1908

By Shaylee Ekstrum
  • The Germany German liner SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse becomes the first ship to send Wireless telegraphy wireless signals to shore.

    The Germany German liner SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse becomes the first ship to send Wireless telegraphy wireless signals to shore.

    The Germany German liner SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse becomes the first ship to send Wireless telegraphy
    wireless signals to shore.
  • Philippine–American War: Filipinos Filipino guerrillas launch a surprise attack on U.S. infantry and begin a Siege of Catubig four-day siege of Catubig, Northern Samar Catubig, Philippines.

    Philippine–American War: Filipinos Filipino guerrillas launch a surprise attack on U.S. infantry and begin a Siege of Catubig four-day siege of Catubig, Northern Samar Catubig, Philippines.

    Philippine–American War: Filipinos Filipino guerrillas launch a surprise attack on U.S. infantry and begin a
    Siege of Catubig four-day siege of Catubig, Northern Samar Catubig, Philippines.
  • In Italy, King Umberto I of Italy is assassinated by the Anarchism or anarchist Gaetano Bresci.

    In Italy, King Umberto I of Italy is assassinated by the Anarchism or anarchist Gaetano Bresci.

    In Italy, King Umberto I of Italy is assassinated by the Anarchism or anarchist Gaetano Bresci.
  • Philippine–American War: Filipino people Filipinos under Juan Cailles defeat United States Americans under Colonel (United States) Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham at Mabitac.

    Philippine–American War: Filipino people Filipinos under Juan Cailles defeat United States Americans under Colonel (United States) Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham at Mabitac.

    Philippine–American War: Filipino people Filipinos under Juan Cailles defeat United States Americans
    under Colonel (United States) Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham at Mabitac.
  • American Statesman and diplomat John Hay announces the Open-Door Policy to promote trade with China.

    American Statesman and diplomat John Hay announces the Open-Door Policy to promote trade with China.

    American Statesman and diplomat John Hay announces the Open-Door Policy to promote trade with
    China.
  • Second Boer War: The United Kingdom annexes the Orange Free State.

    Second Boer War: The United Kingdom annexes the Orange Free State.

    Second Boer War: The United Kingdom annexes the Orange Free State.
  • The Reichstag (German Empire) called Reichstag approves a second law that allows the expansion of the German navy.

    The Reichstag (German Empire) called Reichstag approves a second law that allows the expansion of the German navy.

    The Reichstag (German Empire) called Reichstag approves a second law that allows the expansion of the
    German navy.
  • Boxer Rebellion: The Imperial Chinese Army begins a Siