fight bubonic plague.MedicineWomen's Firsts: Lillian Murray (1871-1960) becomes Britain's first woman dentist.MedicineElizabeth Blackwell (1821-1910) publishes "Pioneer Work in Opening the Medical Profession to Women."InventionsThe safety razor is invented by King C. Gillette (1855-1932).InventionsItalian physcist Guglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) invents a wireless telegraph system.TechnologyThe Lumiere brothers (Auguste (1862-1954) and Louis
(1864-1948) are granted a patent in France for the earliest movie projectors. In March, thry first demonstrate motion pictures using celluloid film in Paris.TechnologyPneumatic (air-filled) tires are produced by the Hartford Rubber Works in Connecticut.TechnologyAirplanes: Percy Pilcher, Scotland, builds a glider, the Bat. Visits Otto Lilienthal and asks for advice. Makes suggested improvement and flies the Bat. Builds two more gliders, the Beetle and the Gull, making improvements on each one. | EducationLibraries: The Astor and Lenox libraries and the Tilden Trust merge to form the New York Public Library. EducationTroy Female Seminary becomes the Emma Willard School.EducationHigher Education: The London School of Economics and Political Science is founded.Arts and LettersPainting: The Art Nouveau style of painting is fashionable.Arts and LettersDance: The first complete performance of the ballet, "Swan Lake," by Tchaikosvky (1840-1893) occurs in St. Petersburg.Arts and LettersLiterature: Stephen Crane (1871-1900) publishes "The Red Badge of Courage."Arts and LettersPainting: Impressionist art is introduced to the U.S.Arts and LettersDrama: Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) writes the play "The Importance of Being Earnest."IdeasThomas Masaryk (1850-1937) publishes "The Czech Question."IdeasVolume 3 of "Das Kapital" by Karl Marx (1818-1883) is published posthumously. | Cleveland, FrancesMarion Cleveland (Dell Amen) (1895-1977), daughter of Grover and Frances Cleveland, is born July 7. | EconomicsRailroad History: The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad begins using electric locomotives.EconomicsThe commercial production of pasteurized milk is begun by Lewis B. Halsey (1851-1919).EconomicsSears Roebuck Company opens a mail-order business.EconomicsWomen''s Firsts: Florence Kelley (1859-1932) becomes the first woman to head a state factory-inspection service.Daily LifeMagazines: "Field and Stream" magazine begins publication.Daily LifeThe first national organization of Black women's clubs, the National Federation of Afro-American Women, is organized by Josephine St. Pierre Ruffin, Mary Church Terrell, Fannie Barrier Williams, and Margaret Washington. | Sports Women in Sports: Annie Smith Peck is the first woman to reach the peak of the Matterhorn. She climbed in a pair of knickerbockers, causing a sensation with the press. She helps to found the American Alpine Club in 1902. Sports The American Bowling Congress is established to govern the game.Sports Football: The first professional football game is played in the U.S. at Latrobe, Pennsylvania.Sports Golf: The first U.S. Open Golf Championship is held.Popular CultureKatharine Lee Bates(1859-1929) publishes "America the Beautiful."Popular CultureH.G. Wells (1866-1946) writes "The Time Machine."Popular CultureThe first public film show occurs in Paris at the Hotel Scribe. | ReligionThe National Baptist Convention if the U.S.A. is founded by the merger of Negro Baptist groups.ReligionElizabeth Cady Stanton (1815-1902) publishes "The Woman's Bible."ReformSettlement House Movement: Lillian D. Wald(1867-1940) founds a nurses' settlement on Henry Street in New York City.ReformCivil Rights Movement: Ida B. Wells (1862-1931) publishes her famous work on lynching, "Red Record," the first comprehensive work on the topic supported by statistical data.ReformSettlement House Movement: Jane Addams (1860-1935) publishes "Hull House Maps and Papers," a detailed study of conditions of Chicago immigrants served by the settlement house. |
1896 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: In "Plessy v. Ferguson," the Supreme Court rules that "separate but equal" facilities for whites and blacks are constitutional; the ruling marks the beginning of the "Jim Crow" era, legalizing segregation and forming the central legal basis for school segregation in the United States.PoliticsThird Parties: William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) gives his "Cross of Gold" speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago; he is nominated for president by both the free-silver democrats and the Populist Party.PoliticsWilliam McKinley (1843-1901) is elected the 25th President of the United States, and Garrett A. Hobart (1844-1899) is elected the nation's 24th Vice President.GovernmentRural free mail delivery is established.GovernmentNew State: Utah becomes the 45th state in the Union; it reinstates women's suffrage, which was lost in 1887.GovernmentStamps: Rural free delivery beings bringing mail to homes in the country. | ScienceOhio physicist Wallace Sabine (1868-1919), develops a reverberation equation that becomes the basics of acoustics.ScienceSwedish anatomist, Magnus G. Retzius (1842-1919), publishes "The Human Brain," the most complete work in his topic today.ScienceHelium is discovered by William Ramsey (1852-1916).ScienceRadioactivity is discovered by Frech physicist A. H. Becquerel (1852-1908).ScienceLord Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937), English chemist, discovers alpha and beta waves.InventionsThomas Edison (1847-1931) invents the flouroscope and the flourescent lamp.InventionsAmerican, H. O'Sullivan invents the rubber heel. TechnologyAirplanes: Percy Pilcher builds a much-improved glider, the Hawk, and glides up to 750 feet. He plans a powered versionTechnologyH.L. Smith takes the first X-ray photograph, a hand with a bullet in it. | EducationPublic Education: Plessy v. Ferguson decision. The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the state of Louisiana has the right to require "separate but equal" railroad cars for Blacks and whites. This decision means that the federal government officially recognizes segregation as legal. One result is that southern states pass laws requiring racial segregation in public schools.Arts and LettersOpera: "La Boheme," by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), is performed in Turin.Arts and LettersThe last of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, "The Grand Duke," is performed in London.Arts and LettersJohn Phillips Sousa (1854-1932) composes "The Stars and Stripes Forever."Arts and LettersDrama: Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) write the play "The Seagull."Arts and LettersEdward Elgar (1857-1934) composes "Enigma Variations."Arts and LettersLiterature: Henryk Sienkiewicz (1846-1916) publishes "Quo Vadis."Arts and LettersGerman opera singer Lilli Lehmann (1848-1929) debuts in Prague, Danzig, and Leipzig, and receieves a lifetime appointment at the Royal Opera in Berlin.IdeasThe Nobel Prizes are established in physics, phisiology and medicine, chemistry, literature, and peace. | Tyler, LetitiaJohn Tyler, Jr. (1819-1896), son of John and Letitia Tyler, dies January 26. | EconomicsSuccessful off-shore oil wells are drilled near Santa Barbara, California.EconomicsA hydroelectric plant opens in Niagara Falls.EconomicsThe Wright brothers begin to manufacture their own bicycles.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: A westernized version of the Indian game Parcheesi is introduced in England under the name Ludo. Daily LifeThe tootsie roll is introduced by Leo Hirschfield.Daily LifeFanny Farmer (1857-1915), principal of the Boston Cooking School, publsihes "The Boston Cooking School Cookbook," which introduces precise measurement and instructions to cooking; revisions of the cookbook, which is renamed "The Fanny Farmer Cookbook," make the cook book a standard throughout the 20th century.Daily LifeNewspapers: Harriet Hubbard Ayer(1849-1903) joins the New York World as a beauty columnist, becoming the first coordinator of a "women's page."Daily Life"Book" matches become popular. | Sports Women in Sports: Basketball: Women play in their first intercollegiate basketball game, between the University of California at Berkeley and Stanford University; no males were allowed at the Berkeley game.Sports The first modern Olympic Games open in Athens, Greece.Sports The first U.S. hockey league, The Amateur Hockey League, is established in New York City.Sports Athlete James B. Connolly (1870-1916) becomes the first Olympic champion in 1500 years at the revival of the Olympic Games in Athens.Sports Women in Sports: Susan B. Anthony says that "the bicycle has done more for the emancipation of women than anything else in the world." Popular CultureWomen’s Firsts: Alice Guy Blaché (1873-1968), the first American woman film director, shoots the first of her more than 300 films, a short feature called La Fee aux Choux (The Cabbage Fairy).Popular CultureThe first close-up, prolonged embrace on the movie screen, The John Rice-May Irwin Kiss, scandalizes audiences across the country.Popular CultureMotion pictures are introduced into vaudeville shows. | ReligionThe Mormon Church abandons polygamy, the practice of a man having more than one wife.ReligionFormer baseball player Billy Sunday (1862-1935) begins a career of evangelism, preaching at 300 revivals and to 100 million people before his death in 1935.Social IssuesPoverty: The Volunteers of America is founded by Salvation army leader Maud Charlesworth Booth (1865-1948).ReformLabor Movement: The Union for Industrial Progress is organized by Mary Morton Kehew (1859-1918) and Mary Kenney (O'Sullivan)(1864-1943) to support bookbinders, laundry and tobacco workers, and women clothing workers. |
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1897 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court supports the Sherman Antitrust Act.LawWomen's Firsts: Sophonisba Preston Breckeridge (1866-1948) is the first women to be admitted to the Kentucky bar.PoliticsMathieu Dreyfus (1857-1930) discovers that the document on which his brother, Alfred (1859-1935), was convicted was actually written by Major M. C. Esterhazy.GovernmentWilliam A. McKinley (1843-1901) is inaugurated as the 25th President of the United States, and Garrett A. Hobart (1844-1899) is inaugurated as the nation's 24th Vice President. GovernmentImmigration: President McKinley (1843-1901) vetoes a bill that would require literacy tests for immigrants.GovernmentThis year marks Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, marking her 60th year as Queen of Great Britain. | ScienceMarie Curie (1867-1934) publsihes her first paper, on the magnetism of tempered steel, the year her daughter, Irene, was born.ScienceScottish physicist Joseph J. Thompson (1884-1956) discovers the electron.ScienceBeatrix Potter (1866-1943), who later achieved prominance as a children's author, discovers that lichen is not a kind of plant, but a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungi; her discovery would not be accepted for another decadeMedicineThe malaria bacillus is discovered by Ronald Ross (1857-1932).MedicineThe bacterium that causes dysentery is discovered by Japanese bacteriologist Shiga Kiyoshi (1871-1951).MedicineDutch physician Chistiaan Ejikman (1858-1930) determines that the disease beriberi is caused by dietary deficiency.MedicineAmerica's first hospital for crippled children opens in St. Paul, Minnesota.InventionsThe oscilloscope is invented by Karl F. Braun (1850-1918). InventionsAfrican American Inventors: Andrew Beard (c.1849-1910), patents an improvement to railroad car couplers, called the Jenny Coupler, which did the dangerous job of hooking railroad cars together.TechnologyThe first full-length x-ray of a human body is produced by William Morton (1819-1868).TechnologyThe world's largest telescope (40 inch lens) is installed at Yerkes Observatory.TechnologyA 36-foot long gasoline powered submarine, the Argonaut II, with wheels for rolling along the ocean floor, in launched.TechnologyThe first practical subway is completed in Boston. | EducationEducation of Women: John Hopkins University's medical school becomes the first major American medical school to admit women, after recieving a large contribution from Mary Elizabeth Garrett (1854-1915) on the condition that it do so.EducationThe National Congress of Mothers, forerunner of the National Parent-Teacher Association, is founded by Pheobe Apperson Hearst (1842-1919) and Alice McLellan Birney (1858-1907).Arts and LettersLiterature: Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) writes "Captain's Courageous."Arts and LettersDrama: Edmund Rostand (1868-1918) writes and produces the play "Cyrano de Bergerac" in France.Arts and LettersDrama: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) writes the play, "Candide."Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: H.H.A. Beach's (1867-1944) "Gaelic Symphony" is the first symphony by a woman performed in the United States, and possibly the world.IdeasHavelock Ellis (1859-1939) writes "Studies in the Psychology of Sex."IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) defines the "Oedipus Complex" and suggests that dreams play an important psychological role. | Cleveland, FrancesRichard Folsom "Dick" Cleveland (1897-1974), son of Grover and Frances Cleveland, is born October 28. Harrison, CarolineElizabeth Harrison Walker (1897-1955), daughter of Benjamin and Caroline Harrison, is born February 21. Roosevelt, EdithQuentin Roosevelt (1897-1918), son of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt, is born November 19. Taft, HelenCharles Phelps Taft (1897-1983), son of William Howard and Helen Taft, is born September 20. | EconomicsMarconi (1874-1937) achieves radio tansmission over long distances and establishes the Wireless Telegraph Company.EconomicsAmerican Money: A National Monetary Commission meets at Indianapolis and endorses the existing gold standard.Daily LifeNewspapers: The first American comic strip, the "Katzenjammer Kids," is begun by Rudolph Dirks (1877-1968).Daily LifeSophie Levy Lyons (1848-1924) adandons a successful acreer as a famous international bank robber to become the first society columnist in the U.S.Daily LifeNovelist Willa Cather (1873-1947) begins her career as a newspaperwoman in Pittsburgh | Sports Softball: Softball becomes international with the creation of a league in Toronto, and the publication of the Indoor Baseball Guide.Sports Boxing: In the first boxing match to be photographed with a moving picture camera, Corbett (1866-1933) is defeated by Bob Fitzsimmons (1863-1917) in a 14-round bout.Sports Women in Sports: The first Women's French Tennis Championship is held. Popular CultureBram Stroker, Jr. (1847-1912) publishes "Dracula." | ReformAbolition Movement: Harriet Tubman (c.1820-1913) wins a $20 per month pension for her Civil War service to the Union. |
1898 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFrench writer Emile Zola(1840-1902) is imprisoned for writing his "'J' Accuse" letter accusing the government of anti-Semitism and wrongly jailing Captain Alfred Dreyfus (1859-1935).PoliticsAn anti-foreign, anti-Western organization called the Boxers is formed in China.PoliticsThird Parties: Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926) helps found the Social Democratic Party, later called the Socialist Party.GovernmentThe U.S. annexes Hawaii.GovernmentThe first Food and Drug Act is passed in response to public outcry over the meat supplied to U.S. troops in the Spanish-American War.WarSpanish-American War: The USS Maine blows up in Havana harbor, touching off the Spanish-American War, which begins on April 21 when the U.S. declares war on Spain; Spain declares war on the U.S. on April 24. | ScienceWilliam Ramsay (1852-1916) discovers xenon, crypton, and neon.
ScienceRadium and polonium are discovered by Marie Curie (1867-1934), who coins radioactivity.MedicineThe bacillus that causes dysentery is discovered by Japanese bacteriologist Shiga Kioshi (1871-1951).MedicineIsolating a hormone for the first time in a laboratory, Ohio pharmacologist John J. Abel (b. 1818) extracts epinephrine (adrenalin) from the adrenal glands of a sheep.MedicineEnglish bacteriologist Sir Ronald Ross (1857-1932), determines that malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes.MedicineAn Army Nurse Corps is created to provide trained militaty nurses to the armed forces in the Spanish-American War, thanks in large measure to Dr. Anita Newcomb McGee (1864-1940); its first superintendent is Mrs. Rita Kenney.MedicineClara Barton (1821-1912) again organizes private relief for the wounded in the Spanish-American War, as she did in the Civil War.InventionsEdwin Prescott patents the roller coaster. TechnologyThe first dirigible airship is built by German Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin (1838-1917).TechnologyThe first photographs utilizing artificial light are taken.TechnologyThe Paris Metro is opened.TechnologyArgonaut II is the first submarine to travel in the open seas—300 milesfrom Virginia to New York.TechnologyPowered by electricity when underwater and by a gasoline engine when on the surface, John Holland (1841-1914) launches the Holland, a 53-foot long, cigar-shaped submarine. | EducationHighr Education: The first college of forestry is established at Cornell University.EducationWomen's Colleges: The first Phi Beta Kappa chapter at an American women's college is founded at Vassar.EducationWomen's Colleges: Florence Bascom (1862-1945) begins her long association with Byrn Mawr College, where she founded the geology department.EducationHigher Education: Peking University is founded in China.Arts and LettersDrama: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) writes the play "Caesar and Cleopatra."Arts and LettersThe National Institute of Arts and Letters is founded.Arts and LettersKonstantin Stanislavsky (1863-1938), known for his techniques of "method acting," founds the Moscow Art Theatre.Arts and LettersArturo Toscanini (1867-1957) is appointed the musical director of La Scala Opera House in Milan.Arts and LettersDrama: George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) produces "Mrs. Warren's Profession;" it opens in New York City to a storm of protest over its content—the story of a former prostitute whose earnings allow her daughter to be raised in middle-class refinement.IdeasCharlotte Perkins Gilman (1860-1935) publishes "Women and Economics," a study of the economic contributions of women and the discrimination they suffer. | | Daily LifeNewspapers: Hearst (1863-1951) can truthfully boast that his newspapers manufactured the public hysteria toward the war on Spain. Daily LifeNewspapers: This is the time of media consolidation, as many independent newspapers are swallowed up into powerful "chains"; with regrettable consequences for a once fearless and incorruptible press, many were reduced to vehicles for the distribution of the particular views of their owners, and so remained, without competing papers to challenge their viewpoints. | Sports Women in Sports: Baseball: Women''s Firsts: Lizzie Arlington becomes the first woman to sign a professional baseball contract, appearing in her first professional game pitching for the Philadelphia Reserves. Sports Women in Sports: Gertrude Dudley (b.1865) becomes director of women''''s athletics at the University of Chicago, becoming a major figure in American collegiate athletics for women.Popular CultureH.G. Wells (1866-1946) writes "War of the Worlds." | Social IssuesNative Americans: The Curtis Act re-affirms allotment of tribal lands on Indian reservations and ends tribal sovereignty in the territories.ReformTemperance Movement: Lillian M. N. Stevens (1844-1914) becomes president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, succeeding Fracnes Willard; the organization begins campaigning for national prohibition. |
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1899 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Women's Lawyer's Club is founded.PoliticsThe U.S. participates in the first peace conference at the Hague with 25 other nations; the Monroe Doctrine is upheld in the Western Hemisphere; a permanent Court of International Justice and Arbitration is set up.PoliticsAlfred Dreyfus (1859-1935) is pardoned by a presidential decree.GovernmentU.S. federal law raises the age of consent for homosexual relations from 16 to 21.GovernmentThe U.S. annexes Wake Island in the central Pacific for use as a cable station.WarBoer War (1899-1902) begins, between the British Empire and two Boer republics, the Orange Free State and the Transvaal Republic. | SciencePhysioligist Jacques (1859-1924) Loeb demonstrates that cell division is controlled chemically.MedicineAmerica's first tuberculosis hospital opens in Denver, Colorado.MedicineOhio surgeon George W. Crile (1864-1943) develops new, more successful methods for treating shock.MedicineAlthough it has been used for centuries, aspirin is introduced as a "modern" medicine.InventionsI.R. Johnson patents the bicycle frame. InventionsJ.S. Thurman patents the motor-driven vacuum cleaner. TechnologyAirplanes: The Wright brothers experiment with twisting wings, trying to deform the front edges. They can’t come up with a device light enough or strong enough to control a glider in flight.TechnologyThe first magnetic recording of sound occurs. | EducationJohn Dewey (1859-1952) publishes "The School and Society," stressing the role of experience in learning.EducationEllen Swallow Richards (1842-1911) heads a series of summer conferences at Lake Placid, in which she teaches ways of improving the home enviroment; the new field is called home economics.EducationEducation of Women: Cornell University begins accepting women in its medical school, thus enabling the Blackwell sisters to close their Women's Medical College.Arts and LettersLiterature: Kate Chopin’s (1850-1904) second novel, "The Awakening," was published to much outrage and harsh criticism based upon moral, rather than literary, standards. Her best-known work, it is the story of a dissatisfied wife who explores her sexuality.Arts and LettersThe sousaphone, a bass tuba designed for parade use, is developed and named after John Phillip Sousa (1854-1932).IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) publishes "Studies in Hysteria," putting the case for extreme repression of women's sexuality as a key factor in many sociophychological problems. | Mckinley, IdaPresident McKinley (1843-1901) becomes the first president to ride in an automobile when he takes a spin in a Stanley Steamer. | EconomicsThe first public garage was opened in Boston, MA; space for selling, storing, and repairing vehicles was available.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Through the Chicago Women's Club, Hannah Solomon (1858-1942) sparked the establishment of Cook County's pioneering juvenile court.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The last bandit to rob a stagecoach in the U.S. is Pearl Hart (1878-1925). | Sports Boxing: James J. Jeffries (1875-1953) knocks out Bob Fitzsimmons (1863-1917) to become world hevayweight boxing champion.Sports Women in Sports: Two teams of women ice hockey players play a game on the artifical ice at the Ice Palace in Philadelphia. Popular CultureScott Joplin (1868-1917) publishes "The Maple Ragtime Leaf," helping to popularize ragtime music.Popular CultureIllustrator Charles Dana Gibson (1867-1944) introduces his "Gibson Girls" in a book of sketches called "The Education of Mr. Pipp." | ReligionThe Gideons, Christian Commercial Men's Association, are organized by three traveling salesmen in Jamesville, Wisconsin; the first Gideon Bible is placed in the Superior Hotel, Iron Mountain, Montana, in 1908.ReformCivil Rights Movement: African-American suffragist Lottie Wilson Jackson proposes a resolution at NAWSA that addresses the segregation on trains that forces black women to ride in the smoking cars; her proposal is defeated.ReformTemperance Movement: Temperance reformer Carrie Nation (1846-1911), armed with bricks, hatchets, and hymns, enters a saloon, sings, shouts imprecations and biblical passages, and smashes bottles, furniture, and decorations.ReformAmerican Protest Music: William E. Barton composes the slave spiritual “Before I’d be a Slave (Oh, Freedom).” |
1900 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsWilliam McKinley (1843-1901) is reelected as the 25th President of the United States, and Theodore Roosevelt is elected as the nation's 25th Vice President.PoliticsThird Parties: The Social Democratic Party nominates Eugene V. Debs (1855-1926) for president.PoliticsThird Parties: Both the Populist and the Democratic Party nominate William Jennings Bryan (1860-1925) for President, running on a platform of free silver and anti-imperialism.GovernmentHawaii becomes a territory of the United States.GovernmentCongress enacts the Gold Standard Act, allowing other forms of money to be redeemable in gold.GovernmentStamps: First U.S. stamps issued in booklet form.WarThe Boxer Rebellion against Europeans in China occurs. | ScienceThe element radon is discovered by F. E. Dorn.ScienceQuantum theory—the idea that energy occurs in tiny packets called quanta—is proposed.MedicineThe first three blood groups—A, B, and O—are discovered by Karl Lansteiner (1868-1943), an Austrian physician, opening the door to safe blood transfusions. InventionsThe rigid airship, the Zeppelin, is invented by German military officer, Ferdinand Zeppelin (1838-1917).TechnologyWork begins on the New York subway.TechnologyAirplanes: October 10 — The Wright brothers experience their first crash. They rebuild the glider, and once again test it like a kite. | EducationChildren’s Books: The best-known American children''s fantasy is undoubtedly "The Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum (1856-1919). EducationCrayola Crayons: The Company begins producing slate pencils for schools. EducationChildren''s Books: Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) writes “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.”EducationPublic Education: There are 15.5 million children in public schools in the U.S.; only one in ten stay beyond the age of 14. Arts and LettersDrama: Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) writes "Uncle Vanya."Arts and LettersOpera: Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) composes "Tosca," which opens in Rome.Arts and LettersLiterature: Theodore Dreiser writes “Sister Carrie.”Arts and LettersThe Philadelphia Orchestra is founded.IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) publishes "The Interpretation of Dreams." | Mckinley, IdaIda McKinley (1847-1907) helps her husband conduct his famous “front porch” campaign for the Presidency from their house in Canton, Ohio. | EconomicsThe first Browning revolvers are manufactured.EconomicsCensus: U.S. population is 75 million; life expectancy is 48 years for males and 51 years for females.EconomicsRailroad History: Casey Jones (1863-1900) rides the "Cannonball" into history on April 30th.DiscoveryAnthropologist Sir Arthur Evans (1851-1941) begins excavations of the Palace of Knossos in Crete, leading to the discovery of the Minoan civilization.Daily LifeDancing: The Cake Walk becomes the most fashionable dance.Daily LifeThere are more than a million miles of telephone lines in the U.S. | Sports D. F. Davis (1879-1945) first presents the international lawn tennis cup that bears his name. Sports William Muldoon (1845-1933) is proclaimed the first professional wrestling champion.Sports Women in Sports: Women''s Firsts: The first 19 women to compete in the modern Olympics Games in Paris, France, play in just three sports: tennis, golf, and croquet. Margaret I. Abbott is the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal. An art student in Paris, she won the nine-hole golf tournament by shooting a 47.Sports Black Athletes: Mace Montgomery of Georgetown University is the first African-American member of an Olympic delegation; he is a trainer. | ReligionThere are 73 million Christians, 1.5 million Jews, and 10,000 Muslims in the United States. Social IssuesImmigration: There are 3.7 new immigrants since 1891.ReformLabor Movement: The International Ladies’ Garment Worker’s Union is founded in New York.ReformTemperance Movement: Carrie Nation (1846-1911), temperance advocate, denounces saloons and liquor and supports prohibition laws.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: By now, every state has passed legislation modeled after New York’s Married Women’s Property Act (1848), granting married women some control over their property and earnings. |
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1901 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThird Parties: The Socialist Party of America is organized.GovernmentThe treaty allowing the U.S. to build the Panama Canal is signed.GovernmentWilliam McKinley (1843-1901) is inaugurated for a second term as President of the United States, and Theodore Roosevelt is inaugurated as the nation's 25th Vice President.GovernmentVice President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) becomes the nation’s 26th President after the assassination of Presdient William A. McKinley (1843-1901). No new Vice President is selected.WarThe Boxer Rebellion ends with an agreement between China and the Great Powers.WarSpanish American War: The Platt Amendment authorizes U.S. intervention in Cuba; Cuba becomes a U.S. protectorate. | ScienceWilliam Roentgen (1845-1923) wins the first Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of X-rays.ScienceThe hormone adrenalin is first isolated.MedicineThe Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research is established.MedicineProof that yellow fever is transmitted by mosquitoes is demonstrated by a Commission headed by Walter Reed (1851-1902).InventionsThe safety razor with disposable blades is invented by King C. Gillette (1855-1932). TechnologyGuglielmo Marconi (1874-1937) transmits telegraphic radio messages from Cornwall to Newfoundland with radio waves.TechnologyAirplanes: The Wright brothers, encouraged by their initial success, plan their second glider. | EducationLibraries: A Carnegie library is built at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.EducationHigher Education: The Army War College is organized.EducationHigher Education: The first public junior college is established in Juliet, Illinois. Arts and LettersPainting: This year sees the beginning of painter Pablo Picasso’s (1881-1973) “blue period.”Arts and LettersLiterature: Theodore Dreiser’s (1871-1945) second novel, "Jennie Gerhardt," is published. IdeasNobel Prizes are awarded for the first time.IdeasPhilosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) founds Anthroposophy, a system of thought that underlies his Waldorf schools | Mckinley, IdaPresident William McKinley (1843-1901) is assassinated while visiting the Pan American Exhibition in Buffalo, NY.Taft, HelenWilliam Howard Taft (1857-1930) becomes Governor-General of the Philippines, and Helen Taft settles happily into her role as "first lady" of the Philippeans. | EconomicsThe first motor-driven bicycles appear.EconomicsJ.P. Morgan (1837-1913) forms the U.S. Steel Corporation, the first billion-dollar corporation in the world.DiscoveryCaptain Robert Falcon Scott (1868-1912) leads an exploration of Antarctica, sponsored by the Royal Geographical Society. Daily LifeChildren have only a 79 percent chance of living past age 15.Daily LifeThe first state regulations regarding the speed, registration, and license plates of automobiles are passed by Connecticut.Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Annie Edson Taylor (1838- 1921), a schoolteacher from Michigan, becomes the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: At just twenty-two years old, Joshua Lionel Cowen creates a battery-powered train engine as an "animated advertisement" for products in a store's display window. To his surprise, customers are more interested in purchasing his toy train, than the merchandise in the display. Lionel Trains is born. | Sports Women in Sports: The ambidextrous May Kaarlus, 16, performs a sereis of amazing billard shots in New York City. Male experts try and fail to duplicate her shots.Sports Boxing: Boxing is recognized as a legal sport in England.Sports The first American Bowling Club tournament is held in Chicago.Popular CultureRudyard Kipling (1865-1936) writes the novel, "Kim."Popular CultureRagtime music becomes popular in the United States. | ReligionThe Newcastle (England) Conference of the Catholic Truth Society meets to define the term “Roman Catholic” as a generic one, meaning all Catholics.ReformCivil Rights Movement: Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) publishes his autobiography “Up from Slavery.”ReformLabor Movement: The United Textile Workers Union is founded. |
1902 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe Secret Service assumes full time responsibility for protection of the President.GovernmentImmigration: The United States extends the Chinese Exclusion Act, again.GovernmentThe United States acquires perpetual control over the Panama Canal.GovernmentNational Capitol: The 19th-century conservatories are razed in White House, and a new "temporary" Executive Office Building, later called the West Wing, is erected. WarThe Boer War between British and Dutch colonists in southern African ends with the British in control of South Africa. | ScienceThe radioactive element radium is isolated by Marie (1867-1934) and Pierre Curie (1859-1906) in France.ScienceThe hormone secretin is discovered.ScienceGenes are found on chromosomes, which are discovered to come in pairs.InventionsWillis H. Carrier designs a system for indoor air conditioning.TechnologyAirplanes: October 8 — The Wright brothers' modified glider works perfectly, with no tendency to spin. | EducationCrayola Crayons: Listening to the needs of teachers, Binney & Smith makes the first dustless school chalk. It’s so successful it wins a gold medal at the St. Louis World Exposition.EducationLibraries: The cornerstones are laid for NYPL's Humanities and Social Sciences Library on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.EducationPublic Education: Every state and territory in the United States except Arizona has a law requiring temperance instruction in schools.Arts and LettersPainting: Claude Monet (1840-1926) paints “Waterloo Bridge."Arts and LettersEdward Elgar (1857-1934), British composer, writes the first of his “Pomp and Circumstance” marches.IdeasWilliam James (1842-1910) writes "The Varieties of Religious Experience." | Washington, MarthaMartha Washington (1731-1802) becomes the first woman to appear on an American postage stamp.Tyler, JuliaLachlan Tyler (1851-1902), son of John Tyler and his second wife Julia, dies January 25. | EconomicsThe first national advertisement for Jello is published in the Ladies Home Journal.DiscoveryA Tyrannosaurus Rex is discovered in Montana by Barnum Brown (1873-1963), a paleontologist at the American Museum of Natural History. Daily LifeDisasters: Mt. Pelee on Martinique erupts, destroying the town of St. Pierre and killing more than 30,000 people.Daily LifeThe Aswan Dam is opened in Egypt.Daily LifeTransportation: The 20th Century Limited travels from New York City to Chicago in 20 hours, a new record for train travel. | Sports Football: The first Tournament of Roses football game takes place in Pasadena, California; Michigan beats Stanford, 49-0.Sports Women in Sports: Britian's Madge Syers opens the door for women figure skaters when she enters the all-male 1902 world championships and places second. Her second place finish causes officials to ban women from the championships for quite some time. Popular CultureA. Conan Doyle (1859-1930) writes "The Hound of the Baskervilles."Popular CultureRudyard Kipling (1865-1936) writes the "Just-So Stories."Popular CultureThe first motion picture theatre opens in Los Angeles.Popular CultureEnrico Caruso (1873-1921) makes his first phonograph recording.Popular CultureHot Air Balloons: The first balloon trip across the Irish Channel is completed. | ReligionThe Young Women’s Hebrew Association is founded in New York City.Social IssuesImmigration: Record numbers of immigrants continue to come to the United States, this year mostly from Italy, Russia, and Austro-Hungary.ReformLabor Movement: There is a coal strike in the U.S. from May to October. |
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1903 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe Russian Social Democratic Party splits into Mensheviks and Bolsheviks.GovernmentA dispute with Canada over the boundaries of Alaska is finally resolved.GovernmentThe Departments of Commerce and Labor are established by Congress. WarThe U.S. supports an uprising in Panama against Colombian rule. Panama forms a new government which enables the building of the Panama Canal. | ScienceMarie and Pierre Curie receive the Nobel Prize for their work in radioactivity.MedicineThe electrocardiograph is invented by Wilhelm Einthoven (1860-1927). InventionsMary Anderson invents windshield wipers. InventionsTransportation: The Wright Brothers invent and fly the first airplane powered by an engine. InventionsElectrification: The steam turbine generator is invented by Charles G. Curtis and is developed into a practical steam turbine by William Le Roy Emmet (1859-1941). TechnologyAirplanes: December 17 — At 10:35 am, Orville Wright (1871-1948) makes the first powered flight in a fully controllable aircraft capable of sustaining itself in the air. The flight lasts just 12 seconds and stretches only 120 feet. TechnologyThe first crossing of the American continent by automobile takes 52 days. | EducationHigher Education: The Universities of Liverpool and Manchester in England are founded.EducationCrayola Crayons: Noticing a need in schools for safe and affordable wax crayons, Binney (1866-1934) & Smith makes the
first box of eight Crayola crayons. The box sold for a nickel and contained black, brown, blue, red, violet, orange, yellow and green —
the same colors in the box of eight today.
EducationLibraries: A new central Carnegie library is dedicated in Washington, D.C.Arts and LettersLiterature: Henry James (1843-1916) writes "The Ambassadors." Arts and LettersDrama: George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) writes “Man and Superman.”Arts and LettersOscar Hammerstein, Sr. (1847-1919) builds the Manhattan Opera House in New York City.Arts and LettersOpera: “Ernani,” by Guiseppe Verdi (1813-1901) becomes the first opera ever recorded.IdeasHenri Poincaré (1854-1912) publishes “Science and Hypothesis,” saying that every scientific theory is a hypothesis that must be tested and retested. | Roosevelt, EdithDuring Edith Roosevelt's tenure, the famous “gold Steinway” was presented to the White House in celebration of Steinway’s 50th anniversary; the piano established the East Room as a major setting for the performing arts.Roosevelt, EleanorWomen in Sports: Eleanor Roosevelt enrolls in the Junior League of New York where she teaches calisthenics and dancing to immigrants. | EconomicsRailroad History: New York state enacts legislation prohibiting the operation of steam locomotives on Manhattan Island in New York City south of the Harlem River after June 30, 1908. This spurred the electrification of New York City's trackage.EconomicsHenry Ford (1863-1947) founds the Ford Motor Company.EconomicsJ. P. Morgan (1837-1913) founds the International Mercantile Marine Company.DiscoverySpace Exploration: Russian scientist Konstantin Tsiolkovsky (1857-1935), prophet of space exploration, publishes “The Exploration of the World’s Space with Reactive Instruments.”Daily LifeAutomobile regulations in England set a 20 mile-per-hour speed limit. | Sports The first Tour de France bicycle race takes place.Sports Baseball: The first post-season baseball series (the World Series) occurs.Popular CultureJack London (1876-1916) writes “Call of the Wild.”Popular CultureThe longest film to date, “The Great Train Robbery,” lasts 12 minutes.Popular CultureRichard Steiff introduces the first jointed teddy bears, named after President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919). | ReligionAnti-Semitism: There occur many anti-Jewish pogroms in Russia.ReligionThe Sixth Zionist Congress refuses an offer from the British for a Jewish settlement in E. Africa.Social IssuesItems coming soon.ReformWomen’s Suffrage Movement: Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) founds the National Women’s Social and Political Union in England. |
1904 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawImmigration: In "Gonzales v. Williams," the U.S. Supreme Court decides that citizens of Puerto Rico are not aliens and can enter the U.S. freely. PoliticsTheodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) is re-elected President of the U.S., and Charles W. Fairbanks (1852-1918) is elected the 26th Vice President.GovernmentImmigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act is extended indefinitely.GovernmentStamps: Meters to pay postage were first used in New Zealand. The first use in the United States was on December 10, 1920, at Stanford, Connecticut. GovernmentSeveral U.S. government agencies, including the Navy, the Department of Agriculture, and the Army’s Signal Corps, all begin setting up their own radio transmitters, with little or no coordination among them.WarThe Russo-Japanese war begins when the Japanese launch a surprise attack on the Russian fleet at Port Arthur in northeast China.WarThe first trenches used in warfare are used in the Russo-Japanese War. | ScienceHartmann discovers interstellar matter.MedicineYellow fever is eradicated in the Panamal Canal Zone by Army doctor W. C. Gorgas (1854-1920).InventionsTeabags are invented by Thomas Sullivan.InventionsBenjamin Holt (1849-1920) invents the “caterpillar” tractor; it moves on continuous treads rather than wheels.InventionsThe first ultraviolet lamps are invented.TechnologyThe Broadway Subway is opens in New York City.TechnologyThe first radio transmission of music occurs at Graz, Austria.TechnologyThe first telegraphic transmission of pictures occurs in Germany.TechnologyThe first railroad tunnel under the Hudson River is built between Manhattan and New Jersey. | EducationEducation of Women: Helen Keller (1880-1968) graduates from Radcliffe College.EducationLibraries: Carnegie library buildings begin construction at Alabama A&M, Atlanta University, Benedict College, Talladega College, and Wilberforce University.EducationHigher Education: American Theatre: George Pierce Baker (1866-1935) establishes a course in playwriting at Radcliffe and then at Harvard.Arts and LettersOpera: The opera “Madama Butterfly,” by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924), premiers in Milan.Arts and LettersDrama: Anton Chekhov (1860-1904) writes “The Cherry Orchard.”Arts and LettersThe Abbey Theatre in Dublin, part of the National Theatre of Ireland, opens its doors for the first time.Arts and LettersThe London Symphony Orchestra gives its first concert.IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) publishes “The Psychopathology of Everyday Life.”
IdeasMax Weber (1864-1920) writes “The Protestant Ethic and the Birth of Capitalism.” | Roosevelt, EdithEdith Roosevelt (1861-1948) and her six children spend the summer of this election year at the “Summer White House” at Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay, New York, while the President remains in Washington.Gould, Am. First Ladies | EconomicsThe Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis--one of the world's fairs—introduces ice cream cones and iced tea to the United States.EconomicsWork begins on the Panama Canal.DiscoveryThe ship, "Discovery" sails out of McMurto Sound, ending Robert Falcon Scott’s first Antarctic expedition.Daily LifeDisasters: A disastrous fire destroys more than 1,500 buildings in downtown Baltimore. | Sports The Olympic Games are held in the United States for the first time, in St. Louis, Missouri.Sports The National Ski Association of America is founded at Ishpeming, Michigan.Sports Women in Sports: Softball: The Spalding Indoor Baseball Guide calls attention to the game of women’s softball.Sports Women in Sports: Bertha Kapernick becoms the first woman to give bronco riding exhibitions at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. Sports Black Athletes: Olympic medalist (summer games): George Poage (1899-1987) wins two bronze medals in the 200 m hurdles and 400 m hurdles. Popular CultureAuthor Jack London (1876-1916) writes "The Sea Wolf."Popular CultureJames Barrie (1860-1937) writes "Peter Pan." | ReligionThe institutions of the church and the state are officially separated in France.Social IssuesImmigration: Steerage rates for immigrants to the U.S. are cut to $10.00 by foreign steamship lines.Social IssuesImmigration: The Chinese Exclusion Act is extended indefinitely.ReformLabor Movement: A 10-hour word day is established in France.ReformWomen’s Rights Movement: A New York Policeman arrests a woman for smoking a cigarette in public. |
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1905 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawLabor Movement: In "Lochner v. New York," the Supreme Court rules that it is unconstitutional to limit the number of hours that bakers can work.PoliticsIn Ireland, Arthur Griffith (1871-1922) founds the Sinn Fein political movement calling for Irish independence.PoliticsChinese revolutionary Sun Yat Sen (1866-1925) develops a political philosophy based on his "three principles": nationalism, democracy, and livelihood for the people. GovernmentThe provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are formed in Canada.WarRevolution breaks out in Russia in January after "Bloody Sunday" when czarist troops fire on marchers in St. Petersburg. The unrest leads to the creation of a State Duma and previews the Russian Revolution of 1917. WarThe Russo-Japanese War ends. | ScienceAlbert Einstein (1879-1955), a former patent clerk, proposes his Special Theory of Relativity. ScienceThe National Audubon Society meets for first time, during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919), champion of environmental conservation.Medicine“Typhoid Mary,” an infamous carrier of typhoid fever, is found and jailed.MedicineThe term “allergy” is introduced into medicine.InventionsA patent for windshield wipers is obtained by Mary Anderson (1866-1953). TechnologyThe Mount Wilson observatory is completed in California. | EducationJohn Dewey leaves the University of Chicago and his Lab School to move to Teachers College, Columbia University. EducationLibraries: The first public library on wheels is a horse-drawn book wagon designed by Mary Lemist Titcomb (1857-1932), head of the Hagerstown (Md.) Public Library.EducationPublic Education: The U.S. Supreme Court requires California to extend public education to the children of Chinese immigrants.Arts and LettersArchitecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) completes his innovative office block, the Larkin Building, in Buffalo, New York. Centered on an atrium, it is fully air-conditioned and contains the first metal office furniture. Arts and LettersFauvism, named for its use of bright colors and bold brushwork, evolves in Paris. Participants include Henri Matisse (1869-1954), George Braque (1882-1963), and Raoul Dufy (1877-1953).Arts and LettersDrama: George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) writes “Major Barbara.” Arts and LettersOpera: David Belasco (1853-1931) produces “The Girl of the golden West” in Pittsburgh; it is later made into an opera by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924).Arts and LettersClaude Debussy (1862-1918) composes “La Mer” in Paris.IdeasPhilosopher George Santayana writes “The Life of Reason.” | Roosevelt, EdithEdith Roosevelt (1861-1948)purchases a cabin and five acres of land for a family “get-away” in Virginia from a relative for $195. | EconomicsThe Rotary Club is founded by lawyer Paul Percy Harris (1868-1947) in Chicago. EconomicsRayon yarn is manufactured commercially through a viscose process.DiscoveryThe world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan (3106 carats), is discovered near Pretoria, South Africa.Daily LifeDisasters: An earthquake kills 370,000 in Kangra, India.Daily LifeThe first neon light signs appear. | Sports Baseball: Ty Cobb (1886-1961) begins his major league baseball career with the Detroit Tigers.Popular CultureIn Pittsburgh, the first nickelodeon opens, showing early movies. Popular Culture“The Merry Widow,” an operetta by Franz Lehár (1870-1948) .is produced in Vienna.Popular Culture“The Red Mill,” an operetta by Victor Herbert (1859-1924) is produced in New York. | ReligionThe Islamic Salafiyyah movement begins in Paris with its main sphere of influence in Egypt.Social IssuesItem coming soon.ReformLabor Movement: The Industrial Workers of the World is founded in Chicago. Its members, called the Wobblies, advocate strikes and sabotage over collective bargaining. |
1906 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe British Labour party is formed from the Labour Representation Committee.PoliticsThe French Supreme Court of Appeals exonorates Alfred Dreyfus (1859-1935), ending the ten-year long Dreyfus Affair. GovernmentSelf-government is granted to the Transvaal and Orange River colonies in Africa.GovernmentTheodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) visits the Canal Zone on the first trip outside of the United States made by a President in office. While in Puerto
Rico, he pledges U.S. citizenship for Puerto Rican people.
GovernmentA new Pure Food and Drug Act offers American consumers protection from adulterated and tainted food products and patented medicines, occasioned, in part, from the concerns raised in “The Jungle.”WarU.S. troops occupy Cuba. | ScienceWilliam Morgan suggests that the Milky Way has a spiral structure. SciencePierre Weiss (1865-1940) proposes a theory of iron magnetism.MedicineGerman doctor August Wasserman (1866-1925) develops a test for syphilis. MedicineFrederick Hopkins (1861-1947) suggests the existence of vitamins and suggests that a lack of vitamins causes scurvy and rickets.InventionsAlva Fisher (1862-1947) invents the electric washing machine. TechnologyCanadian Reginald Fessenden (1866-1931) becomes the first person to broadcase words and music over radio waves. | EducationLibraries: A Carnegie library is erected at Wiley College in Marshall, Texas.EducationMaria Montessori (1870-1952) opens the first day-care center in Rome. Her Montessori method of early childhood education, part of the progressive education movement spreads through the world. EducationHigher Education: The first annual meeting of the American Sociological Society occurs.Arts and LettersLiterature: Upton Sinclair (1878-1968) publishes "The Jungle," a muck-raking novel about the American meat-packing industry. Arts and LettersPainting: Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) paints his portrait of American expatriate Gertrude Stein (1874-1946). Arts and LettersDrama: George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) has four plays open in New York: “Caesar and Cleopatra,” “Arms and the Man,” Man and Superman,” and “John Bull’s Other Island.” | Roosevelt, EdithTheodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) wins the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in negotiating an end to the Russo-Japanese War.Roosevelt, EdithWhite House Wedding: Alice Rosevelt (1884-1980), daughter of Edith (1861-1948) and Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) marries Nicholas Longworth (1869-1931). | EconomicsThe Rolls Royce company is founded in England.EconomicsA fully submerged hydro-electric plant is built inside Ambursen Dam in Maryland.DiscoveryNorwegian explorer Roald Amundsen (1872-1928) explores the Northwest Passage and determines the position of the magnetic North Pole.Daily LifeThe famous Cunard passenger liner Lusitania is launched. In 1915, it is sunk by a German U-boat. Daily LifeDisasters: An earthquake strikes San Francisco. The quake and resulting fires devastates the city, leaving more than 200,000 people homeless and more than 2,500 dead. | Sports The first grand prix motor race is held over two days at Le Mans, France.Popular CultureThe world's first feature film, "The Story of the Kelly Gang," is premiered at the Athenaeum Hall, Melbourne, Australia. | ReligionThe Jesuit Order, under Franz X. Wernz (1842-1914) reforms its plan of studies.ReligionA papal encyclical against the separation of church and state is issued.ReformConditions in the meat-packing industry, revealed in Upton Sinclair’s novel, “The Jungle,” lead to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act.ReformWomen’s Suffrage Movement: Finnish women win the right to vote, making Finland the first European nation to grant women suffrage.ReformLawyer Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948) begins a campaign of nonviolent resistance to protest the treatment of Indians in South Africa. |
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1907 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsPresident Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) shakes a record 8,513 hands in one day. GovernmentThe first American Indian senator, Charles Curtis (1860-1936) of Kansas, begins his term in office.GovernmentNew States: Oklahoma becomes the 46th state in the Union. GovernmentWomen's Firsts: The first women members of parliament are elected in Finland when 19 constituencies return women members. They take their seats on May 23.GovernmentJapan receives a protectorate over Korea thus giving Japan control over the Korean government. GovernmentThe first federal corrupt election practices law is passed.WarThe U.S. invades Honduras.WarThe world's first air force is established with the formation of the Aeronautical Division of the Office of the Chief Signal Officer of the U.S. army. WarForty-four nations meet in The Hague for the second Hague Peace Conference. | ScienceThe use of uranium to date the age of rocks is pioneered by American chemist and physicist, Bertram Boltwood (1870-1927).MedicineA chemotherapeutic cure for sleeping sickness is developed by Paul Erlich (1854-1915).InventionsThe first synthetic plastic, called Bakelite, is invented by Leo Baekeland (1863-1944).InventionsThe very first helicopter is invented, though the design is unsuccessful. TechnologyImage reproduction methods using electromagnetic scanning are developed simultaneously in Russia and England. | EducationHigher Education: repositories for government documents.EducationLibraries: Carnegie libraries begin construction at Howard University and Knoxville College.Arts and LettersThe first exhibition of cubist paintings is held in Paris. Arts and LettersPainting: Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) paints "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon."IdeasSwiss chemist Svante August Arrhenius (1859-1927) suggests that life on earth began with inter-stellar microorganisms. | Hoover, LouAllan Henry Hoover (1907-1993), son of Herbert and Lou Hoover, is born July 17.Roosevelt, EleanorJames “Jimmy” Roosevelt (1907-1991), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, is born December 23. | EconomicsThe panic of 1907 is averted when J.P. Morgan (1837-1913) and a pool of investors shore up American financial institutions.EconomicsThe first canned tuna is packed in San Pedro, California.EconomicsRailroad History: Ground is broken on Sept. 7th by San Diego mayor John F. Forward dedicating the start of John D. Spreckels' (1853-1926) San Diego & Arizona Railway.DiscoverySwedish explorer Sven Anders Hedin (1865-1952) discovers the source of the Indus River in Tibet.Daily LifeTaxis first begin running in New York City. Daily LifeHolidays: The second Sunday in May is established as Mother’s Day in Philadelphia. | Sports Baseball: The Chicago Cubs beats the Detroit Tigers 4-0 for the World Series.Sports Women in Sports: The first organized bowling league for women begins in St. Louis, MO. The first of three women's bowling tournaments organized by the American Bowling Congress is held. The 1908 tournament is held in Cincinnati and the 1909 tournament in Pittsburgh. Popular CultureRingling Brothers Greatest Show on Earth buys Barnum and Bailey circus. | ReligionPope Pius X (1835-1914) declares modernism "the synthesis of all heresies."Social IssuesImmigration: A record 1.29 million immigrants enter the United States.Social IssuesImmigration: Japanese immigration is barred in the U.S.Social IssuesImmigration: The United States and Japan form a “Gentleman’s Agreement” in which Japan ends issuance of passports to laborers and the U.S. agrees not to prohibit Japanese immigration. ReformLabor Movement: The San Francisco Streetcar Workers Union in crushed after 25 workers are killed and hundreds wounded in battles with strikebreakers. |
1908 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Women’s Lawyers Club becomes the Women’s National Bar Association. LawLabor Movement: The Supreme Court rules that a union boycott violates the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.PoliticsWilliam Howard Taft (1857-1930) is elected the 27th President of the United States, and James S. Sherman (1855-1912) is elected as the nation's 27th Vice President.GovernmentThe Federal Bureau of Investigation is founded as a division of the Department of Justice; it is referred to as Office of the Chief Examiner and becomes the FBI in 1935. GovernmentStamps: First U.S. coil stamps (stamps sold in a roll only one stamp wide) are distributed.WarCrete revolts against Turkey and aligns with Greece. | ScienceThe U.S. astronomer George Ellery Hale (1868-1938) installs a 60-inch reflector telescope, then the largest in the world, at Mount Wilson, California. MedicineThe tuberculin test, a skin test for tuberculosis based on immune reactions, is introduced for the first time.MedicineVictor Horsley (1857- 1916) and R. H. Clarke invents the stereotactic method in neurosurgery.InventionsHydrofoil boats are co-invented by Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) & Casey Baldwin. InventionsElectrification: William J. Bailley of the Carnegie Steel Company invents a solar collector with copper coils and an insulated box.InventionsThe Geiger counter is invented.TechnologyAirplanes: Wilbur (1867-1912) and Orville (1871-1948) Wright patent their flying machine.TechnologyHenry Ford (1863-1947) improves the assembly line for automobile manufacturing. | EducationLibraries: Louisville's Western Colored Branch Library relocates to a new building paid for by Carnegie.Arts and LettersThe Oskar Strauss operetta, “The Chocolate Soldier,” is performed in Vienna. | Coolidge, GraceCalvin Coolidge, Jr.(1908-1924), son of Grace (1879-1957) and Calvin (1872-1933) Coolidge, is born. | EconomicsHenry Ford (1863-1947) develops the first Model T automobile, which sells for $850.EconomicsThe first large deposit of petroleum is discovered in Persia, marking the beginning of the Middle East oil boom.DiscoveryMembers of Ernest Shackleton’s (1874-1922) expedition climb the 13,280-foot Mt. Erebus in Antarctica.Daily LifeThe Singer Building in New York, designed by Ernest Flagg (1857-1947), becomes the tallest building in the world. Daily LifeRobert Baden-Powell (1857-1941) founds the Boy Scouts in England.Daily LifeA huge explosion rocks eastern Siberia. Believed to be an exploding meteorite, the resulting earth tremor is felt as far away as central Europe. | Sports Boxing: American Jack Johnson (1878-1946) becomes the first black boxer to win the world heavyweight title when he defeats Canadian Tommy Burns (1881-1955) in Sydney.Sports Black Athletes: Jack Johnson (1878–1946) is the heavyweight boxing champion. Sports Black Athletes: Olympic gold medalist (summer games): John Baxter "Doc" Taylor wins a gold medal as part of the 4 x 400 m relay team. Sports Baseball: The Mills Commission, a “blue-ribbon panel” appointed by A.G. Spalding, concludes that baseball was invented by Gen. Abner Doubleday, in Cooperstown, NY, in 1839—declaring it a purely American sport.Popular CultureThe ball representing the new year is dropped for the first time at Times Square in New York City. | ReligionNewspapers: "The Christian Science Monitor" is founded by Mary Baker Eddy (1821-1910).Social IssuesItems coming soon.ReformLabor Movement: Women''s Rights Movement: Muller v. State of Oregon, 208 U.S. 412 (1908): The U.S. Supreme Court upholds Oregon’s 10-hour workday for women. The win is a two-edged sword: the protective legislation implies that women are physically weak. |
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1909 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving Congress the power to tax personal income, is passed by Congress.PoliticsWomen's Suffrage Movement: A mob of 100,000 suffragists storms Britain’s Parliament.GovernmentWilliam Howard Taft (1857-1930) is inaugurated as the 27th President of the United States, and James S. Sherman (1855-1912) is inaugurated as the nation's 27th Vice President.
GovernmentCongress passes the United States Copyright Law. GovernmentNational Capitol: The West Wing is doubled in size and includes the first presidential Oval Office centered on the south facade. WarU.S. military forces leave Cuba for the second time. | ScienceRussian-American chemist Phoebus Aaron Theodor Levene (1869-1940) discovers that the sugar ribose is found in some nucleic acids, those that we now call ribonucleic acids (RNA).MedicineCharles-Jules-Henri Nicolle (1884-1936) discovers that typhus fever is transmitted by the body louse.TechnologyAirplanes: Louis Bleriot (1872-1936) makes the first crossing of the English Channel by air, flying his monoplane from Les Baraques, near Calais, to Dover, in 37 minutes. TechnologyAirplanes: The first 100-mile flight is completed by Henri Farman (1874-1958).TechnologyBattery Technology: Later battery manufacturing produces smaller, lighter batteries, and the application of the tungsten filament creates the impetus to develop batteries for use in torches. | EducationPublic Education: Indianola Junior High School in Columbus, Ohio, becomes the first junior high school in the United States.EducationEducation of Women: Women are admitted to German universities.Arts and LettersOpera: “The Blue Bird,” by Maurice Maeterlinck (1862-1949) is written.Arts and LettersGustav Mahler (1861-1911) composes his "Symphony No. 9."IdeasEmilio Marinetti (1876-1944), an Italian poet, publishes his manifesto of futurism. IdeasThe first kibbutz is founded in Jordan Valley, Palestine.IdeasWilliam James (1842-1910) writes “The Pluralistic Universe.”IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) lectures in the U.S. on psychoanalysis. | Taft, HelenHelen Taft (1881-1943) becomes the first First Lady to ride to the inauguration with her husband.Taylor, MargaretMary Elizabeth Taylor Bliss Dandridge (1824-1909), daughter of Zachary and Margaret Taylor, dies July 26. | EconomicsStandard Oil’s John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937), scion of the Rockefeller family, becomes the world’s first billionaire. Rockefeller’s fortunes were accumulated in the oil industry.EconomicsThe first instant coffee is marketed to the world by English chemist George Constant Washington.DiscoveryExplorers Robert Peary (1856-1920) and Matthew Henson (1886-1955) become the first to reach the North Pole.DiscoveryBritish explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874-1922) finds the magnetic South Pole.Daily LifeGirl Guides are established in Britain.Daily LifeThe first permanent waves are given in London.Daily LifeThe Metropolitan Life Tower in New York, designed by Pierre L. Lebrun (1846-1924), is completed and becomes the world’s tallest building. Daily LifeThe SOS distress signal is used for the first time by the Cunard liner SS Slavonia, wrecked off the Azores. | Sports Baseball: Honus Wagner (1874-1955) orders the American Tobacco Company to take his picture off its "Sweet Caporal" cigarette packs, fearing they would lead children to smoke. The shortage makes the Honus Wagner card the most valuable of all time, worth close to $500. Sports Women in Sports: On Jan. 11, a dozen woman-driven cars left New York in a long distance race for Philadelphia. Mrs. J. Newton Cuneo won in a Lancia, followed by 8 eight other cars. Four cars didn't make it past Burlington, NJ, in a series of mishaps. Popular CultureThe first newsreels are shown in the U.S. | Religion15th century French heroine Joan of Arc (1412-1431) is beatified at a ceremony at the Vatican. Social IssuesItems coming soon.ReformCivil Rights Movement: The National Negro Committee is organized in New York to benefit African Americans. W.E.B. DuBois (1868-1963) is selected to lead the organization. |
1910 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President William H. Taft (1857-1930) nominates Edward Douglass White (1845-1921) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. He is the first Chief Justice to be appointed from the ranks of the Associate Justices. He is confirmed by the Senate and serves for ten years, making his total tenure on the Court twenty-six years.PoliticsFor the first time since 1894 a Democratic majority is elected to Congress.GovernmentBritain establishes the Union of South Africa; it consists of the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, the Orange Free State, and the Transvaal. It becomes a dominion within the British Empire. Louis Botha is chosen its first Prime Minister. GovernmentThe Mann Act, prohibiting transportation of women across states lines for immoral purposes, is passed.GovernmentCongress establishes a postal savings bank system. GovernmentIn New Mexico, a Constitution is drafted in preparation for statehood. WarThe U.S. sends military forces into Mexico because of a Mexican revolution, which changes the nature of Mexican-American relations. | ScienceHalley’s Comet makes its 75-year appearance.ScienceWilliam Ramsay (1852-1916) discovers the inert element radon. MedicineAn effective treatment for syphillis--a "magic bullet"--is introduced by Paul Erlich (1854-1915) and Sahachiro Hata (1873-1938); it heralds the beginning of modern chemotherapy.InventionsGeorges Claude (1870-1960), French chemist, invents the neon light. TechnologyElectric washing machines are introduced. TechnologyThe kinetophone is introduced by Thomas Edison (1837-1931); it makes talking pictures possible. | EducationPublic Education: The first junior high schools in the nation open in California.EducationThe Flexner Report is published, advocating major reform in medical education.EducationLibraries: A special reading room is established for unemployed immigrants at the Minneapolis Public Library.EducationOf people over 25 years old in the U.S., fewer than half have completed grade school and about 4% have graduated from college. Arts and LettersArchitecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) becomes well known and influential in Europe for his domestic architecture.Arts and LettersOpera: “The Girl of the Golden West,” an opera by Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) is performed in New York.Arts and LettersDance: “The Firebird,” a ballet by Igor Stravinski (1882-1971) is performed in Paris.Arts and Letters“Naughty Marietta,” an operetta by Victor Herbert (1859-1924) is first performed in New York.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Community Theatre Movement begins. These theatres aspired "to produce significant thought-provoking plays and to involve the maximum number of participants from the communities they serve.” IdeasBritish author, Sir Edward Durning-Lawrence suggests that Shakespeare's works contain many of Francis Bacon's ideas. | Taft, HelenWilliam Howard Taft (1857-1930) is the first President to pitch a ball to open baseball season. He starts the game between Washington and Philadelphia in the American League. Roosevelt, EleanorElliot Roosevelt (1910-1990), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, is born September 23. | EconomicsAmerican Money: The Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing assumes all currency production functions, including engraving, printing, and processing. EconomicsThe Interstate Commerce Commission orders a reduction in Pullman car rates and in railroad freight rates. EconomicsBrazil produces nine-tenths of the world’s rubber and three-fourths of the world’s coffee. DiscoverySir Arthur Evans (1851-1941) finishes the excavation of Knossos in Crete.Daily LifeThe “week-end” becomes popular in the United States.Daily LifeHolidays: Father’s Day is first celebrated in Spokane, Washington.Daily LifeThe Boy Scouts of America and the Camp Fire Girls are established. Daily LifeNewspapers: By this time, all the essential features of the recognizably modern newspaper have emerged. In our time, radio and television have gradually supplanted newspapers as the nation's primary information sources. As a result, though initially difficult to appreciate, it is important to recognize the role that newspapers have played in our nation’s history. | Sports Women in Sports: Australia's Annette Kellerman is arrested for swimming in Boston Harbor in an "indecent" one-piece swimsuit for exposing her legs. Sports Baseball: William Howard Taft becomes the first U.S. President to throw out the first pitch on opening day.Sports Barney Oldfield (1878-1946) drives a Benz at 133 m.p.h. at Daytona Beach, Florida.Popular CultureLee DeForest (1873-1961) produces a radio program from the Metropolitan Opera House in New York starring singer Enrico Caruso (1873-1921). | ReligionThe Dalai Lama flees Tibet as the Chinese invade Lhasa.Social IssuesSlavery: China abolishes slavery.Social IssuesImmigration: Criminals, anarchists, paupers, and the sick are forbidden to immigrate to the U.S.ReformCivil Rights Movement: The National Negro Committee changes its name to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).ReformLabor Movement: Ironworkers Union members John McNamara and his brother James bomb the Los Angeles Times building; 20 workers die. |
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1911 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court, under the Sherman Antitrust Act, orders the dissolution of the Standard Oil Company. PoliticsRobert M. La Follette (1855-1925), Senator from Wisconsin, helps found the National Progressive Republican League, which seeks adoption of direct primaries, direct elections of senators, and state constitutional reform. GovernmentU.S. abrogates (cancels) the treaty of 1832 with Russia. This treaty allows Russia to exclude Jewish-American citizens. GovernmentThe Hamburg speech of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941) asserts Germany’s “Place in the Sun.”WarU.S. troops are sent to Mexican border protect U.S. citizens and property; fighting during the Mexican Revolution occurs so close to the U.S. – Mexican border that U.S. citizens gather to watch. | ScienceMarie Curie (1867-1934) wins the Nobel Prize for Chemistry.MedicineWalter B. Cannon (1871-1945), the first physician to use x-rays to study physiology, publishes "The Mechanical Factors of Digestion." InventionsCharles F. Kettering (1876-1958) develops the first practical electric self-starter for automobiles.InventionsWillis Carrier (1876-1950) invents the air conditioner. InventionsGlenn H. Curtiss (1878-1930), N.Y. aviator, invents the hydroplane. TechnologyAirplanes: Claudius Dornier (1884-1969), German aircraft builder, constructs the first all-metal aircraft. | EducationCarnegie (1888-1955) establishes the Carnegie Corporation of New York with an endowment of $125 million to support educational projects. EducationLibraries: The NYPL Humanities and Social Sciences Library opens.EducationChildren''s Books: Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924), writes "The Secret Garden."Arts and LettersLiterature: Edith Wharton (1862-1937) writes “Ethan Frome”.Arts and LettersLeonardo da Vinci’s (1452-1519) “Mona Lisa” is stolen from the Louvre, it is found in Italy in 1913.Arts and LettersOpera: “Der Rosenkavalier,” an opera by Richard Strauss (1864-1949), is performed in Dresden.Arts and LettersArchitecture: Architects design the Culberton House in Pasadena, which popularizes the mission revival style in California. IdeasFrederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915) publishes "Principles of Scientific Management." IdeasFranz Boas (1858-1942) publishes "The Mind of Primitive Man."
| Taft, HelenThe Public Library Building at 5th Avenue in New York City is dedicated by President Taft. | EconomicsRailroad History: The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad begins its first extra-fare, named passenger train, the "Santa Fe Deluxe" that runs between Chicago and Los Angeles.DiscoveryExplorer Roald Amundsen (1872- 1928) reaches the south pole.Daily LifeTransportation: The first flight from Munich to Berlin reaches a record height of 12,800 ft.Daily LifeNewspapers: On behalf of journalists, Joseph Pulitzer (1847-1911) calls for the establishment of the now coveted Pulitzer Prize. | Sports Golf: At the age of 9, American golfer, Robert T. (Bobby) Jones (1902-1971), wins his first title, the Junior Championship of Atlanta. Popular CultureIrving Berlin (1888-1989) composes “Alexander’s Ragtime Band”. | ReligionThe World Missionary Conference of Protestant Churches is held in Edinburgh, Scotland. This is the beginning of the modern ecumenical (universal Christian unity and church union) movement. Social IssuesAging population: the first old age home is opened in Prescott, Arizona.Social IssuesImmigration: The Dillingham Commission identifies Mexican laborers as the best solution to the Southwest labor shortage. Mexicans are exempted from immigrant “head taxes” set in 1903 and 1907. ReformLabor Movement: As a result of the fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist factory in New York City, which kills 146 workers, the International Ladies Garment Worker’s Union succeeds in improving working conditions and safety for its members. ReformChild Welfare Movement: Illinois passes the first state law to assist mothers with dependent children. |
1912 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution, providing for the election of Senators by the people of a state rather than by the state legislature, is passed by Congress.PoliticsThird Parties: After failing to gain the nomination of his own party, former Republican President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) defects, forming the Progressive (or Bull-Moose) party. It is the first time in American history that a third-party candidate receives more votes (electoral and popular) than one of the major two parties. However, he splits the Republican vote, thereby enabling Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) to win.PoliticsWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is elected the 28th President of the United States, and Thomas Marshall (1854-1925) is elected the nation's 28th Vice President. PoliticsVladimir Lenin (1870-1924) establishes a connection with Stalin (1879-1953) and takes over editorship of “Pravada”.GovernmentAlaska becomes an organized U.S. territory.GovernmentThe U.S. Public Health Service is established. GovernmentLabor Movement: Congress authorizes an 8-hour day for all workers under federal contracts. GovernmentNew States: Arizona and New Mexico become the 47th and 48th states of the U.S. GovernmentAmerican Flag: The Executive Order of President Taft dated June 24, 1912 establishes the proportions of the flag and provides for the arrangement of the stars in six horizontal rows of eight each and a single point of each star to be upward. WarThe "U.S.S. Jupiter," America’s first shop propelled by electric motors, is launched. | ScienceCharles Thomson Rees Wilson’s (1869-1959) cloud-chamber photographs lead to the detection of protons and electrons.ScienceAlfred Sturtevant (1891-1970), Alabama biologist, determines that genes are lined up in a row on the chromosomes. ScienceHenry G. Mosely, English physicist. proposes the law which states that an atomic number is based on the number of protons in the nucleus. He sets 92 as the total number of elements. ScienceAlfred Wegener (1880-1930), German geologist, proposes that the modern continents were once part of a huge landmass that over time split apart. This theory is called continental drift. MedicinePolish chemist Kasimir Funk (1884-1967) coins the term “vitamine”.InventionsEdwin Bradenberger invents a process for manufacturing cellophane. InventionsGlenn H. Curtiss (1878-1930) invents a “flying boat” or seaplane. TechnologyWestern Union and Western Electric develop a multiplex telegraph that allows eight messages to be sent over one wire at the same time. | EducationThe Children’s Bureau is formed; it remains today as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. EducationThe National Education Association creates a separate department for classroom teachers.EducationAmerican psychologists Henry Goddard, Lewis M. Terman, and others adapt Binet’s work to create the Intelligence Quotient, or IQ—calculated by dividing a person’s “mental age” by his chronological age.Arts and LettersDrama: John M. Synge (1871-1909) write his drama, “Playboy of the Western World”.Arts and LettersLeopold Stokowski (1882-1977) is named conductor of the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra.Arts and LettersRudolf Friml (1879-1972) composes “The Firefly,” an operetta performed in New York. to much acclaim. | Taft, HelenHelen Taft (11861-1943) plants the first cherry tree, a gift from Japan, in Washington, DC.Nixon, PatThelma Catherine (Pat) Ryan (1912-1993), wife of President Richard Nixon (1913-1994), is born on March 16, in a mining tent in Ely, Nevada. | EconomicsThe F.W. Woolworth (1852-1919) Company is founded.DiscoveryExplorer R.F. Scott (1868-1912) reaches the South Pole, only to discover Amundsen (1872-1928) had been there first. DiscoveryC. Dawson announces the discovery of remains of Piltdown man, believed to be 50,000 years old near Lewes, England. Daily LifeLondon has 400 cinemas; in the U.S. approximately 5,000,000 people visit cinemas daily. Daily LifeDisasters: The "RMS Titantic” sinks on her maiden voyage after colliding with and iceberg; 1,513 people drown.Daily LifeDancing: Ragtime introduces a series of “animal dances.” Among them are the fox trot, crab step, kangaroo dip, camel walk, turkey trot, and the bunny hug. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The first automobile driver is jailed for speeding. | Sports The first successful parachute jump occurs.Sports The International Lawn Tennis Federation is formed.Sports Jim Thorpe (1888-1953) is the outstanding sportsman at the Stockholm Olympic Games; when it is discovered that he played semi-professional baseball in 1911, his gold medals and trophies are taken from him and his records erased from the books.Sports Captain Albert Louis makes the first parachute jump in the U.S. from an airplane. Sports Women in Sports: Many young American college women take up the latest sports craze: wall scaling.Popular CultureJames Weldon Johnson (1871-1938), writer and poet of the "Harlem renaissance,” publishes the novel, "Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man." Popular CultureZane Grey (1872-1939) publishes his popular work, "Riders of the Purple Sage."Popular CultureRudolph Dirks (1877-1968) renames his comic strip “The Captain and the Kids.”Popular CultureAttendance at motion-picture theatres reaches 5 million daily. Popular CultureFrench photographer Charles Pathe (1863-1957) produces the first news film. Popular Culture"Life Magazine" lists the slang expressions of the year: flossy, beat it, peeved, sure, classy, it’s a cinch, what do you know about that, and fussed. | ReligionPope Pius X writes his Encyclical, “Singulari quadam,” in which he encourages Catholics to belong to trade unions, but only if they are entirely composed of Catholic workers.Social IssuesPoverty: Massachusetts passes first minimum wage law for women and children (invalidated by the Supreme Court in 1923).
Social IssuesImmigration: Illiterate immigrants are prohibited from entering the United States.ReformLabor Movement: New York passes 54-hour week labor law; Congress passes eight-hour day labor law for federal employees. ReformLabor Movement: Textile workers in Lawrence Massachusetts strike for more than two months when their wages are lowered following the new hours law. |
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1913 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Sixteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving Congress the power to tax personal income, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.Law 'The Seventeenth Amendment to the Constitution, providing for the election of Senators by the people of a state rather than by the state legislature, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution. PoliticsMahatma Gandhi (1869-1948), leader of Passive Resistance Movement, is arrested in South Africa after leading a march protesting unfair taxes.GovernmentWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is inaugurated as the 28th President of the United States, and Thomas Marshall (1854-1925) is inaugurated as the nation's 28th Vice President.
GovernmentThe domestic parcel post system begins. | ScienceH. Geiger introduces the first successful electrical device capable of counting individual alpha rays.ScienceNiels Bohr (1885-1962) formulates his theory of atomic structure.ScienceFrederick Soddy (1877-1956) coins the term “isotope”.ScienceThe composition of chlorophyll is discovered by Richard Willstatter ScienceVitamins A and B are isolated by biochemist, Elmer V. McCollum, at Yale University. ScienceRene Lorin (1877-1933) states the basic ideas of jet propulsion.ScienceSturtevant develops a method of mapping chromosomes. MedicineA diphtheria immunity test is developed by Bela Schick (1877-1967).MedicineFrank Mallory (1862-1941) isolates the bacterium that causes whooping cough. InventionsWilliam D. Coolidge (1873-1975), Massachusetts physicists, invents a hot-filament cathode tube that produces x-rays. TechnologyAirplanes: Igor Sikorski (1889-1972), Russian-American engineer, builds and flies the first multi-engine plane. | EducationJohn D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) founds the Rockefeller Institute with initial grant of $100 million.Arts and LettersLiterature: Willa Cather (1873-1947) writes “O Pioneers!”. Arts and LettersLiterature: D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930) writes “Sons and Lovers”.Arts and LettersDrama: “Pygmalion,” by George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) is first performed in Vienna.Arts and LettersThe “Armory Show” introduces Postimpressionism and cubism to New York.Arts and LettersPainting: J.S. Sargent (1856-1925) paints “Portrait of Henry James”.Arts and LettersBruno Walter becomes director at the Munich Opera (-1922).Arts and LettersVictor Herbert (1859-1924) opens his operetta, “Sweethearts,” in New York.IdeasEdmund Husserl (1859-1938) publishes “Phenomenology.”IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) writes “Totem and Taboo.” | Wilson, EllenJesse Wilson (1887-1933), daughter of Ellen and Woodrow Wilson, marries Francis Bowes Sayre in the White House in November. | EconomicsAmerican Money: After 1893 and 1907 financial panics, the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 is passed. EconomicsBecause of assembly line technology, Ford is able to produce 1000 Model T’s per day. Ford pays workers an unheard of minimum wage of $5 per day and establishes a 40-hour workweek. EconomicsPresident Wilson signs the Federal Reserve Act, which divides the country into 12 districts, each with a federal reserve bank. Daily LifeFashion: Zippers (in use since 1891) become popular.Daily LifeDancing: The foxtrot comes into fashion.Daily LifeDisasters: The Dayton flood in the Miami Valley (Ohio) kills more than 400 people; property damage is $100 million. Daily LifeNewspapers: The first crossword puzzle published in American newspapers was one composed by Arthur Wynne for the "New York World" on December 1, 1913.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Former Olympian (Gold, Pole Vault, 1908) and medical doctor A.C. Gilbert invents the Erector Set. | Sports The U.S. team wins the Davis Cup tennis trophy 3-2.Sports Baseball: Walter Johnson (1887-1946) pitches 56 consecutive innings, allowing no runs, and sets a record for the baseball season. Sports Football: In the first Army-Notre Dame football game, little known Notre Dame defeats Army by using the forward pass. This victory helps popularize the game by showing that a small and clever team can defeat a large and powerful one. Popular CultureHollywood becomes the center of the Motion Picture industry, replacing New York City.Popular CultureMack Sennett (1880-1960) begins directing the Keystone comedies, which introduce classic slapstick humor to the U.S. cinema. Popular CultureJack Judge, an Englishman and music-hall comedian, writes the song “Tipperary”.Popular CultureIrene (1893-1969) and Vernon (1887-1918) Castle, dancers, make their debut in New York in “The Sunshine Girl”.Popular CultureEleanor H. Porter (1868-1920) publishes “Pollyanna.” | ReligionAlsatian doctor and missionary Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) opens a hospital in Lambarene, part of the French Congo. Social IssuesImmigration: California’s Alien Land Law rules that aliens “ineligible to citizenship” were ineligible to own agricultural property. ReformWomen’s Suffrage Movement: Suffragette demonstrations in London; Mrs. Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) is sentenced for inciting persons to place explosives in Lloyd George’s house.ReformLabor Movement: 150,000 garment workers strike in New York City. The Strike ends 3 months later and workers win wage concessions, reduced hours, and recognition of their union. |
1914 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsMahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) returns to India after 21 years in South Africa and begins a non-violent campaign against British rule.GovernmentPresident Wilson (1856-1924) signs an order establishing a permanent civil government in the Panama Canal Zone. GovernmentLabor Movement: The Clayton Antitrust Act strengthens the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. It seeks to restrict the use of court injunctions in labor disputes and exempts labor and farm organizations from antitrust laws. GovernmentThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission is established to police business practices in interstate commerce.WarAfter the assassination of the Archduke Francis Ferdinand (1863-1914 ), heir to the Austrian throne, and his wife, World War I breaks out in Europe.
WarThe city of Vera Cruz in Mexico is seized by the U.S. Marines. | ScienceAmerican, Robert H. Goddard (1882-1945), begins his rocketry experiments.MedicineAmerican, E.C. Kendall (1886-1972) prepares pure thyroxin for treatment of thyroid deficiencies.MedicineDr. Alexis Carrel (1873-1944) performs first successful heart surgery on a dog.InventionsEdwin H. Armstrong (1890-1954), N.Y. electrical engineer, patents the regenerative (feedback) circuit. InventionsCharles Lawrence, aeronautical engineer, develops the first successful air-cooled airplane engine. This makes long distance flights possible. TechnologyThe 35 mm camera is developed. | EducationA document called "Infant Care" is published by the U.S. Government; it is intended to provide mothers with practical information on child health and nutrition, and emphasizes the importance of strict routines and rules.Arts and LettersLiterature: James Joyce ( 1882-1941) writes “Dubliners”.Arts and LettersPoetry: Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918) writes “Trees”.Arts and LettersDrama: Elmer Rice ( 1892-1967) writes “On Trial,” the first drama to use the device of a flashback.Arts and LettersNational Capital: Henry Bacon ( 1839-1912) designs the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: Mary Davenport-Engberg (1881-1951) is the first woman to conduct a symphony orchestra, in Bellingham, Washington.IdeasJohn B. Watson (1878-1958) publishes "Behavior; an Introduction to Comparative Psychology.” | Wilson, EllenEllen Axson Wilson (1860-1914), first wife of President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) dies on august 6th of Bright''s disease in the White House.Roosevelt, EleanorFranklin Delano Roosevelt Jr. (1914-1988), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, is born August 17. | EconomicsThe world’s first airline, St. Petersburg Tampa Airboat Line, starts operation in St. Petersburg, Florida. EconomicsThe Panama Canal is completed. It is 40 miles long from Atlantic to Pacific coasts and cost an estimated $365 million to complete. DiscoveryErnest Shackleton (1874-1922) begins a trans-Anarctic expedition with his ship, "Endurance."Daily LifeThe last known passenger pigeon dies in the Cincinnati Zoo. Daily LifeDancing: The Cotillion, once the most fashionable dance of society, takes second place to the waltz and the two-step.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Charles Pajeau develops a toy similar to the Erector Set, but designed for younger children, called Tinker Toys. | Sports Women in Sports: The American Olympic Committee formally opposes women's athletic competition in the Olympics. The only exception is the floor exercise, where women are allowed to only wear long skirts. Sports Women in Sports: Basketball: Basketball rules change to allow half-court play, expanded from the original one-third court rules. Full court play for women doesn''t come in until the 1970''s.Sports Boxing: Jack Dempsey (1895- 1983) starts fighting under the name “Kid Blackey.”Sports Golf: Walter Hagen (1892-1969) wins the U.S. Golf Association Open. Popular CultureWilliam Christopher Handy (1873-1958) composes “St. Louis Blues.”Popular CultureE.R. Burroughs ( 1875-1950) writes “Tarzan of the Apes”. | ReligionThe Assembly of God denomination is founded during an 11-day convention in Hot Springs, Arkansas.Social IssuesImmigration: World War I in Europe breeds strong anti-immigration feelings in the United States.Social IssuesImmigration: Almost 10.5 million immigrants enter the U.S. from southern and eastern Europe from 1905 until 1914.ReformLabor Movement: The Ford Motor Company begins paying its workers a basic wage of $5.00 for an 8-hour day, up from $2.40 for a 9-hour day.ReformLabor Movement: The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) founded. |
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1915 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
WarThe U. S. Coast Guard is created by an act of Congress.WarTerrorism: Erich Muenter, German instructor at Cornell University, plants bomb that destroys U.S. Senate reception room (July 2), then shoots J. Pierpont Morgan, Jr. (July 3); commits suicide (July 6). WarWorld War I: German airship bombs E. Anglian ports; first German submarine attack, Le Havre; German blockade of England begins; Germans sink “Lusitania”; first Zeppelin attack on London. 6(1-12)WarU.S. states that loss of U.S. ships and lives is a violation of neutrality for which Germany is held responsible, but President Wilson acceeds to the isolationist spirit in the U.S. by refusing to enter the war in Europe. | ScienceAlbert Einstein (1879-1955) postulates his General Theory of Relativity.ScienceHermann Muller, geneticist, publishes "The Mechanism of Mendelian Heredity," a classic in genetics.MedicineJoseph Goldberger (1874-1929) discovers that pellagra is caused by a vitamin deficiency. MedicineBritish chemist James Kendall isolates dysentery bacillus.InventionsThe electric neon sign is patented in the United States by Georges Claude (1870-1960) of Paris, France.TechnologyAirplanes: Hugo Junkers (1859-1935) constructs the first fighter airplane.TechnologyHenry Ford (1863-1947) develops a farm tractor.TechnologyThe first transcontinental telephone call is made between Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) in New York and Dr. Thomas A. Watson in San Francisco. | EducationThe multiple choice test is invented.
EducationAlabama, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas adopt similar compulsory school attendance laws. Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Theatre Guild is formed. It is designed as a professional theatre for quality production and introduction of European stagecraft and dramatic styles. This company eventually builds its own playhouse and has a touring production through 1960. Arts and LettersLiterature: Joseph Conrad (1857-1924) writes “Victory.”Arts and LettersLiterature: W. Somerset Maugham ( 1874-1965) writes “Of Human Bondage.”Arts and LettersLiterature: Edgar Lee Masters (1869-1950)writes “A Spoon River Anthology.”IdeasIn “Climate and Evolution,” William Mathew suggests that animals once moved from continent to continent via natural land bridges. | Wilson, EdithPresident Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) marries Mrs. Edith Galt (1872-1961). | EconomicsFord produces its one millionth car.EconomicsThe taxi industry emerges when automobile owners discover that people will pay for a short automobile ride. Fare is a “jitney” (a nickel); drivers are called “hackers” or “hackies” in the East and “cabbies” in the Midwest. EconomicsWilliam Fox (1879-1952) founds the Fox Film CompanyDiscoveryBritish archaeologist Aurel Stein (1862-1943) on an expedition to South Mongolia discovers Marco Polo’s “city of Etzina.”Daily LifeThe first Kiwanis Club is founded in Detroit.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Johnny Gruelle, a newspaper cartoonist, begins to sell Raggedy Ann dolls based on one he had made for his daughter, Marcella. | Sports Automobile speed record of 102.6 mph set at Sheepshead Bay, N.Y., by Gil Anderson driving a Stutz.Sports Boxing: Jesse Willard takes the heavyweight boxing championship from Jack Johnson in a 23-round fight at Havana, Cuba. Popular CultureIvor Novello (1893-1951), a Welsh composer, writes “Keep the Home Fires Burning,” a popular patriotic war song.Popular CultureFilms: “Birth of a Nation” (D.W. Griffith (1875-1948)); “Carmen” Cecil B. De Mille (1881-1959); “The Lamb” (Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939); “The Fire” (Italy). | ReligionYeshiva College (later University) and its Rabbi Issac Elchanan Rabbinical Seminary is established in New York for training in a Modern Orthodox milieu.Social IssuesImmigration: President Wilson vetoes U.S. Senate bill requiring literacy tests for all immigrants. Social IssuesImmigration: The Supreme Court rules in Ozawa v. United States that first-generation Japanese are ineligible for citizenship and cannot apply for naturalization. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: The U.S. House of Representatives rejects a proposal to give women the right to vote. ReformBirth Control Movement: Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) publishes "Family Limitation" and is jailed for supporting birth control. |
1916 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawLouis Brandeis (1856-1941) is named to U.S. Supreme Court by President Wilson (1856-1924). He is the first Jewish Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. PoliticsWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is re-elected President of U.S., barely defeating Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948); Thomas R. Marshall (1854-1925) is also re-elected.PoliticsWomen’s Firsts: Jeannette Rankin (1880-1973), of Montana, is the first woman to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. PoliticsCharles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) leaves the Supreme Court to run for President on the Republican ticket.GovernmentThe National Park Service is established under U.S. department of the Interior.GovernmentThe Jones Act restates U.S. intention to grant independence to the Philippine Islands when a stable government is formed. WarWorld War I: First Zeppelin raid on Paris; Germans introduce steel helmets; military tanks are used for the first time in Europe.WarFrancisco “Pancho” Villa (1878-1923), Mexican revolutionary general, crosses border with guerrillas and raids Columbus, New Mexico, killing 17. WarBrig.-Gen. John J. Pershing (1860-1948) pursues Villa with 6,000 troops but cannot find him; withdraws (1917) after differences are settled by arbitration. | ScienceEinstein (1879-1955) proposes a general theory of relativity to explain all laws of physics in terms of mathematical equations. ScienceNational Research Council is established by the National Academy of Sciences. MedicineBlood for transfusions is refrigerated.MedicineTreatment of war causalities leads to the development of plastic surgeries. Medicine“Heparin,” a natural anticoagulant produced by the liver is discovered. MedicineEpidemics: America's worst polio epidemic occurs, killing over 7,000 and infecting more than 27,000 people.InventionsGeneral John Thompson (1860-1940) invents the submachine gun, popularly called the “Tommy Gun.”TechnologyElectric clocks are introduced. | EducationJohn Dewey (1859-1952) publishes “Democracy and Education.”EducationPsychologist John Watson proposes that learning is actually a series of conditioned responses. EducationLibraries: The first presidential library, the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center Library, opens in Fremont, Ohio.Arts and LettersLiterature: James Joyce (1882-1941) writes “Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man”.Arts and LettersArchitecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) designs the Imperial Hotel, Tokyo IdeasVilfredo Pareto (1848-1923) writes “Mind and Society.” | Roosevelt, EleanorJohn Aspinwall Roosevelt (1916-1981), son of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, is born March 13. | EconomicsU.S. purchases Danish West Indies (Virgin Islands) for $25 million.EconomicsThe Keating-Owen Act is passed, forbidding the transportation among states of products of factories, shops or canneries employing children under 14 years of age, of mines employing children under 16 years of age, and the products of any of these employing children under 16 who worked at night or more than eight hours a day.DiscoverySpace Exploration: I. P. Grave from Russia''s Artillery Academy submits a proposal for rockets burning smokeless gun powder.Daily Life“Summertime” (daylight-saving time) introduced in Britain.Daily LifeMagazines: The “Saturday Evening Post” uses its first Norman Rockwell painting as its cover.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: John Lloyd Wright, the son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright invents Lincoln Logs, interlocking toy logs children use to build imaginative structures. | Sports Women in Sports: 100 women compete in the first "Championship of the World" bowling tournament on Nov. 26-19 in St. Louis. The total purse was $222. The Women's National Bowling Association is organized as a result of the success of the tournament.Sports Black Athletes: Fritz Pollard (1894-1986) is the first black All-America RB (1916 at Brown); 1st black to play in Rose Bowl; 7-year NFL pro (1920-26); first black NFL coach, at Milwaukee and Hammond, Ind.Sports Women in Sports: Women’s International Bowling Congress established in America.Sports Golf: Bobby Jones (1902-1971) makes his debut in U.S. golf.Sports Golf: The Professional Golf Association (PGA) is formed.Popular CultureJazz sweeps U.S. | ReligionMartin Buber (1878-1965) writes “The Spirit of Judaism.”ReformAnti-Child Labor Movement: Child labor laws in South Carolina raise the minimum age of children for work in the mills, factories, and mines from 12-14. ReformLabor Movement: A law establishing eight-hour work day for railroad prevents a nation-wide strike.ReformBirth Control Movement: Margaret Sanger (1879-1966) joins in opening first birth control clinic.ReformTemperance Movement: Prohibition gains ground as 24 states vote against alcoholic beverages. |
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1917 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawProhibition: The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors, is passed by Congress.GovernmentThe U.S. Congress passes the Jones-Shafroth Act, making Puerto Rico a territory of the United States and its inhabitants U.S. citizens. GovernmentLiteracy requirements for U.S. citizenship are passed over Wilson’s (1856-1924) veto.GovernmentWoodrow Wilson (1856-1924) is inaugurated again as President of U.S., as is Thomas R. Marshall (1854-1925) as Vice President.
GovernmentThe U.S. Senate rejects President Wilson’s suffrage bill.WarWorld War I: First U.S. division arrives in France; October Revolution in Petrograd November 7 (old style calendar October 26).WarWorld War I: The Allies execute dancer Mata Hari (1876-1917) as a Spy.WarWorld War I: President Wilson (1856-1924) signs the declaration of war against the Axis powers on April 7; anti-German sentiment swells at home. The names of schools, foods, streets, towns, and even some families, are changed to sound less Germanic. | Science100-inch reflecting telescope installed at Mount Wilson, California.ScienceEinstein (1879-1955) proposes his theory of a static (unchanging) universe. MedicineVaccines: Ralph Parker develops a vaccine for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. MedicineJulius Wagner-Jauregg (1857-1940) discovers the malarial fever shock therapy for general paresis of the insane.TechnologyRadios are used for ground-to-air and air-to-air communication. | EducationPublic Education: Smith-Hughes Act passes, providing federal funding for vocational education. Big manufacturing corporations push this, because they want to remove job skill training from the apprenticeship programs of trade unions and bring it under their own control.Arts and LettersSarah Bernhardt (1844-1923), 72, begins last tour of America.Arts and LettersPainting: J.S. Sargent (1856-1925) paints “Portrait of John D. Rockefeller.”Arts and LettersChicago becomes the world’s jazz center.Arts and LettersSigmund Romberg (1887-1951) composes his operetta, “Maytime,” in New York.Arts and LettersPoetry: Millay (1892-1950) publishes "Renascence and Other poems." IdeasC.G. Jung (1875-1961) writes “Psychology of the Unconscious.”IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) writes “Introduction to Psychoanalysis.” | Eisenhower, MamieDoud Dwight (Ikky) Eisenhower (1917-1921), son of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, is born September 24. | EconomicsCharlie Chaplin’s (1889-1977) yearly salary reaches one million dollars.EconomicsFord Motor Company begins producing trucks and tractors.EconomicsRailroad History: The first Diesel-electric locomotive in the U.S. was a prototype built by G.E. Number 4 had one model GM50 air injection two-stroke V8 rated at 225 HP @ 550 rpm powering one of two trucks. The cylinders had the same 8" x 10" dimensions as the GM16. It was never sold, serving only as a laboratory model at the Erie Works.Daily LifeFashion: Bobbed hair as a ladies hair fashion sweeps Britain and the U.S. | Sports Baseball: First baseball game played on Polo Grounds on a Sunday between New York Giants and Cincinnati Reds; the game results in the arrest of managers John McGraw (1873-1934) (Giants) and Christy Mathewson (1880-1925) (Reds) for violating New York blue law.Sports Women in Sports: Lucy Diggs Slowe wins the singles title at the first American Tennis Association (ATA) national tournament, becoming the first female African-American national champion in any sport.Popular CultureBooth Tarkington (1869-1946) reveals the joys of male adolescence in “Seventeen.”Popular CultureBuster Keaton (1895-1966), actor and director, establishes his comedy trademark of deadpan expressions in the film The Butcher Boy.Popular CultureGeorge M. Cohan (1878-1942) writes American war song “Over There.” | Social IssuesImmigration: The U.S. enters World War I and anti-German sentiment swells at home. The names of schools, foods, streets, towns, and even some families, are changed to sound less Germanic. ReformLabor Movement: I.W.W. demonstrations against war result in raids on their offices.ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Four women are arrested for picketing for woman’s suffrage (the right to vote) in front of the White House; they are sentenced to 6 months in prison. |
1918 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsEugene V. Debs (1855-1926), American socialist and presidential candidate, is sentenced to 10 years in prison for violating espionage and sedition laws (sentence is commuted in 1921).PoliticsIn the U.S. Congressional elections, Republicans win a majority of 43 seats.PoliticsT.G. Masaryk (1850-1937) is elected president of Czechoslovakia .GovernmentIceland becomes sovereign state.GovernmentSerbo-Croatian-Slovene Kingdom of Yugoslavia proclaimed.GovernmentStamps: U.S. Airmail stamps go on sale for 24 cents. The United States began airmail service on May 15, 1918. Special stamps were issued to indicate prepayment of mail carried on the first flights. The first route, flown by Army pilots in Army planes, linked Washington, DC and New York City via Philadelphia, PA. The rate was 24 cents an ounce. This rate included special delivery to the addressee.WarWorld War I: Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) propounds Fourteen Points for world peace; Germany offensive on Western front; Czechoslovakia proclaimed independent republic; Allies sign armistice with Austria-Hungary on November 3; Allied conference at Versailles agrees on peace terms for Germany; Armistice signed between Allies and Germany.WarRussian Revolution: Ex-Czar Nicholas II (1868-1918) and family executed.WarWorld War I: mobilized forces: 63 million; casualties: approx. 8.5 million killed, 21 million wounded, 7.5 million prisoners and missing. | ScienceNobel Prize for Physics: Max Planck (1858-1947), German physicist, for introducing quantum theory.ScienceHerbert M. Evans (1882-1971) determines that human beings have 48 chromosomes. MedicineEpidemics: An influenza epidemic, traveling west from Europe, begins in the eastern U.S. and spreads to 46 states. Before it ends in 1919, about 500,000 people die in the U.S. Throughout the world, 20 million people die and one billion are ill. InventionsAlexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) invents a hydrofoil boat that goes 60 mph during a test run. TechnologyThe Mount Wilson telescope is completed near Pasadena, California. | EducationHigher Educaton: A second Moscow University is founded (first university founded 1755).EducationMississippi passes school attendance laws for children between the ages of six and seventeen.Arts and LettersLiterature: Willa Cather (1873-1947) writes “My Antonia”.Arts and LettersEssay: H.L. Mencken (1880-1956): “In Defense of Women”.Arts and LettersPainting: Joan Miro (1893-1983) first exhibits his works.Arts and LettersThe New York Philharmonic Society bans composition by living German composers.Arts and LettersOpera: Paris Opera, despite daily bombardment, opens with Gounod’s (1818-1893) “Faust”.Arts and LettersMrs. Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge (1864-1953) gives the first of her music festivals in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (Tanglewood).Arts and LettersHenry Adams (1851-1921) writes “The Education of Henry Adams,” which later wins the Pulitzer Prize.IdeasCharles Horton Cooley (1864-1929), pioneer in the development of American sociology, publishes “Social Process.”IdeasOswald Spengler (1880-1936) writes “Untergang des Abendlandes” (“Decline of the West”) (-1922).IdeasThere is major controversy over the new psychology of Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) and C.G. Jung (1875-1961). | Ford, BettyElizabeth Anne ("Betty") Bloomer, wife of Gerald Ford, is born in Chicago on April 8. | EconomicsRailroad History: The first Diesel-electric locomotive to be built and sold commercially was Jay Street Connecting RR #4. G.E. slightly revised its standard steeple cab straight electric locomotive car body and installed a single GM50. EconomicsThe Pittman Act is passed, permitting the government to sell silver to Britain as a wartime measure.DiscoveryHarlow Shapley (1885-1972), American astronomer, discovers the true dimensions of the Milky Way.DiscoveryArchaeologists Hall and Leonard Woolley (1880-1960) begin excavations in ancient sites in Babylonia (present-day Iraq). Daily LifeRegular airmail established between New York City and Washington; first airmail postage.Daily LifeDaylight saving time introduced in America.Daily LifeCensus: Total population in the U.S.: 103.5 million.Daily LifeFirst Chicago-New York airmail delivered: flying time 10 hrs. 5 min. | Sports Football: Knute Rockne (1888-1931) is named head football coach at the University of Notre Dame.Sports Boxing: Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), American heavy-weight boxing champion, knocks out Carl Morris in 14 seconds. Sports Women in Sports: Eleanora Sears (a great-great-granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, born in 1881) takes up squash, after excelling at polo (which she rode astride, shocking conventions of the day), baseball, golf, field hockey, auto racing, swimming, tennis, yachting and speedboat racing. She accumulated 240 trophies during her athletic career. She demonstrated that women could play men's games and was a prime liberator of women in sports.Popular CultureComposer George Gershwin (1898-1937) writes the song “Swanee” for the Broadway show Sinbad. | ReligionUnited Lutheran Church established (U.S.).Social IssuesCensorship: U.S. Post Office burns installments of James Joyce’s (1882-1941) “Ulysses,” published in the “Little Review”.ReformWomen's Suffrage Movement: Women over 30 get the right to vote in Britain.ReformBirth Control Movement: New York v. Sanger; Margaret Sanger wins her suit in New York to allow doctors to advise their married patients about birth control for health purposes. |
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1919 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.LawWomen's Suffrage Movement: The Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote, is passed by Congress.PoliticsBenito Mussolini (1883-1945) founds the political party, Fasci del Combattimento.PoliticsIn Paris, the League of Nations comes into being. The Hague is selected for the International Court of Justice.PoliticsThe Republican convention nominates Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) for the presidency with Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) as his running mate.PoliticsThe Democratic convention nominates James M. Cox (1870-1957) for the presidency with Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) as his running mate.GovernmentWomen's Firsts: Lady Astor (1879-1964) becomes the first woman to be elected as a Member of Parliament in Britain. GovernmentCapital Punishment: Austria abolishes the death penalty.GovernmentPresident Woodrow Wilson presents his Fourteen Points for world peace to the American Congress; these Conditions of Peace are intended to
guarantee future cooperation among the nations of the world and contain the foundations for a world organization called the League of Nations.
GovernmentLeague of Nations: The plenary session of the Peace Conference accepts the proposals for the creation of a League of Nations; the U.S. Senate, however, votes against joining the League. WarWorld War I: The Treaty of Versailles is signed, officially ending World War I. Part 1, Articles 1 to 26 of this and other Peace Treaties contain the Covenant of the League of Nations. | ScienceEnglish scientist F.W. Aston (1877-1945) builds mass-spectrograph and establishes the phenomena of isotopy.ScienceObservation of the total eclipse of the sun bear out Albert Einstein’s (1879-1955) theory of relativity.ScienceRobert H. Goddard (1882-1945), “Father of American Rocketry” writes “A Method of Reaching Extreme Altitudes”.ScienceRutherford (1871-1937) demonstrates that the atom is not the final building-block of the universe.ScienceFirst experiments with shortwave radio (under 100 meters).ScienceIn collaboration with Massolle and Engl, Hans Vogt (1903-1986) experiments on a new sound film system.InventionsGlenn L. Martin (1886-1955) invents the Martin Bomber, a warplane. | EducationHigher Education: New universities are founded in Hamburg, Posen, Bratislava, and Cologne.EducationHigher Education: A.D. Juilliard ( -1919)dies leaving 20 million dollars to endow Juilliard School of Music.EducationChildren's Books; Hugh Lofting (1886-1947): the first of the “Dr. Doolittle” stories.Arts and LettersPoetry: Carl Sandburg (1878-1967) writes “Corn Huskers,” which wins the Pulitzer Prize.Arts and LettersBauhaus, founded and built by Walter Gropius (1883-1969) in Weimar, Germany, revolutionizes the teaching of painting, sculpture, architecture, and industrial arts.Arts and LettersJazz arrives in Europe.Arts and LettersThe Los Angeles Symphony Orchestra gives its first concert.Arts and LettersLiterature: Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) writes “Main Street”.Arts and LettersDrama: Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953) writes “The Emperor Jones” and “Beyond the Horizon."Arts and LettersLiterature: Sherwood Anderson (1876-1941) writes “Winesburg, Ohio,” a volume of interrelated short stories.IdeasJohan Huizinga (1872-1945) writes “The Waning of the Middle Ages.”IdeasC.G. Jung (1875-1961) writes “Psychological Types.” | Roosevelt, EdithFormer President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) dies in Oyster Bay, New York.Hoover, LouHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) is named Director-General of International Organization for European Relief. | EconomicsFord Motor Company: A conflict with stockholders over the millions to be spent building the giant Rouge manufacturing complex in Dearborn, Michigan leads to the company becoming wholly owned by Henry Ford and his son, Edsel, who then succeeds his father as president.EconomicsJ.M. Keynes (1883-1946) writes “The Economic Consequence of the Peace.”EconomicsThe Radio Corporation of America (RCA) is established. Daily LifeTransportation: J.W. Alcock and A. Whitten Brown (1886-1948) make first nonstop flight across the Atlantic from Newfoundland to Ireland in 16 hours 27 minutes.Daily LifeRailroad lines operated in America total 265,000 miles.Daily LifeThe American Legion is formed. | Sports Boxing: Jack Dempsey (1895-1983), U.S. heavyweight boxer, takes the world championship from Jess Willard.Sports Baseball: Babe Ruth (1895-1948) hits a 587 ft. home run in a Boston Red Sox versus. New York Giants game in Tampa, Florida.Sports Jim Thorpe (1888-1953), the great American all around athlete, finishes his 6-year major league baseball career with the Boston Braves; plays in 60 game; hits .327.Sports Horse Racing: Sir Barton is first horse to win triple crown: Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes; J. Loftus jockey in all three.Sports The development of a mechanical rabbit by Oliver Smith (1893-1977), of California, marks origin of modern greyhound racing.Sports Baseball: Black Sox Scandal: Eight players on the Chicago White Sox conspire with gamblers to throw the World Series. They are acquitted in a court of law—but they are banned from baseball forever. | ReligionKarl Barth (1886-1968): “Der Romerbrief” (“The Epistle to the Romans”), beginning of Protestant dialectical theology.ReligionChurch and State separated in Germany.ReligionJoan of Arc (1412-1431) canonized by Pope Benedict XV.ReformLabor Movement: Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933), governor of Massachusetts, calls out the National Guard to end Boston Police Strike. ReformLabor Movement: An International Labor Conference in Washington endorses eight-hour workday.ReformLabor Movement: The great American steel strike occurs, lasting until January 1920. |
1920 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawA year after ratification, the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages, goes into effect.LawThe Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution, giving women the right to vote, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.PoliticsThe German Worker’s Party is renamed the Nationalist Socialist German Workers’ or Nazi Party.PoliticsWarren G. Harding (1865-1923) is elected as the 29th President of the U.S., and Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is elected as the nation's 29th Vice President.GovernmentThe Senate rejects the Treaty of Versailles and the Covenant of the League of Nations for the second time.GovernmentThe League of Nations comes into existence with its headquarters in Geneva; the Versailles Peace Treaty and the Covenant of the League of Nations enter into force. GovernmentThe Water Power Act establishes the Federal Power Commission to regulate the generation of electricity from waterways on public lands and from navigational streams. GovernmentThe “Red Scare’ results in nationwide raids by federal agents, with mass arrests of “anarchists, Communists, and labor agitators. | ScienceWilliam D. Harkins (1873-1951) proposes the existence of an uncharged subatomic particle, which he calls the “neutron.”MedicineHarvey Cushing (1869-1939) pioneers new techniques in brain surgery.MedicineInsulin is isolated for the first time by Canadian Sir Frederick Banting (1891-1941) and Charles Best (1899-1978).InventionsNobel Prize for Physics goes to Charles Guillaume (1861-1938), a Swiss physicist, for the invention of Invar, an alloy of iron containing nickel. | Arts and LettersLiterature: F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940), an important novelist of the period, publishes his first novel entitled "This Side of Paradise." Arts and LettersLiterature: Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) publishes "Main Street," a novel that exposes the cultural vacuum of a small Midwestern town. IdeasIn "Easy Lessons in Einstein," Edwin E. Slosson explains the theory of relativity in a simple and clear manner. | | EconomicsThe Jones Act prohibits shipping merchandise between U.S. ports "in any other vessel than a vessel built in and documented under the laws of the United States and owned by persons who are citizens of the United States.''''EconomicsFord Motor Company: The Detroit-Toledo-Ironton (DTI) railroad proves to be a smart purchase for the Ford Motor Company (FMC). After purchasing the railway, FMC uses it for the next 8 years to control transport of materials and supplies to the massive Rouge plant in Dearborn, Michigan. | Sports Baseball: The Negro National League, the first financially successful all-black league, is founded by Hall-of-Famer Rube Foster.Sports Women in Sports: The skimpy fashions of the '20's put a new emphasis on athletic bodies and narrow the gap between health and glamour. Advertisers, like Grape-Nuts, say, "Grandmother went bathing - girls like Molly go in to swim."Sports Baseball: The Boston Red Sox sell Babe Ruth (1895-1948) to the New York Yankees.Sports William T. Tilden (1893-1953) wins Wimbledon Lawn Tennis; after this victory, he dominates world tennis until 1925. Popular CultureKDKA, America’s first commercial radio station, begins operation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by broadcasting the results of the presidential election. | ReligionUse of religion in Turkey for political ends is made punishable by death. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women get the right to vote when the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution is ratified. By this time, 15 states have women suffrage laws. |
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1921 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) nominates William Howard Taft (1857-1930) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and the Senate confirms his appointment on the same day. Taft is the only person in history to have been both President and Chief Justice. LawLeague of Nations: The Permanent Court of International Justice comes into being. GovernmentWarren G. Harding (1865-1923) is inaugurated as the 29th President of the U.S., and Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is inaugurated as the nation's 29th Vice President.GovernmentImmigration: Congress passes the Quota Act, which limits immigration in the United States. GovernmentThe Department of Agriculture enforces regulations of the Packers and Stockyards Act to stop manipulation of prices in meat-packing industries. WarThe joint resolution of Congress declares that World War I has ended. Separate U.S. treaties with Germany, Austria, and Hungary are signed and ratified. | ScienceLangmuir (1881-1957) and Lewis (1875-1946) independently propose atomic theories. MedicineJames B. Collip (1892-1965) isolates pure insulin. MedicineEdward Mellanby (1884 - 1955) discovers vitamin D and shows that its absence causes rickets.InventionsPhysician Alvan L. Barach designs a vented oxygen tent. TechnologyJohn Couch Adams (1819-1892) uses a spectroscope to study and determine the distance of 2000 stars. | Arts and LettersPoetry: William Butler Yeats (1865-1939) publishes "Michael Robartes and the Dancer," a collection that includes his famous poem, Easter 1916. Arts and LettersWomen’s Firsts: Literature: American novelist Edith Wharton(1862-1937) becomes the first woman to win a Pulitzer Prize for fiction. She wins the award for her novel "The Age of Innocence."IdeasErnst Kretschmer (1888-1964) publishes "Physique and Character," in which he suggests that body build is closely related to mental state. | Eisenhower, MamieDoud Dwight (Ikky) Eisenhower (1917-1921), son of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower dies January 2 from scarlet fever.Reagan, NancyAnne Frances “Nancy” Robbins is born on July 6, 1921 at Sloane Hospital, Flushing, Queens, New York. She is the ninth of ten First Ladies born in New York, the “mother state” of presidential wives. | EconomicsThe end of the wartime boom causes business depression and high unemployment. The National Conference proposes a job program.EconomicsUnemployment throughout the U.S. is 5.7 million. Widespread wage cuts in many industries include those of New York Central railroad employees (by 22.5%) and clothing workers (by 15%). Daily LifeIowa imposes the first state tax on cigarettes.Daily LifeMagazines: Publisher DeWitt Wallace (1889-1981) founds the Reader’s Digest. Daily LifeKnee-length skirts for women become the fashion, causing much comment in the press. | Sports Women in Sports: The National Women's Athletic Association is organized.Sports Baseball: Station KDKA in Pittsburgh broadcasts radio’s first live major league game. (Fewer than 10 percent of Americans own a radio.) | Social IssuesImmigration: California’s Supreme Court declares the state’s Alien Poll Tax unconstitutional and a violation of the treaty between the U.S. and Japan.Social IssuesHate Groups: The Ku Klux Klan promotes “white supremacy” and seeks to control politics in many southern communities. ReformBirth Control Movement: National Birth Control League and Voluntary Parenthood League are combined to form the American Birth Control League in New York City; Margaret Sanger heads the league. |
1922 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court declares that the Federal Child Labor Law is unconstitutional. PoliticsWomen's Firsts: Soledad Chacon is elected Secretary State of New Mexico, the first woman elected to that position.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Rebecca Felton (1835 – 1930), of Georgia, is appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill a temporary vacancy. The first woman senator, she serves for only two days.GovernmentLeague of Nations: The first meeting of the Permanent Court of International Justice occurs. GovernmentMahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) is arrested by the British in India for inciting his countrymen to violence in their fight for independence.GovernmentU.S. and Japan sign Yap Treaty, permitting U.S. cable and radio stations in the Yap Islands.WarU.S. Open Doors Policy is implemented in China. Nine major powers also sign treaties limiting warships, restricting the use of submarines, and outlawing poisonous gas. | ScienceAlfred C. Lane begins experiments to determine the age of the earth.MedicineElmer McCollum (1879-1967) discovers vitamin D in cod liver oil. He uses the oil in the successful treatment of rickets. InventionsBritish watchmaker John Howard invents the self-winding watch. TechnologyShip to shore radio communication begins. | Arts and LettersPoetry: James Joyce (1882-1941) publishes "Ulysses."Arts and LettersLiterature: F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) publishes "The Beautiful and the Damned." IdeasHerman Julius Oberth (1894-1989) writes "The Rocket into Interdisciplinary Space," in which the concept of escape velocity is introduced. | Eisenhower, MamieJohn Sheldon Doud Eisenhower (1922-), son of Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower, is born August 3. | Daily LifeLt. Harold Harris becomes the first member of the Caterpillar Club by parachuting from a defective plane during a flight test in Dayton, Ohio. The club is made up of individuals who have escaped death by using a parachute.Daily LifeMarriages in the U.S. total 1,126,000 and divorces total 148,000. | Sports Golf: The oldest American international team golf match takes place between the U.S. and Great Britain. It is established at the National Golf Links of America, Southampton, NY. Sports Women in Sports: The National Amateur and Athletic Federation (NAAF) is founded, committed to boys and girls being on an "equal footing with the same standards, the same program and the same regulations." | Social IssuesRacism: Oklahoma is placed under marshal law to control violence and curb Ku Klux Klan activity. ReformBirth Control Movement: Dr. Marie Stopes (1880-1958) holds a series of meetings in Queen’s Hall, London to advocate birth control. |
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1923 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentVice President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933)becomes the nation's 30th President on the death of President Warren G. Harding (1865-1923). No new Vice President is selected.GovernmentIntermediate Credits Act expands credit to farmers and encourages farm cooperatives in an effort to ease agricultural depression. WarPayment of British war debt to the U.S. begins. WarU.S. troops on the Rhine River in Germany are ordered to return by President Haring (1865-1923). | ScienceLouis A. Bauer analyzes the Earth’s magnetic field. MedicineInsulin becomes generally available to people with diabetes.MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Diphtheria is used.InventionsThe bulldozer is invented. | Arts and LettersDrummer Buddy Rich tours the U.S. and Australia as a child prodigy on the drums. IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939) publishes his theories on the human mind in "The Ego and the Id." | Harding, FlorencePresident Harding (1865-1923) dies suddenly in San Francisco on his return trip from Alaska. His father in Vermont swears in Coolidge (1872-1933) as President. | EconomicsThe DuPont Company acquires the rights to manufacture Cellophane; the first U.S. made Cellophane is produced in 1924.EconomicsIn order to build a Model T automobile, Ford required approximately 250 feet of lumber for each car that it built. As a result, Henry Ford authorized the purchase of several hundred thousand acres of forestland in northern Michigan.DiscoveryNative Americans: Oil is discovered on the Navajo Reservation. Daily LifeMagazines: Time Magazine hits the newsstands for the first time, at $.15 a copy.Daily LifeDisasters: An earthquake in Japan destroys Yokohama and half of Tokyo; about 100,000 people die. | Sports Finnish Paavo Nurmi runs the mile in 4 minutes and 10.4 seconds.Sports Women in Sports: 22% of U.S. colleges have varsity sports teams for women.Popular CultureCecil B. DeMille (1881-1959), film director and producer, releases the Biblical spectacle The Ten Commandments. Popular Culture"e Covered Wagon," voted as one of the 10 best movies of the year by Film Daily, sets the style and popularity for Westerns. | Social IssuesRacism: The African-American town of Rosewood, Florida is burned by a white mob. ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: National Woman’s Party proposes Constitutional amendment stating that “Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and in every place subject to its jurisdiction. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.” |
1924 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsCalvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is elected President of the U.S. in his own right, and Charles Dawes (1865-1951) is elected the nation's 30th Vice President.PoliticsThe Progressive Party, backed by the American Federation of Labor, Farm-Labor Party and the Socialist Party, nominates senator La Follette of Wisconsin for President. GovernmentGreece is proclaimed a republic. GovernmentThe diplomatic and consular services of the U.S. government are consolidated.GovernmentNative Americans: Congress passes the Indian Citizenship Act, granting U.S. citizenship to Native Americans. GovernmentImmigration: Immigration Act of 1924 establishes fixed quotas of national origin and eliminates Far East immigration.WarThe U.S. Marines land at Shanghai, China to help suppress the civil war. | ScienceScientist Harry Steenbock discovers that sunlight increases the amount of vitamin D in certain foods. After tests prove that it is the ultraviolet part of sunlight, which has this effect, Steenbock patents a process of using artificial ultraviolet light to increase the vitamin D content in food. MedicineThe portable electrocardiograph is introduced. It uses vacuum tubes to amplify the weak electrical signals produced by the heart. TechnologyRCA demonstrates wireless telegraph transmission of photographs from New York City to London; the process takes about 25 minutes per photograph. | EducationChildren's Books: A.A. Milne (1882-1956), English humorist, publishes When We Were Very Young, a collection of stories for his son, Christopher. Arts and LettersPaul Whiteman (1890-1967) commissions George Gershwin (1898-1937) to write the symphonic jazz-style “Rhapsody in Blue.” | Truman, Bess(Mary) Margaret Truman Daniel (1924-), daughter of Harry and Bess Truman, is born February 17.Coolidge, GraceCalvin Coolidge Jr. (1908-1924), son of Calvin and Grace Coolidge, dies July 7. | EconomicsHarry Cohn founds Columbia pictures. DiscoveryHubble determines that Cepheid variables (stars) in the Andromeda nebula are hundreds of thousands of light years beyond the Milky Way. This is conclusive proof that there are other galaxies besides our own. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The gas chamber is used for the first time as a method of execution in the United States when gangster Gee Jon is put to death in Nevada.Daily LifeThe publisher Simon and Schuster market the first crossword puzzle book.Daily LifeThere are 2.5 million radios in the U.S.; in 1920 there were only 5000, mostly used by professionals. | Sports The first Winter Olympic games open at Chamonix, France.Sports Football: Notre Dame''s “Four Horseman” – Layden, Stuhldreher, Miller, and Crowley – star as Notre Dame upsets Army. Sports Black Athletes: Olympic gold medalist (summer games; individual): DeHart Hubbard (1903-1976) is the gold medalist for the long jump. | Social IssuesImmigration: The Johnson-Reed Act is passed, severely limiting immigration.ReformWomen's Rights Movement: Radice v. New York, a New York state case, upholds a law that forbade waitresses from working the night shift but made an exception for entertainers and ladies' room attendants. |
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1925 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsNellie Taylor Ross (1876-1977) becomes the Governor of Wyoming, being the first woman to be elected as governor of a state.GovernmentThe Senate ratifies 20-year-old treaty, which recognizes the right of Cuba to the Isle of Pines. GovernmentThe U.S. and Canada agree to improve the St. Lawrence River between Montreal and Lake Ontario. GovernmentThe boundary between Northern Ireland and the Irish Free State (now the Republic of Ireland) is established. GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Nellie Tayloe Ross (1876-1997) becomes the first woman to serve as governor of a state, in Wyoming. GovernmentCalvin Coolidge (1872-1933) is inaugurated as President of the U.S., and Charles Dawes (1865-1951) is inaugurated as the nation's 30th Vice President. | ScienceMillikan (1868-1953) discovers that cosmic rays are absorbed (not produced) by the atmosphere. ScienceThe meter is standardized. MedicineGeorge H. Whipple (1878-1976) demonstrates that iron is a major factor in the formation of red blood cells. InventionsBerliner (1851-1929) invents acoustic tiles for soundproofing. InventionsRailroad History: The American Locomotive Company (ALCO), along with G.E. and IR, builds its first Diesel electric loco. | EducationHigher Education: Trinity College in North Carolina agrees to change its name to Duke University to meet the terms of a $40 million trust fund established by James B. Duke, a tobacco millionaire. Arts and LettersLiterature: Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) publishes "In Our Time."Arts and LettersLiterature: F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) publishes "The Great Gatsby."Arts and LettersWriter DuBose Heyward (1885-1940) publishes "Porgy," on which the musical "Porgy and Bess" is later based. Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Since Harvard was not supportive of the theatre movement on their campus, the efforts were relocated to Yale in 1925. As a result, Yale established the Drama School as a graduate program that was committed to providing American theatre with gifted artists of superior training.Arts and LettersLiterature: Theodore Dreiser’s (1871-1945) first commercial success was "An American Tragedy" (1925), which was made into a film in 1931 and again in 1951.IdeasJohn Watson publishes "Behaviorism," a book that sparks popular interest in psychology. | Nixon, PatAt the age of 13, “Pat” Ryan (Nixon) assumes the role of housewife for her family when her mother, Kate Halberstadt Bender Ryan, a native of Germany, dies of cancer.Bush, BarbaraBarbara Pierce is born on June 8 in New York City. She is the tenth of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives. | EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company acquires the Lincoln Motor Company, thus branching out into luxury cars.Daily LifeDisasters: The most violent tornado is U.S. history, the “Tri-State Tornado,” hits Missouri, Indiana, and Illinois, killing 689 people and injuring 13,000 others.Daily LifeMagazines: The New Yorker magazine is founded. | Popular CultureAlexander Alekhine (1892-1946), blindfolded, plays 28 simultaneous games of chess. | ReligionA copy of the Bible costs the equivalent of about $2000 in the 14th century, $500 in 1455, $100 by the 17th century, and $3 in 1925. ReligionPublic Education: Tennessee teacher John T. Scopes is arrested for teaching the Theory of Evolution, which is forbidden by state law. This dispute known as the “Monkey Trial” attracts enormous attention; Scopes is convicted and fined $100. |
1926 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThird Parties: The Progressive Party wins seats in Congress in the fall election. GovernmentThe U.S. fails to join the Permanent Court of International Justice and Arbitration at The Hague. GovernmentSenate ratifies World War debt funding agreements with European countries. GovernmentCongress passes the Revenue Act which reduces income and inheritance taxes and abolishes many nuisance taxes.GovernmentLeague of Nations: The first meeting of the Preparatory Disarmament Commission occurs in Geneva. WarCongress establishes the Army Air Corps. | ScienceGerman physicist, Max Born (1882-1970), formulates the mathematical basis of the quantum theory. MedicineGeorge Minot (1885-1950), William Murphy (1892-1987), and George Whipple (1878-1976) use a diet rich in raw liver to cure patients who are suffering from pernicious anemia, a usually fatal disease. Later, Minot and Edwin Cohn prepare liver extract that remains the basic treatment for this disease until 1948. MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Pertussis is used. TechnologyThe first liquid fuel rocket is successfully launched by Professor Robert Goddard at Auburn, Massachusetts; the rocket traveled 184 feet in 2.5 seconds.TechnologyThe Radio Corporation of America, American Telephone and Telegraph Company, and the British General Post office hold the first successful transatlantic radiotelephone conversation between New York City and London. | EducationCarter G. Woodson (1875-1950) founds Negro History Week, which later evolves into Black History Month.EducationChildren's Books: A.A. Milne (1882-1956) publishes "Winnie the Pooh," one of the most popular children’s books ever written. EducationLibraries: Los Angeles Public Library is dedicated.Arts and LettersLiterature: William Faulkner (1897-1962) publishes his first novel, "Soldier’s Pay." Arts and LettersPainting: Georgia O’Keeffe (1887-1986) paints “Black Iris,” and abstract work in which the flowers assume human anatomical shapes. IdeasT.H. Morgan (1866-1945) publishes "Theory of the Gene." IdeasEdward L. Thorndike (1874-1949) publishes "Measurement of Intelligence." | | Daily LifeExplorers Richard E. Byrd (1888-1957) and Floyd Bennett (1890-1928) fly over the North Pole.Daily LifeAirmail service starts between New York City and Boston. | Sports H. Bierkottes swims the English Channel in 12 hours and 4 minutes. Sports Women’s Firsts: American Gertrude Ederle (1906-2003) becomes the first woman to swim across the English Channel.Popular CultureEnglish filmmaker, Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980), known for his gripping thrillers, directs The Lodger. Popular CultureWriter Edna Ferber (1887-1968) publishes "Show Boat." | |
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1927 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCivil Rights Movement: The Supreme Court rules that a Texas law forbidding Negroes from voting in Democratic primary elections is unconstitutional. PoliticsA Socialist uprising and a general strike occurs in Vienna, Austria, after acquittal of Nazis for political murder. GovernmentLeague of Nations: The Spanish Government announces that it will continue to collaborate in the work of the League. WarU.S. Marines land in Nicaragua to protect U.S. lives and property during civil war. | ScienceJan Hendrik Oort (1900-1992), Dutch astronomer, further clarifies Lindblad’s theory about the rotation of the Milky Way galaxy. ScienceClinton Davisson (1881-1958) and Lester Germer (1896-1971) discover that electrons are diffracted when they pass through crystal. This discovery supports the wave theory of electric behavior. MedicineFrank A. Hartman isolates “cortin” from the adrenal glands and suggests that absence of this hormone may cause Addison’s disease. MedicineVaccines: First vaccine for Tuberculosis is used. InventionsThe History of Toys: A tough, durable kind of plastic, polystyrene, is invented. Although the first plastic, celluloid, was invented in the 1860s, polystyrene is the first type strong enough to really suit toy making. InventionsThe pentode (a 5-element vacuum tube) is developed. It permits distortion free amplification of sound. TechnologyErnst Alexanderson (1878-1975) receives the first American television broadcast at his home. | EducationLibraries: The Central library of the Free Library of Philadelphia is dedicated.IdeasPavlov (1849-1936) publishes "Conditioned Reflexes," based on his experiments in which dogs, fed at the sound of a bell, salivated at the sound of the bell alone. IdeasCosmologist Georges Lemaitre (1894-1966) proposes the Big Bang Theory to explain the origin of the universe. | Tyler, JuliaDavid Gardiner "Gardie" Tyler (1846-1927), the first son born to John Tyler and his second wife Julia, dies September 5. | EconomicsThe Federal Reserve reduces the discount rate by half a point and purchases $230 million of government securities.Daily LifeTransatlantic commercial telephone service begins between New York City and London.Daily LifeHerbert Hoover (1874-1964), then U.S. Secretary of Commerce, gives a speech in Washington, D.C. that is seen and heard in New York via the first long-distance television transmission.Daily LifeCharles Lindbergh (1902-1974) makes the first solo, non-stop flight across the Atlantic in the Spirit of Saint Louis, from Long Island to Paris.Daily LifeThe Holland Tunnel, designed by Clifford M. Holland, opens to vehicular traffic. More than 1.5 miles long, the tunnel travels under the Hudson River and connects New York with New Jersey. | Sports Baseball: Babe Ruth (1895-1948) sets home run record when he hits 60 for the season. Sports Boxing: The first Golden Gloves amateur boxing matches, sponsored by the New York Daily News, are held. Sports Women in Sports: The International Federation of Women's Field Hockey Associations (IFWHA) is formed to provide competition for teams from the US, England, Scotland and Ireland.Popular CultureThe Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is founded.Popular CultureBandleader and composer, Duke Ellington (1899-1974), organizes a band that begins a five-year stand at Harlem’s Cotton Club. | ReligionCecil B. DeMille (1881-1959) produces his second Biblical epic called "The King of Kings." |
1928 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) is elected the 31st President of the U.S., and Charles Curtis (1860-1936) is elected as the nation's 31st Vice President.GovernmentMcNary-Haugen Bill for relief of farmers is vetoed on the grounds that it would fix prices and stimulate overproduction. GovernmentFlood Control Bill provides $325 million to curb flooding in the Mississippi River Valley.GovernmentProhibition: Congress appropriates $32 million to enforce Prohibition during the next year. GovernmentBritain recognizes the Chinese National government at Nanking.WarU.S. signs Briand-Kellogg Act Pact, outlawing war. Eventually, 63 nations sign it also. | ScienceKarl Ziegler (1898-1973) explains the chemical procedure for making artificial rubber. MedicineSir Alexander Fleming (1881-1955) discovers penicillin, founding the field of antibiotic therapy. InventionsRailroad History: The first Diesel-electric passenger locomotive built in North America was a two-unit 2-D-1-1-D-2. TechnologyMount Palomar Observatory installs a 200-inch reflecting telescope designed by George Hale (1868-1938). | EducationLibraries: The West Virginia Supreme Court rules that Charleston libraries cannot exclude black patrons since, as taxpayers, they are equally entitled to library service.IdeasJohn Von Neumann (1903-1957) develops as part of his theory games, the minimax theorem, a strategy for minimizing a player’s maximum loss. | | Daily LifeThe first seeing eye dog was presented to Morris S. Frank.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: The Mickey Mouse character is created by Walt Disney. | Popular CultureThe first annual Calaveras County “Frog Jumping Jubilee” is held in Angel’s Camp, CA.Popular CultureJerome Kern (1885-1945) and Hammerstein (1895-1960) write the score for Show Boat, which includes the song “Ol’ Man River.” | |
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1929 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe National Revolutionary Party is organized in Mexico; it becomes the chief political party. GovernmentThe Lateran Treaty, in which Italy agrees to recognize the independence and sovereignty of Vatican City, is signed.GovernmentImmigration: The National origins plan goes into effect. U.S. consuls are told to reject any immigrant who might become a “public charge.” GovernmentThe Agriculture Marketing Act establishes the Federal Farm Board to stabilize farm prices. GovernmentHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) is inaugurated as the 31st President of the U.S., and Charles Curtis (1860-1936) is inaugurated as the nation's 31st Vice President. | ScienceHubble measures the red shift and discovers that the galaxies are moving away from each other. This universal recession of galaxies indicates that the universe is expanding.ScienceNobel Prize for Physics goes to Broglie (1892-1987) for his electron wave theory. MedicineHans Berger (1873- 1941) discovers human electroencephalography.TechnologyErnst Alaxanderson (1878-1975) measures the altitude of an airplane by using reflected radio waves. This is an early use of radar.TechnologyKodak introduces 16mm movie film. TechnologyIn the first instrument flight, Lt. James Doolittle (1896-1993) flies entirely by radio signals received in his airplane. | EducationHigher Education: University of Pennsylvania establishes a department of Medical Physics (biophysics). EducationLibraries: Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932), a merchant and philanthropist, helps fund libraries in 13 southern states to be used in both urban and rural areas, regardless of race.Arts and LettersLiterature: Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961) publishes the novel "A Farewell to Arms." IdeasVirginia Woolf (1882-1941) publishes “A Room of One’s Own.”IdeasRobert M. Yerkes (1876-1956), psychologist, publishes "The Great Apes" and establishes the Yale Laboratories of Primate Biology (Florida) to study animal behavior and intelligence. | Hoover, LouHerbert Hoover (1874-1964) was the first president to have a telephone installed on his desk on March 27. White House phones came next.Kennedy, JackieJacqueline Bouvier is born on July 28, 2919 in Southhampton, New York. She is the eighth of ten First Ladies born in New York, the "mother state" of presidential wives. | EconomicsAmerican Money: Currency is reduced in size by 25 percent and standardizes with uniform portraits on the faces and emblems and monuments on the backs. EconomicsPresident Hoover (1874-1964) meets with important businessmen at the White House in order to stabilize the nation’s business. EconomicsThe stock market crash brings depression, with widespread unemployment and many business failures. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Gang members working for Al Capone (1899-1947) kill rival gang members in the St. Valentine’s Day massacre in Chicago.Daily LifeThe first reindeer are born in the United States, in North Beverly, MA.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: The yo-yo is popularized in the United States. | Sports Women in Sports: Tuskegee Institute in Alabama forms one of the first women's college track teams, offering scholarships to promising women athletes, and adding women's event to their Tuskegee relays track meets.Popular CultureThe first Academy Awards are bestowed; the statues that served as symbols of the award are not called Oscars until 1931.Popular CultureThe first all-color talking picture, "On With the Show," opens.Popular Culture“Amos ‘n’ Andy,” a popular radio show heard each weekday through the 1930’s, makes its national premier. | ReligionPresbyterian churches in Scotland unite to form the Church of Scotland. Social IssuesImmigration: Congress makes annual immigration quotas permanent. |
1930 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Herbert Hoover nominates Charles Evans Hughes (1862-1948) as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; he is confirmed by the Senate ten days later and serves in the position for eleven years.LawThe Supreme Court rules that buying bootleg liquor is not a violation of the 18th amendment. PoliticsIn the German elections, Nazis gain 107 seats from the center parties. GovernmentThe Passfield White Paper on Palistine suggests that Jewish immigration be halted. GovernmentThe names of the cities of Constantinople and Angora in Turkey change to Istanbul and Ankara.GovernmentRas Tafari (1892-1975) becomes Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.GovernmentLeague of Nations: First session of the Commission of Enquiry for European Union. WarFrance begins building the Maginot Line.WarLast Allied troops leave Rhineland.WarThe War Department amends Army regulations to make any violation of the federal prohibition law a military offense. | MedicineNobel Prize for Medicine awarded to Karl Landsteiner (1868-1943) (U.S.) for the grouping of human blood. InventionsVannevar Bush, electrical engineer, develops a differential analyzer, the first analog computer. InventionsQuartz-crystal clocks are introduced.TechnologyBell Laboratories develops a two-way television communication system. TechnologyThe photoflash bulb comes into use. | EducationPublic Education: Civil Rights Movement: The NAACP brings a series of suits over unequal teachers' pay for Blacks and whites in southern states. At the same time, southern states realize they are losing African American labor to the northern cities. These two sources of pressure resulted in some increase of spending on Black schools in the South.EducationCivil Rights Movment: Brown v. Board: The NAACP began to challenge segregation in graduate and secondary schools in the mid-1930s. Early successes in the Supreme Court barred law schools from denying applicants on the basis of race alone.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Group Theatre is formed by the Theatre Guild for the purpose of producing social protest works. Members were generally committed to largely communal projects. Arts and LettersDrama: Maxwell Anderson (1888-1959)writes “Elizabeth the Queen."Arts and LettersDrama: Noel Coward (1899-1973) writes “Private Lives."IdeasTechnocracy, the absolute domination of technology, becomes talked-of phenomenon. IdeasAlbert Einstein (1879-1955)writes “About Zionism.”IdeasCompton suggests that cosmic rays are made of particles. IdeasSigmund Freud (1856-1939)publishes “Civilization and Its Discontent." | Taft, HelenWilliam Howard Taft (1857-1930), 27th President of the United States dies; he is the first U.S. president to be buried in the National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. | EconomicsNew York City’s Bank of the United States closes because of the stock market crash. The bank has 60 branches and almost half a million depositors. During this year more than 1300 banks are forced to close. EconomicsFord creates the Mercury division to establish a division centered on mid-priced cars. Ford Motor Company continues to grow.DiscoveryPluto, the ninth planet in the solar system, is discovered by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh (1906-1997).Daily LifePrepackaged frozen food is sold for the first time by Clarence Birdseye (1886-1956) in Springfield, MA.Daily LifeContract bridge gains in popularity as a card game.Daily LifeComic strips grow in popularity in the U.S. (“Blondie” series). | Popular CultureBestseller “Cimarron,” is written by Edna Ferber (1885-1968). Popular CultureDashiell Hammett (1894-1961) writes “The Maltese Falcon."Popular CultureThe films “Blue Angel,” (Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992))and “All Quiet on the Western Front,” both win Academy Awards (Milestone). | |
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1931 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsGerman millionaire Alfred Hugenberg (1865-1951) undertakes to support the 800,000-strong Nazi Party; Emil Kirdorf (1847-1938), Fritz Thyssen (1873-1951), and Schroder (1841-1902) follow his example. GovernmentLeague of Nations: The Council decides to convene the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments. GovernmentLeague of Nations: European Conference for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulating the Distribution of Narcotic Drugs. | ScienceSwiss chemist Paul Karrer (1889-1971) isolates vitamin A.ScienceAmerican physicist E.O. Lawrence (1901-1958) invents the cyclotron. InventionsJulius A. Nieuwland (1878-1936) devises a process for producing neoprene, a synthetic rubber.TechnologyThe Empire State Building opens.TechnologyThe George Washington Bridge, extending from New Jersey to New York, is completed. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Pearl S. Buck (1892-1973) writes “The Good Earth."Arts and LettersPoetry: Robert Frost (1874-1963) publishes his “Collected Poems,” which wins the Pulitzer Prize.Arts and LettersDrama: Eugene O’Neill (1888-1953) writes “Morning Becomes Electra.”IdeasJohn Dewey (1859-1952 ) publishes “Philosophy and Civilization.” | | DiscoveryAustralian explorer G.H. Wilkins (1888-1958) captains “Nautilus” submarine, navigating it under the Arctic Ocean to latitude 82 degrees, 15 minutes.Daily LifeThe U.S. officially adopts “The Star-Spangled Banner” as its national anthem on March 3. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Alphonse (“Scarface”) Capone (1899-1947), gangster with reputed $20 million annual income, is jailed for income tax evasion. Daily LifePopulation (in millions): China 410, India 338, U.S.S.R. 168, U.S. 122, Japan 75, Germany 64, Great Britain 46. Daily LifeWomen’s Firsts: Maxine Dunlap becomes first American woman to earn a glider pilot license.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Alfred M. Butts, an unemployed architect from Poughkeepsie, New York, invents a word game called the Criss Cross Game. In 1948, Butts sells rights to the game to entrepreneur James Brunot who trademarks the game under the name Scrabble. | Sports The northern face of the Matterhorn is climbed for the first time by Franz and Toni Schmid. Sports Women in Sports: Women begin competing in skiing events at the world championships sponsored by the International Ski Federation.Popular CulturePopular songs of the year include “Minnie the Moocher”; “Mood Indigo”; Goodnight Sweetheart”; and “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain.”Popular CultureCharlie Chaplin (1889-1977) stars in the film, “City Lights."Popular CultureWalt Disney (1901-1996) produces his first color film, "Flowers and Trees."Popular CultureThe musical comedy, "Of Thee I Sing," composed and written by George Gershwin (1898-1937), Ira Gershwin (1896-1983) George S. Kaufman (1889-1961), and Morrie Ryskind (1895-1985), becomes the first musical to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. | ReligionJehovah’s Witnesses formed from International Bible Students Association.ReligionPope Pius XI (1857-1939): “Quadrigesimo Anno," encyclical noting dangers of unrestrained capitalism and totalitarian communism, and calling for a new social order. |
1932 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Twentieth Amendment to the Constitution, setting January 20 as the day the President is inaugurated, is passed by Congress.PoliticsWomen's Firsts: Hattie W. Caraway (1878-1932), a democrat from Arkansas, becomes the first woman to be elected to the U.S. Senate.PoliticsRunning on the idea of a "New Deal" for the American people, Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is elected as the 32nd President of the U.S. in a Democratic landslide; John Garner (1868-1967) is elected as the nation's 32nd Vice President.GovernmentThe Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is created to conserve area resources. GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Hattie Wyatt Caraway (1878-1950), of Arkansas, becomes the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate. GovernmentLeague of Nations: A two-year Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments opens in Geneva; Germany withdraws from the Conference.GovernmentCongress changes the name "Porto Rico" to "Puerto Rico". GovernmentThe Revenue Act of 1932 is passed; it is the largest peacetime tax increase in the nation''s history to that date. | ScienceW.H. Carothers (U.S.) (1896-1937) synthesizes polyamide (nylon by 1936).ScienceJames Chadwick (1891-1974) discovers the neutron. ScienceNobel Prize for Physics: Werner Heisenberg (Germany) for the creation of the matrix theory of quantum mechanics.ScienceFritz Mietzch (1896-1958) and Josef Klarer (1898-1953): sulfonamide.InventionsSperry Gyroscope Co. develops an automatic pilot. TechnologyA balloon tire is produced for farm tractors.TechnologyRCA demonstrates electric TV using a cathode-ray picture tube receiver. | EducationLibraries: The Folger Library opens in Washington. EducationHigher Education: Bennington College opens in Vermont.EducationBasic English is proposed as a prospective international language.EducationLibraries: Howard University School of Divinity Library is founded.EducationPublic Education: A survey of 150 school districts reveals that three quarters of them are using so-called intelligence testing to place students in different academic tracks. | | EconomicsIn May and June, 17,000 ex-servicemen arrive in Washington D.C., to urge the passage of a law that will permit them to cash their bonus certificates; this bill is defeated by the Senate; government offers expenses for return home, but troops led by General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) finally drive out last 2,000. Economics13.7 million people are unemployed in the United States. EconomicsThe first unemployment insurance law is enacted in Wisconsin.Daily LifeCrime and punishment: The infant son of Charles (1902-1974) and Anne Lindbergh (1906-2001) is kidnapped.Daily LifeWomen''s Firsts: Amelia Earhart (1897-1937) becomes the first woman to complete a solo nonstop transatlantic flight, from Newfoundland to Ireland in about 15 hours.Daily LifeWomen''s Firsts: Amelia Earhart, 34, becomes the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic in a red Lockheed Vega in 15 hours and 39 minutes. | Sports Black Athletes: Louise Stokes (1905-1974) and Tydia Pickett are the first African-American women to be included on a U.S. Olympic team.Sports The first Winter Olympic Games held in the U.S., opens at Lake Placid, N.Y.Sports The Summer Olympic Games at Los Angeles include 23 sports, 124 events, and 1,408 participants from 37 nations.Popular CultureJohnny Weissmuller (1904-1984) appears in his first “Tarzan” film; Dashiell Hammett (1894-1961) writes “The Thin Man;" and Aldous Huxley (1894-1963) writes “Brave New World.” | ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: The National Recovery Act forbids more than one family member from holding a government job, resulting in many women losing their jobs. |
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1933 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawProhibition: The Twenty-First Amendment to the Constitution, repealing prohibition, is passed by Congress, ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution. LawThe 20th Amendment to the Constitution, setting January 20 as the day the President is inaugurated, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution.GovernmentU.S. Congress votes independence for Philippines.GovernmentThe Federal Securities Act requires sworn statements about all securities for sale to be filed with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). GovernmentLeague of Nations: Both Germany and Japan give notice of withdrawal from the League of Nations. GovernmentFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated as the 32nd President of the U.S., and John Garner (1868-1967) is inaugurated as the nation's 32nd Vice President.GovernmentWomen’s Firsts: Frances Perkins (1882-1965) is appointed secretary of labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), making her the first woman member of a presidential cabinet.GovernmentAdolph Hitler (1889-1945) is named Chancellor of Germany. | ScienceTadeusz Reichstein (1897-1996) synthesizes pure vitamin C. ScienceVitamin B2 (riboflavin) recognized by R. Kuhn, Szent-Gyorgyi, and Wagner von Jauregg.MedicineManfred Sakel (1900-1957) discovers insulin shock therapy.TechnologyEdwin H. Armstrong (1890-1954) develops frequency modulation (FM) radio broadcasting. TechnologyPhilo T. Farnsworth (1906-1971) develops an electronic TV receiver. | Arts and Letters“Ulysses,” by James Joyce (1882-1941), is allowed in the U.S. after court ruling.Arts and LettersLiterature: Erskine Caldwell (1903-1987)writes “God’s Little Acre.”Arts and LettersGeorge Balanchine (1904-1983) and Lincoln Kirstein (1907-1996) found the School of American Ballet.Arts and LettersLiterature: Gertrude Stein (1874-1946) writes “The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas.”IdeasC.G. Jung (1875-1961) writes “Modern Man in Search of Soul.” | | EconomicsAmerican banks are closed March 6 - March 9 by presidential order. EconomicsThe U.S. goes off gold standard on April 19.EconomicsUnlike his father, Edsel Ford was more interested in vehicle design than mechanics. He helped bring the company''s products to new heights of elegance and style by creating the company’s first dedicated, in-house design (or “styling”) department. The department’s creations become some of the most influential automotive designs in the industry.DiscoveryThe theory that Neanderthal Man is in the line of decent of homo sapiens is rejected following the discovery of the Steinheim skull. DiscoveryR.E. Byrd, begins his second South Pole expedition. Daily LifeThe board game Monopoly is invented.Daily LifeAll books by non-Nazi and Jewish authors are burned in Germany. Daily LifeChicago World’s Fair (A Century of Progress International Exposition) opens.Daily LifePresident Roosevelt delivers the first radio “fireside chat” to restore the public’s confidence in the American currency and banking system. | Sports Baseball: The first baseball all-star game is played.Sports Boxing: Italian Primo Carnera (1906-1967) knocks out Jack Sharkey (1902-1994) to win heavyweight-boxing crown. Popular CultureSome popular films of the year are “Little Women,” starring Katherine Hepburn (1907-2003), and “She Done Him Wrong,” starring Mae West (1892-1980). Popular CultureSome popular songs are “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes”; “StormyWeather”; “Easter Parade”; “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”; and “Boulevard of Broken Dreams.” | Social IssuesHolocaust: The Germans at Dachau open the first concentration camp; by 1945 8 to 10 million prisoners have been interned and at least half of them killed. Boycott of Jews begins in Germany. Social IssuesImmigration: Approximately 60,000 artists (authors, actors, painters, and musicians) emigrate from Germany. |
1934 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentLeague of Nations: Meeting of the General Commission of the Conference for the Reduction and Limitation of Armaments. GovernmentCongress passes the Gold Reserve Act, empowering the President to regulate the value of the U.S. dollar. GovernmentPresident Roosevelt signs Securities Exchange Act, establishing Securities and Exchange Commission. The first chairman of the SEC is Joseph Kennedy. | ScienceAdolph Butenandt (1903-1995) isolates the first crystalline male hormone, androsterone.ScienceEnrico Fermi (1901-1954 ) suggests that neutrons and protons are the same fundamental particles in two different quantum states. TechnologyOsoviakhim, U.S.S.R. balloon, ascends 13 miles into stratosphere. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Robert Graves (1895-1985) writes “I, Claudius” and “Claudius the God.” Arts and LettersPainting: Salvador Dali (1904-1989) paints “William Tell,” in surrealistic style.Arts and LettersDrama: William Saroyan (1908-1981) writes “The Daring Young Man on the Flying Trapeze.”IdeasArnold Toynbee (1889-1975) writes “A Study of History.”IdeasRuth Benedict (1887-1948) publishes “Patterns of Culture. | | EconomicsWomen’s Firsts: Lettie Pate Whitehead (1872-1953) becomes the first American woman to serve as a director of a major corporation, The Coca-Cola Company. DiscoveryWomen’s Firsts: On October 23, 1934, American adventurer Jeanette Piccard (1895 – 1985) sets an altitude record for female balloonists when she ascends 57,579 feet. Daily LifeTransportation: The S.S. “Normandie” (France) launched; the largest ship afloat until “Queen Elizabeth.” Daily LifeThe Dionne quintuplets are born in Callendar, Ontario.Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The F.B.I. shoots John Dillinger (1903-1934), “Public Enemy No. 1.”Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The infamous pair of Bonnie (Parker) (1910-1934) and Clyde (Barrow) (1909-1934), die in a police shootout. | Sports Golf: The first Masters golf tournament at Augusta National in Georgia is won by Horton Smith (1908-1963).Sports Boxing: Max Baer (1909-1959) wins world heavyweight boxing title. Sports Boxing: Joe Louis (1914-1981) wins his first fight against Jack Kracken (Chicago).Popular CultureShirley Temple (1928- ) stars in her first film, Stand Up and Cheer. | Social IssuesPoverty: Evangeline Booth (1865-1950), daughter of the Salvation Army’s founder, elected General of the Salvation Army. |
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1935 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsHuey Long (1893-1935) is assassinated by Dr. Carl Weiss in Louisiana Capitol Building. GovernmentThe Social Security Act establishes a federal payroll tax to finance a cooperative federal-state system of unemployment insurance. GovernmentPresident Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs U.S. Social Security Act.GovernmentChiang Kai-shek is named President of China. GovernmentT.G. Masaryk (1850-1937) resigns as President of Czechoslovakiaand is succeeded by Eduard Benes (1884-1948). GovernmentPersia changes its name to Iran.GovernmentLeague of Nations: The American Senate refuses to ratify the accession of the United States to the Permanent Court of International justice. WarWorld War II: The Saarland is incorporated into Germany following a plebiscite; Nazis repudiate Versailles Treaty and reintroduce compulsory military. | MedicineLadislas J. Meduna (1896-1964)discovers metrazol shock therapy.MedicineGerman chemist Gerhard Domagk (1895-1964) announces the discovery of Prontosil, the first sulfa drug for treating streptococcal infections.TechnologyRADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) is first demonstrated by Robert Watson-Watt (1892-1973).TechnologyThe first round-the-world telephone conversation covers more than 23,000 miles. It is routed from New York to San Francisco, Indonesia, Holland, England, and back to NY-to an office less than 50 feet from the phone where the call originated. TechnologyRailroad History: EMC builds #511 and #512, the first self-contained Diesel passenger locomotives in the US. | EducationLibraries: The Works Progress Administration library service program gives support in labor and funds to all types of libraries.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The Federal Theatre Project is established by Works Progress Administration (WPA) under the leadership of Hallie Flanagan (1890-1969). It lasted 4 years and employed over 30,000 theatrical artists and workers. Eventually Congress challenged the content of the productions as being subversive propaganda and dangerous. Arts and LettersDrama: Clarence Day (1874-1935) writes “Life with Father.” Arts and LettersDrama: T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) writes “Murder in the Cathedral.” Arts and LettersLiterature: Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) writes “It Can’t Happen Here.” Arts and LettersLiterature: John Steinbeck (1902-1968) writes “Tortilla Flat.” | | EconomicsElectrification: The first generator at Hoover Dam along the Nevada-Arizona border begins commercial operation. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Bruno R. Hauptmann (1899-1936) goes on trial for the kidnap and murder of the Lindburgh baby.Daily LifeAmelia Earhart (1897-1937) becomes the first person to fly solo from Hawaii to California.Daily LifeTransportation: The S.S. “Normandie” crosses the Atlantic in 107 hours and 33 minutes. Daily LifeDancing: The rumba becomes a fashionable dance. Daily LifeAlcoholics Anonymous is organized in New York. | Sports Baseball: The Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies play the first major league night baseball game at Crosley Field I Cincinnati. | ReformLabor Movement: The Committee for Industrial Organizations is founded by the leaders of eight unions in the American Federation of Labor (AFL). Its goal is to develop industry-wide unions that include clerical and unskilled workers, as well as skilled-workers who are eligible for the AFL. |
1936 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of TVA in Ashwander v. Tennessee Valley Authority.PoliticsFranklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) is reelected President of the U.S. by a landslide, as is John Garner (1868-1967) as Vice President. GovernmentLeague of Nations: The Secretariat moves into the new League of Nations buildings, Geneva. WarThe U.S. Army adopts the semi-automatic rifle.WarWorld War II: German troops occupy Rhineland; elections in Germany give Hitler (1889-1945) 99% of the vote; Four-Year Plan inaugurated. WarSpanish Civil War begins in July; Franco appointed Chief of State by the insurgents in October; siege of Madrid begins; Spanish government moves to Valencia. WarWorld War II: Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) declares war on Japan. | MedicineDr. Alexis Carrel (1873-1944) develops an artificial heart. MedicineEgas Moniz (1874-1955) discovers prefrontal lobotomy for treating mental diseases.TechnologyThe dirigible “Hindenburg” lands at Lakehurst, N.J., after transatlantic flight. TechnologyMrs. Amy (Johnson) Mollison (1903-1941) flies from England to Cape Town in 3 days, 6 hours, and 25 minutes.TechnologyBoulder (Hoover) Dam on Colorado River in Nevada and Arizona is completed; this creates Lake Mead, the largest reservoir in the world. | Arts and LettersDrama: Beatrice Kaufman and Moss Hart collaborate on the play, “You Can’t Take it With You.” | | EconomicsThe Ford Foundation is established.Daily LifeMagazines: Henry Luce (1898-1967) begins publication of “Life” magazine. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Bruno Richard Hauptman (1899-1936) is convicted of kidnapping and killing the Lindbergh baby. Daily LifeDisasters: Floods sweep Johnstown, Pennsylvania.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Parker Brothers introduce Monopoly. | Sports Baseball: Ty Cobb (1886-1961), Babe Ruth (1895-1948), Honus Wagner (1874-1955), Christy Mathewson (1880-1925) and Walter Johnson (1887-1946) are the first players elected to the newly founded Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.Sports Boxing: Max Schmeling (1905-2005) (German) defeats Joe Louis (1914-1981) (U.S.) to win world heavyweight boxing championship. Popular CultureDale Carnegie (1888-1955) writes “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”Popular CultureWalter D. Edmunds (1903-1998) writes “Drums Along the Mohawk.” Popular CultureMargaret Mitchell (1900-1949) writes “Gone with the Wind,” a Pulitzer Prize Novel. | |
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1937 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawWomen's Rights Movement: The U.S. Supreme Court rules in favor of a minimum wage law for women. GovernmentPresident Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs U.S. Neutrality Act. GovernmentFranklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated President of the U.S., as is John Garner as Vice President. WarWorld War II: Riots in Sudeten area of Czechoslovakia; Sudetan Germans leave Czech Parliament. WarSpanish Civil War: The German Luftwaffe (air force) destroys the Spanish town of Guernica. | MedicineThe nation’s first blood bank is established at Cook County Hospital in Chicago.MedicineCrystalline vitamin A and vitamin K concentrates are first obtained.MedicineThe National Cancer institute is established. InventionsWallace H. Carothers (1896-1937) patents Nylon for the Du Pont Company.InventionsThe first jet engine is built by Frank Whittle (1907-1996). TechnologyGeorge VI (1895-1952) is crowned King of Great Britain; the broadcast of ceremonies is first worldwide program heard in the U.S.TechnologyThe Lincoln Tunnel provides a second major vehicular tunnel between New York and New Jersey. TechnologySan Francisco’s Gold Gate Bridge opens; the main section is 4200 ft. long; it is the longest bridge up to this time. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Ernest Hemmingway (1899-1961) writes “To Have and to Have Not.” Arts and LettersLiterature: John P. Marquand (1893-1960) writes “The Late George Apley,” which wins a Pulitzer Prize. Arts and LettersPainting: Picasso (1881-1973) paints “Guernica,” a mural for the Paris World Exhibition. Arts and LettersPaul Mellon (1907-1999) endows the National Gallery in Washington, D.C. | | EconomicsWall Street stock market decline signals serious economic recession in the U.S.Daily LifeIn Connecticut, automobile license places are issued for the first time.Daily LifeDisasters: The German airship Hindenberg bursts into flames as it is trying to land at Lakehurst, NJ. News of its occurrence is described in the first transcontinental radio broadcast.Daily LifeAmelia Earhart (1897-1937) is lost on a Pacific flight. | Sports Boxing: Joe Louis (1914-1981) regains world heavyweight boxing title by defeating James J. Braddock (1905-1974). Sports U.S. Tennis Team wins Davis Cup Tournament in England. Sports Women in Sports: The US becomes the first country to win the men's (Swaythling Cup) and women's (Marcel Corbillon Cup) team table tennis championships in the same year.Popular CultureJohn Steinbeck (1902-1968) writes “Of Mice and Men.” Popular CultureWalt Disney (1901-1996) produces “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs." | Social IssuesPoverty: Public Housing: One of the first public housing projects in New York City, the Harlem River Houses, is built. They were 4 and 5-story walk-ups that were connected. ReformWomen''s Rights Movement: Minimum wage law for women is upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. ReformLabor Movement: A major strike against Republic Steel takes place: 4 killed and 84 injured in Chicago. |
1938 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawCivil Rights Movement: The Supreme Court rules that the University of Missouri Law School must admit Negroes because of a lack of other facilities in the area.GovernmentMartin Dies (1900-1972) (Texas Democrat), becomes chairman of the newly formed House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) of U.S. House of Representatives. WarWorld War II: Hitler (1889-1945) appoints himself War Minister, Ribbentrop Foreign Minister; meets Schuschnigg at Berchtesgaden and marches into Austria; Mussolini (1883-1945) and Hitler meet in Rome; programs in Germany. WarWorld War II: Eden resigns in protest against Chamberlain’s (1869-1940) policy; Winston Churchill (1874-1965) leads country’s outcry; Duff Cooper (1890-1954) resigns as First Lord of the Admiralty; President Benes (1884-1948) resigns; Slovakia and Ruthenia granted autonomy; Hungary annexes southern Slovakia; Emil Hacha (1872-1945) installed as puppet President of Czechoslovakia. | ScienceKarter, Salomon, and Fritzsche chemically identify vitamin E. ScienceIsolation of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). MedicineRobert E. Gross, physician, surgically repairs a congenital heart defect. MedicineUgo Cerletti (1877- 1963) and Lucio Bini (1908-1964) discover electroconvulsive therapy. | EducationThe Cloisters, endowed by Rockefeller (1839-1937), is built in upper Manhattan as a branch of the Metropolitan Museum to house medieval art.EducationHigher Education: Education of Women: African American Education: Harvard University grants and honorary doctorate to Negro singer Marian Anderson (1897-1993).EducationCivil Rights Movement: Higher Education: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the University of Missouri Law School must admit Negroes because of a lack of other facilities in the area.Arts and LettersDrama: "Our Town," by Thornton Wilder (1897-1975), is performed publicly for the first time in Princeton, NJ.Arts and LettersDaphne du Maurier (1907-1989) writes “Rebecca.” Arts and LettersDrama: Robert Sherwood (1896-1955): “Abe Lincoln in Illinois." Arts and LettersArchitecture: Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) builds Taliesin West in Phoenix, Arizona. Arts and LettersLiterature: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (1896-1953) writes “The Yearling,” a Pulitzer Prize novel.IdeasJohan Huizinga (1872-1945) writes “Homo Ludens.” IdeasAlfred North Whitehead (1861-1947) writes “Modes of Thought.” | | EconomicsDupont markets the first nylon product-a toothbrush.EconomicsThe Fair Labor Standards Act passed, enacting first national minimum wage law.Daily LifeThe 40 hour work week is established in the United States.Daily Life20,000 TV sets are in service in New York City. Daily LifeThe S.S. “Queen Elizabeth” is launched.Daily Life32,000 people die in auto accidents in the U.S. | Sports Horse Racing: Eddie Arcado rides his first Kentucky Derby winner, “Lawrin.”Popular CultureThe New Orleans jazz classic, "When the Saints Go Marching In," is recorded by Louis Armstrong (1901-1971).Popular CultureThe popular radio quiz show Information Please is broadcast by NBC.Popular CultureOrson Welles’s (1915- 1985) radio production of H.G. Well’s (1866-1946) “War of the Worlds” causes considerable panic. Popular CultureBenny Goodman’s (1909-1986) band brings new style to jazz music. Popular CultureKurt Weill (1900-1950): “Knickerbocker Holiday,” musical comedy, New York. | Social IssuesAnti-semitism: Anti-Jewish legislation enacted in July.ReformLabor Movement: Women''s Rights Movement: The Fair Labor Standards Act establishes minimum wage without regard to sex. |
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1939 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawPresident Roosevelt appoints the first Jewish Associate Justice to the Supreme Court, Felix Frankfurter (1882-1965); at the same time, he appoints William O. Douglas (1898-1980), who hold the record for longest service on the Court -- 36 years, 7 months. WarThe Spanish Civil War ends.Rooseveltasks Congress for $552 million for defense and demands assurance from Hitler and Mussolini that they will not attack 31 named states. WarWorld War II: Germany occupies Bohemia and Moravia, places Slovakia under “protection,” annexes Memel, renounces nonaggression pact with Poland and naval agreement with England, and concludes both the 10-year alliance with Italy and the nonaggression pact with U.S.S.R.WarWorld War II: Japanese occupy Hainan and blockade British concession at Tientsin; U.S. renounces Japanese trade agreement of 1911. WarWorld War II: Britain and France recognize Franco’s government; U.S. recognition follows; Spanish Civil War ends; Spain joins Anti-Comintern Pact and leaves League of Nations. WarWorld War II: Germany invades Poland and annexes Danzig on September 1; Britain and France declare war on Germany on September 3; Roosevelt declares that the U.S. is neutral; Germans overrun western Poland and reach Brest-Litovsk and Warsaw; U.S.S.R. invades Poland from the east; the British Expeditionary Force (158,000 men) are sent to France. | ScienceJoliot-Curie demonstrates the possibility of splitting apart the atom. SciencePolyethylene is invented.ScienceNobel Prize for Physics awarded to Ernest O. Lawrence (U.S.) for the development of cyclotron.TechnologyIgor Sikorsky (1889-1972) constructs the first helicopter.TechnologyRadar stations are used in Britain to give early warning of approaching enemy aircrafts. | Arts and Letters“Grandma Moses” (Anna M. Robertson) becomes famous in the U.S.Arts and LettersDance: Aaron Copland’s “Billy the Kid” ballet opens in New York. Arts and LettersLiterature: C.S. Forester writes “Captain Horatio Hornblower.”Arts and LettersLiterature: James Joyce writes “Finnegan’s Wake.”Arts and LettersLiterature: Richard Llewellyn writes “How Green was My Valley.”Arts and LettersLiterature: John Steinbeck writes “The Grapes of Wrath.” Arts and LettersDrama: George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart write “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”IdeasJohn Dewey (1859-1952) publishes “Freedom and Culture.” IdeasAdolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf” is made available in a complete English translation. | | EconomicsAfter the 1938 recession, the U.S. economy begins to recover and, by autumn, is booming from orders of European countries for arms and war equipment.Daily LifeTransportation: Pan-American Airways begins regularly scheduled commercial flights between the U.S. and Europe on the “Dixie Clipper.” Daily LifeFashion: Nylon stockings appear for the first time. Daily LifeHolidays: President Roosevelt moves the national Thanksgiving Celebration to the third Thursday of November in order to extend the Christmas shopping season and boost the economy. | Sports Baseball: The first televised major league game is broadcast from Ebbets Field in Brooklyn.Sports Baseball: Little League Baseball is founded.Sports Baseball: Baseball great Lou Gehrig sets of major-league record when he plays his 2,130th game.A baseball game is first televised in the U.S. Popular CultureThe first public television broadcast is made from the Empire State Building.Popular CultureWar songs in England are “Roll out the Barrel’ and “The Last Time I Saw Paris.”Popular CulturePopular Films include “Gone With the Wind”, “The Wizard of Oz” (Judy Garland), and “Stagecoach” (John Ford).Popular CulturePopular Songs in America are “God Bless America”, “Over the Rainbow”, and “I’ll Never Smile Again.” | ReligionPope Pius XI dies; Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli is elected to be Pope Pius XII (-1958).ReligionThe Methodist Church, rent by schisms of 1830 and 1844, is reunited.ReformLabor Movement: The U.S. Supreme Court rules that sit-down strikes are illegal. |
1940 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is re-elected to a third term as President of the U.S., and Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965) is elected as the nation's 33rd Vice President.GovernmentStamps: Booker T. Washington (1856-1915) is the first African-American honored on a stamp. GovernmentImmigration: The Smith Act (Alien Registration Act) requires the registration of all aliens and makes it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the U.S. government by force. GovernmentConservation: Congress establishes the Fish and Wildlife Service to develop and administer a wildlife conservation program. GovernmentNeville Chamberlain (1869-1940) is succeeded by Winston Churchill (1874-1965) as Prime Minister of England.GovernmentThe U.S. does not renew its commercial treaty with Japan. GovernmentThe Transportation Act passes, giving ICC authority to regulate common carriers operating in interstate commerce in the coastal, inter-coastal, and inland waters of the U.S. WarNational Defense Advisory Commission coordinates U.S. civilian defense protection. WarCongress creates the Selective Service System, the first U.S. peacetime program of compulsory military service. It requires all men between ages 21 and 36 to register. | ScienceFritz A. Lipmann (1899-1986), biochemist, proposes that ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate) is a common form of energy in many cells. MedicineN.M. Gregg discovers that German measles during pregnancy may cause birth defects in the unborn child. MedicineLinus Pauling (1901-1994) and Max Delbruck (1906-1981) determine that antigens cause the body to produce antibodies. InventionsV. Zworykin (1889-1982) and James Hillier (1915-) invent the electronic microscope. InventionsHellmuth Walter (1900-1980), a German engineer, invents a propulsion system for submarines. | EducationThe first large-scale urban college building of modern design, Hunter College, is built in New York City. Arts and LettersThe Museum of Modern Art sets up a separate department of photography.Arts and LettersPainting: Picasso’s (1882-1973) lithograph, “Dove” is selected as the symbol of the World Peace Congress. | | DiscoveryPrehistoric drawings that are at least 20,000 years old are found in the Lascaux Caves in France. Daily LifeThe first social security check is issued to Ida Fuller for $22.54.Daily LifeFashion: Nylon stockings go on sale for the first time in the U.S.Daily LifeThe suspension bridge over the Narrows at Tacoma, Washington called “Galloping Gertie,” collapses because of wind vibration; the Bridge tumbles into Puget Sound. | Sports Cornelius Warmerdam (1915-2001) is the first to pole-vault 15 feet. Two years later he sets the new record of 15 ft. 7.75 inches. Popular CultureOglethorpe University (Georgia) deposits a bottle of beer, an encyclopedia, and a movie fan magazine along with 1000 of other items in its “Crypt of Civilization,” a time capsule scheduled to be opened in the year 8113. Popular CultureJohn Ford (1894-1973) wins an Oscar for directing "The Grapes of Wrath." | ReformLabor Movement: The 40-hour workweek, part of Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, goes into effect. |
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1941 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: After sixteen years of service as an Associate Justice, Harlan Fiske Stone (1872-1946) is nominated Chief Justice of the Supreme Court by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945); he is confirmed by the Senate and serves for five years until his death in 1946.GovernmentFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated for a third term as President of the U.S., and Henry A. Wallace (1888-1965) is inaugurated as the nation's 33rd Vice President.GovernmentThe Lend-Lease Act passes, giving the president the authority to aid any nation whose defense he believed vital to the United States and to accept repayment "in kind or property, or any other direct or indirect benefit which the President deems satisfactory."GovernmentThe Lend-Lease Act lends war materials to friendly nations.GovernmentThe Office of Price Administration and Civilian Supply is organized. It immediately freezes steel prices and later announces the need for tire rationing to conserve rubber. WarPuerto Rico: US Congress establishes two thirds of the island of Vieques as a military training ground. Residents are given 24 hours to leave their homes. WarThe Selective Service System repeals the 900,000-man limitation of the Army and extends the length of service of draftees to 18 months.WarU.S. lends the U.S.S.R. $1 billion worth of war material. WarWorld War II: Japan attacks the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, destroying many war ships; the U.S. declares war on Japan. WarWorld War II: U.S. forces land in Iceland to defend it against possible attack. | ScienceThe Manhattan Project, under the direction of Leslie Groves, begins top-secret research to develop an atomic bomb. MedicineWomen's Firsts: Eleanor J. Macdonald (1906-?1995), the first cancer epidemiologist, establishes the world’s first cancer registry in Connecticut.MedicineRadioactive iodine is used to treat cancer of the thyroid. InventionsAerosol spray cans are introduced. TechnologyRCA develops the “alert receiver,” a radio that is turned on or off by a special radio wave signal. TechnologyLORAN (long range aid to navigation) uses fixed radio signals to determine positions at sea. TechnologyAn electron microscope is used to obtain the first photograph of a virus. The virus, only 4 ten-millionths of an inch in diameter, is magnified 65,000 times. | | Reagan, NancyMaureen Reagan Revell (1941-2001), daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, is born January 4. | EconomicsThe FCC authorizes TV broadcasting. By the end of the year, 1 million sets are sold. Daily LifeGasoline curfew begins in 17 eastern states; gasoline stations are closed from 7am-7pm. Daily LifeA National Nutrition Program begins; vitamins and minerals are added to milk, bread, and other common foods. Daily Life“Utility” clothing and furniture are encouraged in Britain; clothes rationing starts. Daily LifeHolidays: After much protest, President Roosevelt returns the official Thansgiving to the fourth Thursday of November. | Sports Baseball: New York Yankee center-fielder Joe DiMaggio (1914-1999) hits in 56 major league games and sets a major league record. Popular CultureThe classic movie, "Citizen Kane," starring Orson Welles (1915-1985), premiers in New York City.Popular CultureThe famous wartime phrase “Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition” is said by Howell M. Forgy, chaplain on the U.S. cruiser New Orleans, which is attacked at Pearl Harbor. Popular CultureBilly Strayhorn (1915-1967), arranger-composer for Duke Ellington, composes the band’s theme song, “Take the A-Train.”Popular CultureThe USO is founded in New York City to raise the morale of American troops by supplying recreation, education, and entertainment. | Social IssuesImmigration: Japan’s surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii galvanizes America’s war effort. More than 1,000 Japanese-American community leaders are incarcerated because of national security. Social IssuesImmigration: President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 8802, forbidding discrimination in federal hiring, job-training programs, and defense industries. The newly created Fair Employment Practices Commission investigates discrimination against black employees. |
1942 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentFranklin Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs an executive order resulting in the internment of thousands of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast.GovernmentImmigration: Congress allows for importation of agricultural workers from within North, Central, and South America. The Bracero Program allows Mexican laborers to work in the U.S. WarWorld War II: Congress enacts measures to form the Women’s auxiliary corps of the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. WarWorld War II: The Nazis formulate their “Final Solution” regarding the Jews at the Wannsee Conference. WarWorld War II: Government wartime agencies take control of housing, alien property, shipping and transportation, foreign relief, censorship, and scientific research. WarWorld War II: U.S. begins strict rationing of food and materials needed for the war effort. | ScienceRussian Academy of Sciences awards honorary memberships to Americans for the first time: W. Cannon, E.O. Lawrence, and G. Lewis. MedicineFrench chemists prepare the first usable antihistamines. InventionsHenry Ford (1863-1947) patents the plastic automobile body.InventionsMagnetic recording tape is introduced. InventionsBell Aircraft builds and tests the first U.S. jet, the XP-59. TechnologyHenry Kaiser (1882-1967) and Howard Hughes (1905-1976) design the Spruce Goose, an 8-engine airplane with room for 700 people.TechnologySonobuoys are used to detect submarines.TechnologyRadio signals (interference) are received from the Sun. TechnologyThe first V-mail is sent overseas from New York City to London. | Arts and LettersDance: Copland (1900-1990) composes the ballet Rodeo, staged and choreographed by Agnes DeMille (1881-1959). IdeasSister Elizabeth Kenny (1880-1952) publishes "Kenny Concept of Infantile Paralysis and Its Treatment." | | EconomicsThe Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River in Washington State is completed. DiscoveryMildenhall Treasure, a hoard of Roman silverware, is discovered in Suffolk, England. Daily LifeDisasters: Mine explosions in Honkeiko, Manchuria kill 1549 people. Daily LifeDisasters: The ocean liner Queen Mary collides with a British cruiser; 388 people on board the cruiser are killed. | Sports Football: The Army-Navy football game that is usually seen by 100,000 fans in Philadelphia is played in Annapolis, Maryland for fewer than 12,000. By Presidential order, tickets are sold only to resident within a 10-mile radius of the stadium. Sports Baseball: Just weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt declares, “it would be best for the country to keep baseball going.”Popular CultureBand leader Glenn Miller (1904-1944) receives the first ever gold record for selling a million copies of “Chattanooga Choo Choo.” | ReligionC.S. Lewis (1898-1963) publishes "The Screwtape Letters," an extremely popular Christian novel. ReligionLloyd Douglas, a Lutheran clergyman, publishes "The Robe," a novel based on the New Testament. |
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1943 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentImmigration: The Magnuson Act of 1943 repeals the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, establishes quotas for Chinese immigrants, and makes them eligible for U.S. citizenship. WarU.S. Army engineers complete the Pentagon building. This 5-sided building, headquarters of the Department of Defense, remains the largest office building in the world. WarWorld War II: President Roosevelt (1882-1945) and Prime Minister Churchill (1874-1965) meet at the Casablanca Conference.WarWorld War II: The Nazi siege of Leningrad is broken.U.S. bombers sink Japanese convoy of 22 ships at the Battle of Bismarck Sea. WarWorld War II: U.S. naval and amphibious forces begin island-hopping operations in the Pacific, capturing key bases. | ScienceThe hallucinogenic drug LSD is first produced by Albert Hoffman (1906-?) at Sandoz Laboratory in Basil, Switzerland.Science50,000 scientists and aides, all conducting secret atomic research suddenly populate the tiny town of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. MedicineLarge-scale production of penicillin begins to meet the demand as the drug is being used to treat a variety of infectious diseases. MedicineEpidemics: An infantile paralysis (polio) epidemic kills 1151 people and cripples thousands more. InventionsAlvarez develops a radar-controlled bombsight. InventionsPolyethylene plastic is introduced. | Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II (1895-1960) begin their successful partnership when they produce the musical Oklahoma. Arts and LettersLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990), conductor and composer, becomes the assistant composer of the N.Y. Philharmonic. | | EconomicsThe “Big Inch,” world’s longest oil pipeline, is dedicated. It is 1300 miles long and stretches from Texas to Pennsylvania. Daily LifeWomen in England are no longer required to wear hats in law courts. Daily LifeDancing: The jitterbug is the most popular dance. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: While searching for a suspension device to ease rough sailing on battleships, navy engineer Richard James discovers that a torsion spring will "walk" end over end when knocked over. James brought the discovery home to his wife, who named the new toy "Slinky." | Sports Women in Sports: In its June 14th issue, Time estimates there are 40,000 semi-pro women's softball teams in the US.Sports Women in Sports: Baseball: Philip K. Wrigley starts what will become the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, the country’s only professional female league.Sports The Detroit Red Wings win the last 4 games in the Stanley Cup finals, defeating the Boston Bruins 2-0 to become the National League Hockey Champions. | ReligionPublic Education: U.S. Supreme Court reverses 1940 decision and holds that children cannot be required to salute the flag in school if their religion prohibits it; case brought to court by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. |
1944 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is reelected President for a fourth term; Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is elected the nation's 34th Vice President on the same Democratic ticket. GovernmentThe Declaration of Independence and other historical documents, sent from Washington D.C., for safekeeping in December 1941, are again displayed at the Library of Congress. WarWorld War II: U.S. planes bomb Berlin for the first time. WarWorld War II: U.S. troops establish beachheads at Utah Beach and Omaha Beach during the Allied invasion of Western Europe (D-Day). | ScienceUranium pile is built in Oak Ridge Tennessee. MedicineAlfred Blalock (1899-1964) and Marie Taussig introduce a surgical technique for saving “blue babies.”MedicineOswald Avery (1877-1955) proves that DNA is the genetic material responsible for heredity. MedicineClarence C. Little proposes that cancer is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. MedicineDDT is used to control a typhus outbreak in Naples, Italy. MedicineDaniel Bovet (1907-1992) discovers the antihistamine pyrilamine. InventionsSilicone resins are introduced as insulation capable of withstanding very high temperatures. | EducationHigher Education: President Roosevelt (1882-1945) signs The Serviceman Readjustment Act (G.I. Bill of Rights), establishing benefits for veterans after the war. One of the chief benefits of the law is the provision of funds for college for returning servicemen and women, thus providing access to higher education for many who would not have been able to afford it otherwise, and, in fact, making the idea of a college education a "normal" one for the next generation of young people.Arts and LettersDrama: Jean Anouilh (1910-1987) completes the play Antigone. IdeasVon Neumann (1903-1957) publishes "Theory of Games and Economic Behavior." | Johnson, Lady BirdLynda Bird Robb (1944- ), daughter of Lyndon and Claudia Johnson, is born March 19. | Daily LifeMeat rationing ends, except for steak and choice cuts of beef. Daily LifeTransportation: The first non-stop flight from London to Canada takes place. | Popular CultureBing Crosby (1903-1977) stars in the film, "Going My Way." Popular CultureThe popular radio show, "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," debuts.Popular CultureJimmy “Trump” Davidson’s Big Band introduces Dixieland Jazz to Canada. | |
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1945 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsThe Arab League is founded in Cairo by Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.GovernmentUnited Nations: The United Nations opens in San Francisco. Senate ratifies UN Charter by a vote of 89 to 2. GovernmentThe Medal of Freedom is established. It is awarded to civilians for meritorious acts or service. GovernmentVice President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) becomes the nation's 33rd President upon the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945). No new Vice President is selected.GovernmentFranklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945) is inaugurated as President for a fourth term; Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is inaugurated as the nation's 34th Vice President. WarWorld War II: The Russians liberate the Auschwitz concentration camp, where the Nazis killed over 1.5 million people, including over 1 million Jews.WarWorld War II: U. S. Marines raise the American flag on Iwo Jima.WarWorld War II. The United States drops an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan; the rationale is that it will shorten the war and save thousands of American and Japanese lives. Several days after the bombing, Japan surrenders, bringing World War II to an end.WarWorld War II: The Yalta Agreement is signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882-1945), British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (1874-1965), and Soviet leader Josef Stalin (1879-1953).WarWorld War II: World War II ends; cold war begins; Soviet Union becomes prime adversary of U.S; President Truman (1884-1972) pressured to take a hard-line on Communists, foreign and domestic. | MedicineWoodward determines the chemical structure of penicillin by using a spectroscope. MedicineSpies proves that folic acid (a B-vitamin) is necessary for proper development of red blood cells. TechnologyRailroad History: The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, uses the first railroad car with an observation dome. The dome is 19.5 feet long and extends the full width of the railroad car. TechnologyWeather radar is developed. | EducationChildren's Books: E.B. White (1899-1985) publishes the children’s classic Stuart Little. Arts and LettersDrama: Sartre (1905-1980) writes the play "No Exit." | Roosevelt, EleanorFranklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945), 32nd president of the United States, dies of a massive cerebral hemorrhage at his home in Warm Springs, Georgia. | EconomicsFCC sets aside 13 channels for commercial broadcasting. Daily LifeRationing of shoes, butter, and tires ends. Daily LifeBenito Mussolini (1883-1945), Italian dictator and ally of Nazi Germany, is executed.Daily LifeGerman dictator Adolph Hitler (1889-1945), and his newly married mistress, Eva Braun (1912-1945), commit suicide in his Berlin bunker.Daily LifeAnne Frank (1929-1945), the Dutch Jewish teenager who kept a diary of her wartime experiences, dies at 15 in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. | Popular CultureDizzy Gillespie (1917-1993) organizes an orchestra featuring the “bop” style of jazz.Popular CulturePopular radio shows include: "The Red Skeleton Show," "The Green Hornet," "Superman," "Inner Sanctum," "The Fred Allen Show," "One Man’s Family," and "Queen for a Day." | ReligionItalian writer Carlo Levi (1902-1975) causes a sensation with his novel "Christ Stopped at Eboli." Social IssuesImmigration: The War Bride Act and the G.I. Fiancées Act allows immigration of foreign-born wives, fiancé(e)s, husbands, and children of U.S. armed forces personnel. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women win the vote in France. |
1946 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Harry S. Truman nominates Fred M. Vinson as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; the Senate confirms his nomination and he serves for seven years until his death in 1953.PoliticsMcCarthy Era: November 1946 -- Joseph R. McCarthy (1908-1957)is first elected Senator from Wisconsin, defeating progressive titan Robert Lafollette (1855-1925). Richard Nixon (1913-1994) is elected Congressmen from Whittier, CA. The Democrats lose 12 Senate seats and 55 House seats.GovernmentLeague of Nations: (April 18) The League transfers all its assets to the United Nations. Contract signed by W. Moderow, representative of the League, and Sean Lester, the last Secretary-General of the League of Nations. GovernmentUnited Nations: The first General Assembly of the United Nations convenes in London. GovernmentHo Chi Minh (1890-1969) is elected president of North Viet Nam.GovernmentThe United Nations accepts an $8.5 million donation from John D. Rockefeller (1839-1937) to purchases the site for the new UN headquarters in New York City. WarThe Army and Navy are permitted to manufacture atomic weapons. WarChinese Communists tell the U.S. to stop supplying arms to the Nationalist Chinese Party. The U.S. gives up trying to mediate the civil war in China. WarCold War: Churchill (1874-1965) delivers a speech in Fulton, Missouri, warning about Soviet expansion and coining the phrase the “Iron Curtain.” This marks the beginning of the “Cold War.” | ScienceCarbon-12, and isotope is discovered. ScienceThe Atomic Energy Commission is established. InventionsPrinted circuits are developed. TechnologyComputer Technology: A computer begins working at the University of Pennsylvania, taking seconds to do calculations that normally take hours. It is named ENIAC, or Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985) publishes "This Side of Innocence." Arts and LettersArchitecture: The “ranch-type” home becomes popular; many find the low-slung, single story homes very appealing. IdeasLemaitre (1894-1966) publishes "Hypothesis of the Primeval Atom." | Nixon, PatTricia Nixon Cox (1946- ), daughter of Richard and Patricia Nixon, is born February 21.Bush, BarbaraGeorge Walker Bush (1946- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born July 6. | DiscoveryByrd (1888-1957) leads an expedition to the North Pole. Daily LifeMikhail Botvinnik (1911-1995) of the U.S.S.R. is considered the world’s finest chess player. Daily LifeThe government lifts most price and wage controls. U.S. Daily LifeDisasters: An Army plane crashes into the Manhattan Company in New York City; 5 people are killed. | Sports Women’s Firsts: Women in Sports: Edith Houghton becomes the first woman hired as a major-league baseball scout. Popular CultureAlfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) directs the film Notorious.Popular CultureIrving Berlin (1888-1989) writes the score for the Broadway musical, "Annie Get Your Gun." | ReligionMother Frances X. Cabrini (1850-1917) is canonized; she is the first U.S. citizen to become a saint in the Catholic Church. ReligionWomen’s Firsts: Mother Maria Frances Cabrini (1850-1917) is canonized by Pope Pius XII. She is the first U.S. citizen (she was born in Italy) to become a saint. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women win the vote in Italy. ReformThe strike by the United Mine Workers begins. President Truman seizes the mines after employers reject the government’s negotiated contract. |
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1947 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: The Supreme Court upholds a state law permitting pupils attending parochial schools to ride on public school buses. This is the first of many cases on the separation of church and state in relation to schools.LawThe Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution, limiting Presidents to two terms, is passed by Congress.GovernmentMcCarthy Era: Senator McCarthy (1908-1957) is assigned to the Government Operations Committee in Senate; Congressman Nixon is appointed to the House Un-American Activities Committee. Mr. Nixon is first lawyer on The Committee and is noteworthy for raising the level of "respectability" of the Committee's proceedings.GovernmentMcCarthy Era: Criticized for loose scrutiny of federal employees, President Truman (1884-1972) initiates a loyalty program for civil servants -- the Federal Loyalty Board Program.GovernmentThe Secretary of State proposes the European Recovery Program (The Marshall Plan) to give economic aid to certain war-torn European nations. GovernmentCongress approves economic and military assistance for Greece and Turkey. GovernmentCongress enacts the Labor Management Relations Act (Taft-Hartley Labor Act) over President Truman’s veto. It limits the power of labor unions and puts restrictions on strikes, closed shop, and political activities. GovernmentPresident Truman (1884-1972) states the principle of Soviet Containment (Truman Doctrine).GovernmentBritain nationalizes coalmines, cable and radio communications, and the electrical supply industry. WarWorld War II: U.S. ratifies peace treaties with Italy, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Rumania. WarThe National Security Act unifies all branches of the armed services into a new Department of Defense. | ScienceWillard Frank Libby (1908-1980) develops radio-carbon dating (carbon-14) and uses this method to determine the age of several ancient artifacts. MedicineHeparin is synthesized. MedicineBovet discovers synthetic drugs that produce a non-poisonous, curare-like effect. TechnologyEdwin Land (1906-1991) introduces the Polaroid camera for instant photographs. TechnologyHoward Aiken (1900-1973) produces an improved electromechanical calculator, the Mark II.TechnologyPersonal Computers: Three scientists at Bell Telephone Laboratories, William Shockley (1910-1989), Walter Brattain (1902-1987), and John Bardeen (1908-1991) demonstrate their new invention of the point-contact transistor amplifier. The name transistor is short for "transfer resistance.” | Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: The principal approach to production (a theatricalized realism compounded of acting, which emphasized intense psychological truth, and of visual elements, which eliminated nonessentials but retained realistic outlines) is popularized. The method is made most renown by Elia Kazan (1909-2003) and Jo Mielziner (1901-1976) in the 1947 production of "Streetcar Named Desire" and the 1949 production of "Death of a Salesman."Arts and LettersDrama: Arthur Miller (1915-2005) publishes "All My Sons." Arts and LettersDrama: Tennessee Williams (1911-1983) publishes the Pulitzer Prize winning work, "A Streetcar Named Desire." Arts and LettersLiterature: James Michener (1907-1997) publishes "Tales of the South Pacific," the basis for the Broadway show "South Pacific." | Johnson, Lady BirdLuci Baines Johnson Turpin (1947- ), daughter of Lyndon and Claudia Johnson, is born July 2. Carter, RosalynnJohn William “Jack” Carter (1947- ), son of James “Jimmy” and Rosalynn Carter, is born July 3. | Daily LifeCongressional proceedings are televised for the first time.Daily LifeThe wartime draft ends. Daily LifeTransportation: The first supersonic jet flight takes place. Daily LifeFashion: With wartime shortages over, Christian Dior introduces "The New Look" in women's fashions, featuring calf-lenth full skirts and large hats. | Sports Black Athletes: Baseball: Jackie Robinson (1919-1972), the first black baseball player in the major leagues, makes his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and scores the game-winning run.Sports John Cobb (1899-1952) establishes a world ground speed record of 394.196 mph. Popular CultureReports of “flying saucers” receive widespread publicity. | ReformWomen's Rights Movement: In the Fay v. New York case, the U.S. Supreme Court says women are equally qualified with men to serve on juries but are granted an exemption and may serve or not as women choose. |
1948 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: The Supreme Court rules that religious instruction in public schools violates the Constitution.PoliticsDemocratic President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is re-elected as President of the U.S. and Alben W. Barkley (1877-1956) is elected as the nation's 35th Vice President.PoliticsMcCarthy Era: 1948 -- HUAC gets Whitaker Chambers to implicate Alger Hiss as a spy. Nixon destroys Hiss's reputation in the press, reveals "Pumpkin Papers" in conference.PoliticsSouthern Democrats bolt the Democratic Party in opposition to the civil rights platform. PoliticsCommunists take control of the government in Czechoslovakia.GovernmentPresident Harry Truman (1884-1972) signs the Marshall Plan, a major policy and financial commitment to aid in the recovery of Europe after World War II.GovernmentThe U.S. recognizes the new state of Israel. GovernmentBurma (now called Myanmar) and Ceylon (now called Sri Lanka) gain their independence from Great Britain.WarCold War: Communist Party leaders in the U.S. are indicted and charged with instigating the overthrow of the U.S. government. | ScienceLovell determines that meteors are natural phenomenon of the solar system.ScienceOak Ridge National Laboratory begins to develop peaceful uses for atomic energy. MedicineThe U.S. Public Health Service devises a simple test for diabetes mellitus. MedicineYale University scientists develop a nylon respirator to replace the iron lung. MedicineThe World Health Organization (WHO) is organized. They first meet in Geneva, Switzerland. | EducationPublic Education: The Educational Testing Service is formed, merging the College Entrance Examination Board, the Cooperative Test Service, the Graduate Records Office, the National Committee on Teachers Examinations and others, with huge grants from the Rockefeller and Carnegie foundations. These testing services continued the work of eugenicists like Carl Brigham (originator of the SAT) who did research "proving" that immigrants were feeble-minded.Arts and LettersLiterature: William Faulkner (1897-1962) publishes "Intruder in the Dust." | Nixon, PatJulie Nixon Eisenhower (1948 - ), daughter of Richard and Patricia Nixon, is born July 5. | Daily LifeWomen''s Firsts: The first female Army officer is sworn in. Daily LifeCrayola: To help art teachers learn about the many ways to use the growing number of Crayola products, a teacher workshop program begins to offer in-school training across the country. It continues today. | Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: The first woman to win an olympic gold medal is Alice Coachman (1923-…), who wins in the high jump.Sports Women in Sports: The Roller Derby is broadcast live on television from New York City with women skaters.Sports Baseball: Stan Musial (1920-) of the St. Louis Cardinals wins the Most Valuable Player Award for the third time. Popular CultureThe first motion-picture newsreel in color is taken in Pasadena, California at the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Rose Bowl. Popular CultureMiles Davis (1926-1991) leads a nine piece combo that pioneers “cool” jazz. | Social IssuesImmigration: The Supreme Court rules that California’s Alien Land Laws prohibiting the ownership of agricultural property violates the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. Social IssuesImmigration: The United States admits persons fleeing persecution in their native lands; allowing 205,000 refugees to enter within two years.Social IssuesNative Americans: Native Americans win the right to vote in state elections. ReformWomen''s Suffrage Movement: Women win the vote in Belgium. |
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1949 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentPresident Truman (1884-1972) outlines his “Point Four” proposal for U.S. technical aid to underdevelopedcountries.GovernmentPresident Truman (1884-1972) proposes a program of domestic litigation called the “Fair Deal.”GovernmentThe North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreement is signed.GovernmentThe country of Siam changes its name to Thailand.GovernmentThe German Federal Republic is established.GovernmentDemocratic President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) is inaugurated as President of the U.S. and Alben W. Barkley (1877-1956) is inaugurated as the nation's 35th Vice President.
WarCold War: Soviets explode Hydrogen Bomb. Mainland China becomes Communist. | MedicineFirst implant of intraocular lens used by Sir Harold Ridley (1906- 2001).MedicineThe American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute warn that cigarette smoking may cause cancer. MedicineCommercial production of ACTH begins. It is used to treat arthritis, rheumatic fever, and gout. MedicineWaksman (1888-1973) prepares neomycin, an antibiotic.
MedicineEpidemic: 2,720 deaths occur from polio, and 42,173 cases are reported.InventionsThe Atomic Energy Commission designs a breeder reactor that produces power by nuclear fusion, creating more fuel than it uses. TechnologyComputer Technology: Eckert (1919-1995) and Mauchly (1907-1980) build BINAC (Binary Automatic Computer), the first computer with self-checking devices. TechnologyThe National Bureau of Standards builds an atomic clock that is accurate to within 1 second over the course of 3 million years. | Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: There are only 150 legitimate professional theatres serving the entire U.S.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: 70 TV stations are serving 2 million receivers in urban areas; this is same number as those attending the remaining theatres. IdeasOrwell (1903-1950) foresees a grim future in his satirical masterpiece "1984," a novel that introduces the “Big Brother” concept of totalitarian government. IdeasMaria Geoppert-Mayer (1906-1972) develops a nuclear shell theory. | Bush, BarbaraPauline Robinson “Robin” Bush (1949-1953), daughter of George and Barbara Bush, is born December 20. | Daily LifeTransportation: The first non-stop around the world flight (23,452 miles) is completed by Captain James Gallagher in 94 hours, 1 minute.Daily LifeFashion: Bathing suits called “bikinis” are introduced to the American fashion scene. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Ole Christiansen, a Danish toy maker, begins to manufacture toy blocks with a new twist. Christiansen creates a plastic brick that can be locked together in different configurations. The Lego, which comes from the Danish leg godt, meaning "play well," was born. The continuing popularity of the Lego brick probably stems from its ability to stimulate a child''s imagination-just six bricks fit together in 102,981,500 different ways. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Eleanor Abbott designs Candy Land while recovering from polio in San Diego, California. | Sports U.S. wins unofficial championship of the 14th Olympic games in London with a team score of 547 points. Popular CultureThe first Emmy Awards are presented for excellence in television.Popular CultureThe movie "Hamlet," starring Laurence Olivier (1907-1989), becomes the first British film to win an Oscar. | |
1950 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThree years after gaining its independence from Great Britain, India formally becomes a republic.GovernmentSenator Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957) claims he has evidence that there are card-carrying members of the Communist Party in the State Department.WarCold War: The Soviet Union announces its possession of the atomic bomb.WarKorean War: President Truman (1884-1972) authorizes the use of U.S. forces in Korea, following the invasion of South Korea by North Korean troops. A naval blockade of Korea is ordered. | SciencePresident Truman (1884-1972) authorizes the Atomic Energy Commission to produce the hydrogen bomb (H-bomb). ScienceCongress establishes the National Science Foundation. MedicineAlthough Americans spend more than $100 million annually on antihistamines, research shows that the drugs neither prevent nor cure the common cold, but merely relieve some symptoms. MedicineNobel Prize for the Physiology of Medicine goes to Phillip Hench (1896-1965) (American), Edward Kendall (1886-1972) (American), and T. Reichstein (1897-1996) (Swiss) for the discovery of cortisone and its medical uses. InventionsThe History of Toys: Silly putty is invented.TechnologyThe longest vehicular tunnel, the Brooklyn-Battery tunnel in New York City, opens to traffic. | EducationLibraries: First drive-through windows are established for book returns at Cincinnati's Public Library.Arts and LettersAmerican Theatre: Children’s Theatres, College and University Theatres, Community Theatres, and Off-Broadway theatres experience some growth. | Truman, BessAssassination: Two Puerto Rican nationalists make unsuccessful attempts to kill President Truman (1884-1972). Ford, BettyMichael Gerald Ford (1950- ), son of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born March 14.Carter, RosalynnJames Earl “Chip” Carter III (1950-), son of James “Jimmy” and Rosalynn Carter, is born April 12. | EconomicsU.S. bars trade shipments to Communist China. EconomicsThe Ford Thunderbird is introduced.DiscoveryArchaeological discoveries in La Jolla, California, indicate that North America has been inhabited for at least 40,000 years. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: The FBI releases its “Ten Most Wanted Fugitives” list for the first time. | Sports Richard Button (1929-), age 19, world figure skating champion is selected as top U.S. amateur athlete. Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Althea Gibson becomes the first African-American— male or female—to play in a major United States Lawn Tennis Association (USLTA) event.Popular CultureLeroy Anderson (1908-1975) writes the holiday song “Sleigh Ride.”Popular CultureLeonard Bernstein (1918-1990) writes the score to "Peter Pan," which stars Mary Martin (1913-1990) in the title role. | ReligionThe National Council of the Churches of Christ is formed; it unites 25 Protestant and 4 Eastern Orthodox groups. Membership is 32 million.ReligionPope Pius XII (1876-1958) proclaims the first Roman Catholic dogma since 1870-that the Virgin Mary, after her death, was assumed into Heaven physically and spiritually. Social IssuesImmigration: Bureau of Indian Affairs terminates federal services for Native Americans in lieu of state supervision. |
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1951 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawThe 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, limiting presidents to two terms, is ratified by two-thirds of the states and added to the Constitution. LawThe Supreme Court upholds the Smith Act, under which eleven Communists in the U.S. are convicted. PoliticsWinston Churchill (1874-1965) again becomes the British Prime Minister. GovernmentThe United Nations headquarters opens in New York City.GovernmentThe Mutual Security Agency is set up to offer U.S. economic, military, and technical aid to other countries. GovernmentA Selective Service Bill lowers draft age to 18.5 and lengthens military service to two years. WarKorean War: North Korean and Communist Chinese forces captured the city of Seoul. WarKorean War: During the Korean War, North Korean and Communist Chinese forces captured the city of Seoul. WarKorean War: President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972) fires General Douglas McArthur.WarWorld War II: President Truman (1884-1972) declares that state of war with Germany is officially ended; the U.S.-Japanese treaty allows the U.S. to maintain military bases in Japan.
| ScienceThe National Geographic Society estimates that there are 300 million stars in the Milky Way. MedicineWoodard synthesizes two steroids: cortisone and cholesterol. MedicineFluoridated water is shown to reduce tooth decay by 2/3. MedicineReuben L. Kahn (1887-1874) develops a “universal reaction” blood test for the early detection of several diseases.MedicineAntabuse, a drug that prevents alcoholics from drinking, is introduced. InventionsA video camera is developed that records both pictures and sound on magnetic tape. TechnologyThe United States Air Force starts atomic testing in the Nevada desert.TechnologyComputer Technology: UNIVAC I (Universal automatic computer) is the first commercially successful computer. It is 14 1/2 feet long, 7 1/2 feet wide, and 8 feet high. Forty-six UNIVACS are sold to businesses at prices starting at $600,000.TechnologyAn additional 70 broadcast frequencies are made available for TV in the ultra-high frequency (UHF) range. | Arts and LettersLiterature: J.D. Salinger (1919- ) publishes "The Catcher in the Rye." IdeasRachel Carson (1907-1964) publishes "The Sea Around Us," which in effect launches the ecological movement. | | EconomicsThe employment of women reaches the highest point-even more than during WWII. Daily LifeCrime and Punishment: Julius (1918-1951) and Ethel (1915-1951) Rosenberg are found guilty of passing atomic secrets to the Russians and are sentenced to death as spies. | Sports Horse Racing: The first horse to win $1 million dollars is “Citation.” Winning total $1,085,760. Sports Boxing: The world heavyweight championship is won by Jersey Joe Walcott when he knocks out Ezzard Charles. At 37, Walcott is the oldest man to win the title. Sports Center fielder Willie Mays makes his major-league debut with the New York Giants. He goes on to win the 1951 National League Rookie of the Year award.Popular CultureThe first commercial color telecast is presented by the Columbia Broadcasting Company (CBS) in New York City. Popular CultureRodgers (1902-1979) and Hammerstein II (1895-1960) write the score for the King and I. | |
1952 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsDwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) is elected the 34th President of the U.S. and Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) is elected the 36th Vice President on the Republican ticket. Eisenhower is the first Republican President since Hoover’s election in 1928. Republicans gain control of Congress. GovernmentEngland’s Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain.GovernmentImmigration: Congress passes the McCarran-Walter Act (Immigration and Nationality Act) over President Truman’s (1884-1972) veto. It abolishes race as a barrier to immigration but retains the national origins quota system. GovernmentImmigration: The Immigration and Nationality Act allows individuals of all races to be eligible for naturalization. The act also reaffirms national origins quota system, limits immigration from the Eastern Hemisphere while leaving the Western Hemisphere unrestricted, establishes preferences for skilled workers and relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens; and tightens security and screening standards and procedures.GovernmentNative Americans: The Bureau of Indian Affairs begins selling 1.6 million acres of Native American land to developers. GovernmentPuerto Rico's constitution is proclaimed, establishing a commonwealth with autonomy in internal affairs. WarPrime Minister Churchill (1874-1965) announces that Great Britain has made an atomic bomb. | ScienceEdward Teller (1908-2003) successfully tests a hydrogen bomb, the world’s finest nuclear weapon. MedicineResearch shows that the genetic material of viruses is DNA. MedicineFloyd Lewis uses hypothermia (lowing a patients body temperature) in open heart surgery. MedicineVaccines: Jonas Salk (1914- 1995) develops the first polio vaccine.MedicineEpidemic: In the worst polio epidemic since 1916, polio takes 3,300 lives out of 57,628 cases reported.InventionsThe History of Toys: Jack Odell invents the original Matchbox car when he makes a small brass model of a Road Roller and puts it into a matchbox so that his daughter could bring it to school. Today, 100 million Matchbox cars are sold each year.TechnologyMore than 2000 new television broadcasting stations open; about 65 million people watch the presidential nomination conventions. | Arts and LettersLiterature: Flannery O’Connor (1925-1964) writes "Wise Blood," a novel about a religious fanatic. Arts and LettersHemingway (1899-1961) publishes "The Old Man and the Sea." | Ford, BettyJohn “Jack” Gardner Ford (1952- ), son of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born March 16. Carter, RosalynnDonnell Jeffrey “Jeff” Carter (1952- ), son of James “Jimmy” and Rosalynn Carter, is born August 18. Reagan, NancyPatricia “Patti Davis” Ann Reagan (1952- ), daughter of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, is born October 22. | EconomicsA complaint is filed against IBM, alleging monopolistic practices in its computer business, in violation of the Sherman Act.Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Banking on the idea that children like to play with their food, Hasbro introduces Mr. Potato Head. | Sports Racecar driver John Cobb is killed while attempting to set the water speed-record in Scotland. Sports The NFL buys the New York Yankees.Popular CulturePanty raids take place on college campuses throughout the country. Popular CultureHollywood develops three-dimensional movies. Natural Vision (3-D) films must be viewed through special glasses; after brief success, the novelty wears off. | ReligionThe Revised Standard Version of the Bible for Protestants is publishes; it is edited by 32 scholars who have been at work since 1937. ReformPeace Corps: Since the end of the Second World War, various members of the United States Congress have proposed bills to establish volunteer organizations in the Third World. In 1952 Senator Brien McMahon (1903-1952) (Dem. Connecticut) proposed an "army" of young Americans to act as "missionaries of democracy". Privately funded non-religious organizations have been sending volunteers overseas since the 1950s. |
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1953 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawChief Justices: President Dwight D. Eisenhower nominates Earl Warren as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court; the Senate confirms his nomination in 1954 and he serves for fifteen years until his retirement in 1969.PoliticsPresident Eisenhower (1890-1969) gets increasing pressure to take on McCarthy (1908-1957) from friends and advisors. Business leaders recognize that McCarthy is a danger to the party.GovernmentDwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) is inaugurated as the 34th President of the U.S. and Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) is inaugurated as the 36th Vice President.GovernmentA new Cabinet-level Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is created. GovernmentNative Americans: Congress proposes giving individual Indians the same civil status as U.S. citizens, thus ending all limitations on Indian tribes. GovernmentTito (1892-1980) is elected the first president of the Republic of Yugoslavia.GovernmentDag Hammarskjold (1905-1961) of Sweden becomes the Secretary General of the United Nations.GovernmentImmigration: Congress amends the 1948 refugee policy to allow for the admission of 200,000 more refugees.WarCold War: The U.S. Communist Party is ordered to register with the Department of Justice as an organization controlled and directed by the U.S.S.R.WarCold War: A federal jury in New York City convicts 13 Communists of conspiring to teach about how to overthrow the U.S. government. WarU.S blockade of Formosa is lifted, permitting attacks by Nationalists on China’s mainland. WarCold War: President Eisenhower (1890-1969) announces that the U.S. will not physically interfere in the affairs of countries behind the Iron Curtain. | ScienceFrancis H. Crick (1916-2004) and James Dewey Watson (1928- ) discover the structure of a DNA molecule; they call it the double helix.InventionsTransistorized hearing aids are introduced. TechnologyHarry Truman (1884-1972) announces that the U.S. has developed the hydrogen bomb.TechnologyA way of transmitting color TV signals that can be received by both color and black and white set is introduced. | Arts and LettersDrama: Arthur Miller (1915-1005) publishes "The Crucible." Arts and LettersLiterature: Richard Wright (1908-1961) publishes "The Outsider." | Bush, BarbaraJohn Ellis “Jeb” Bush (1953- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born February 11.Bush, BarbaraPauline Robinson “Robin” Bush (1949-1953), daughter of George and Barbara Bush, dies October 11 of leukemia. | EconomicsMotor Company: Ford Motor Company celebrates its 50th anniversary. DiscoveryWomen’s Firsts: Jerrie Cobb (1931- …) is the first woman in the U.S. to undergo astronaut testing. NASA, however, cancels the women''s program in 1963. It is not until 1983 that an American woman gets sent into space. Daily LifeFashion: Fashion designers become interested in men’s clothes. Bermuda shorts for the businessman are promoted and worn during the summer months. | Sports Baseball: The New York Yankees defeat the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 50th annual World Series. The Yankees are the first team to win 5 consecutive series titles. Sports Golf: Golfer Ben Hogan (1912-1997) wins the Masters Tournament and the U.S. and British Open championships.Sports Maureen Connolly (1934-1969), age 19, is the first woman to win a “grand slam” in tennis. Sports Black Athletes: Football: Willie Thrower (1930-2002) becomes NFL''s first African-American quarterback. Popular CultureLucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) (1911-1989) gives birth to baby Ricky on the TV show, "I Love Lucy." More people turned in to watch the show than did to see the inauguration of President Dwight Eisenhower (1890-1969).Popular CultureThe first three-D movie, "Bwana Devil," opens in New York.Popular CultureThe Academy Awards are televised for the first time. | |
1954 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
LawEducation: The Supreme Court rules in Brown v. Topeka Board of Education that “separate but equal” educational facilities are unconstitutional. GovernmentU.S. signs pact with Nationalist China (now Taiwan).GovernmentThe Communist Control Act deprives U.S. Communists of rights enjoyed by other U.S. citizens. GovernmentThe Senate censures Senator Joseph McCarthy (1908-1957) with a vote of 67-22, with 7 abstentions.WarSenate approves U.S. South Korea Mutual Defense Treaty.WarAmerica’s first nuclear-powered submarine, the U.S.S. Nautilus, is launched. | MedicineThe American Cancer Society reports higher death rates among cigarette smokers. InventionsKurchatov (1903-1960) develops an icebreaker powered by nuclear energy. TechnologyU.S. and Canada announce the construction of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) line of radar stations across northern North America.TechnologyBattery Technology: RCA develops a flashlight-sized atomic battery. TechnologyThe U.S. authorizes construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway in cooperation with Canada. | EducationPublic Education: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. The Supreme Court unanimously agrees that segregated schools are "inherently unequal" and must be abolished. Almost 45 years later in 1998, schools, especially in the north, are as segregated as ever.Arts and LettersLiterature: J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) publishes the epic fantasy trilogy "Lord of the Rings." Arts and LettersLiterature: William Golding (1911-1993) publishes "Lord of the Flies."Arts and LettersLiterature: Kingsley Amis (1922-1995) publishes "Lucky Jim." | | EconomicsThe Atomic Energy Act allows for the development of peaceful atomic energy project by private companies, which are also allowed to own nuclear materials. DiscoveryPlant fossils are discovered in the Great Lakes. DiscoveryTemple of Mithras (Roman god, 3rd century B.C) is discovered during rebuilding in London.Daily Life26 comic book publishers adopt a voluntary code to eliminate obscene, vulgar, and horror comics.Daily LifeThe average American’s favorite meal is a fruit cup, vegetable soup, steak and potatoes, peas, rolls and butter, and pie a la mode. | Sports Baseball: Hank Aaron (1934- ) hits the first of his 755 home runs.Sports Horse Racing: Gordon Richards (1904-1986) is the first professional jockey to be knighted. Sports British runner Diane Leather (1933-) is the first woman to run the mile in under 5 minutes. Popular CultureThe first Newport Jazz festival takes place. | |
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1955 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentWinston Churchill (1874-1965) resigns as Prime Minister of England.WarCongress authorizes the President to use force, if necessary, to protect Nationalist China against Communist attack. WarCold War: Federal employees who are “security risks” continue to be dismissed an ongoing policy since 1953. | ScienceThe National Geographic Society suggests that the blue-green areas on Mars are living plants. MedicineVaccines: The polio vaccine created by Dr. Jonas Salk (1914-1995) is called “safe, effective and potent.”TechnologyElectricity for public use is produced on a limited and experimental basis at a nuclear reactor. | EducationLibraries: The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County opens a new main library.EducationPublic Education: Brown v. Board: In Brown II, the Court orders that desegregation should occur “with all deliberate speed.” Unfortunately, the vagueness of this phrase, combined with the unwillingness of many states to desegregate, meant that many states were able to postpone any desegregation. Anger over these delays and a growing frustration over the continued disenfranchisement of African-Americans helped launch the Civil Rights Movement.Arts and LettersMarian Anderson (1897-1993) makes her Metropolitan Opera debut.Arts and LettersLiterature: Thomas Merton (1915-1968) publishes "No Man is an Island." Arts and LettersDrama: Tennesse Williams (1911-1983) writes "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." | Bush, BarbaraNeil Mallon Bush (1955- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born January 22. | EconomicsThe Labor Movement: American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) merge. EconomicsCommercial television broadcasting begins in Britain. Daily LifeOn July 17, Arco, Idaho, becomes the first town to have all its electrical needs generated by a nuclear power plant. Daily LifeNew York also draws power from a nuclear power plant. | Popular CulturePresident Eisenhower (1890-1969) approves the first filming of a news conference for television. Popular CultureThe first McDonald’s restaurant is opened by Ray Kroc (1902-1984) in Des Plaines, Illinois.Popular CultureJim Henson (1936-1990) creates Kermit the frog.Popular CultureRock ‘n’ roll music is attacked as “immoral” and is thought to contribute to juvenile delinquency. | ReligionOrdination of women ministers is approved by the Presbyterian Church. ReformCivil Rights Movement: Blacks boycott city bus lines in Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968), boycott leader, gains national prominence for advocating passive resistance to segregation in public places. ReformThe National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) encourages and supports segregation movement throughout the country. |
1956 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
PoliticsDwight D. Eisenhower (1890-1969) and Richard M. Nixon (1913-1994) are reelected as President and Vice President of the United StatesGovernmentMorocco gains its independence from France.GovernmentThe Agriculture (Soil Bank) Act pays farmers to take cropland out of production in order to reduce crop surpluses. GovernmentThe Federal Aid Highway Act authorizes a 13-year intra and interstate highway building program to be funded by tolls paid by motorists. | ScienceThe neutrino, a subatomic particle with no charge, is observed. MedicineThe National Cancer Institute proposes that increased rates of lung cancer may be due to air pollution. MedicineThe National Academy of Science reports that any radiation, even small amounts, can cause genetic damage. InventionsThe Hovercraft is invented.TechnologyEngland opens the world’s first major atomic power plant for the production of electricity. TechnologyPersonal Computers: The first transistorized computer is completed, the TX-O (Transistorized Experimental computer), at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. | IdeasCharles T.R. Wilson (1869-1959) proposes a theory of thunderstorm electricity. | Ford, BettySteven Meigs Ford (1956- ), son of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born May 19. Bush, BarbaraMarvin Pierce Bush (1956- ), son of George and Barbara Bush, is born December 22. | EconomicsThe Ford Motor Company goes public and, on Feb. 24, 1956, they have about 350,000 new stockholders.EconomicsA U.S. District Court makes a final judgment on the complaint against IBM filed in January 1952 regarding monopolistic practices. A "consent decree" is signed by IBM, placing limitations on how IBM conducts business with respect to "electronic data processing machines.”DiscoveryThe Palace of Emperor Diocletian (Roman Emperor A.D. 285-305) is excavated in Split, YugoslaviaDaily LifeBarnum & Bailey Circus performs its last show under canvas. Daily LifeThe History of Toys: Play-doh enters the market as a wallpaper cleaner. Non-toxic and less messy than regular modeling clay, it is soon recognized that the cleaner makes an excellent toy. | Sports Boxing: Rocky Marciano (1923-1969) retires as undefeated world heavyweight boxing champion.Sports Black Athletes: Mildred McDaniel's (1933-…) winning high jump in Melbourne, Australia, makes her the first African-American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.Popular CultureElvis Presley’s (1935-1977) record, "Heartbreak Hotel," hits No. 1 on the pop charts.Popular CultureMovies and movie stars are allowed to appear on TV for the first time.Popular CultureThe Broadway musical, "My Fair Lady" gains recognition. Popular CultureDizzie Gillespie (1917-1993) and his band are sent by the U.S. State Department on a goodwill tour-the first jazz musicians to be subsidized by the U.S. government. | Social IssuesSegregation: Southern Congressman call on states to resist “by all lawful means” the Supreme Court ruling against segregation in the public schools. |
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1957 |
Law, Politics, Government, and War | Science, Medicine, Inventions, and Technology | Education, Arts and Letters, and Ideas | Lives of the First Ladies | Economics, Discovery, and Daily Life | Sports and Popular Culture | Religion, Social Issues, and Reform |
GovernmentThe U.S. proposes a 10-month halt to nuclear testing as a first step toward disarmament. GovernmentStamps: The Citizen's Stamp Advisory Committee is created to provide advice to the Postmaster General on the subject matter and design of US stamps.WarWorld War II: U.S. occupation forces leave Japan. WarA Senate subcommittee holds hearings on U.S. preparedness to withstand Soviet military attack. | ScienceThe Federation of American Scientists urges a worldwide ban on nuclear weapon testing. ScienceSpace Race: In October, the Soviet Union successfully launches the first artificial satellite, called Sputnik I (the Russian word for "traveler"; in November, they launch Sputnik 2, which carries a small dog named Laika into orbit.MedicineVaccines: Albert Sabin (1906-1993) begins human trials on his oral polio vaccine.MedicineDaniele Bovet (1896-1980) wins the Nobel Prize for his discovery of antihistamines and muscle relaxing drugs. MedicineWalter Grey Walter (1910-1977) invents the brain EEG topography (toposcope).TechnologyPerceptron, a bionic computer that prints, writes, and responds to spoken commands is developed. | EducationPublic Education: A federal court orders integration of Little Rock, Arkansas public schools. Governor Orval Faubus sends his National Guard to physically prevent nine African American students from enrolling at all-white Central High School. Reluctantly, President Eisenhower sends federal troops to enforce the court order not because he supports desegregation, but because he can't let a state governor use military power to defy the U.S. federal government. | Kennedy, JackieCaroline Kennedy Schlossberg (1957-), daughter of John and Jacqueline Kennedy, is born November 27.Ford, BettySusan Ford Vance Bales (1957- ), daughter of Gerald and Betty Ford, is born July 6. | EconomicsAmerica’s first large nuclear power plant opens in Shippingport, Pa. EconomicsAmerican Money: Paper currency is first issued with "In God We Trust" as required by Congress in 1955. Daily LifeFashion: The sack dress, unfitted material that drapes the body, is the fashion of the year. | Sports Baseball: The Dodgers leave Brooklyn for Los Angeles. The Giants leave New York for San Francisco. Major league baseball finally reaches the west coast.Sports Women in Sports: Black Athletes: Althea Gibson (1927-2003) becomes the first black person to play in and win Wimbledon and the United States national tennis championship. She won both tournaments twice, in 1957 and 1958. Popular CultureThe Beatles: John Lennon (1940-1980) meets Paul McCartney (1942- ) on July 6, 1957. | |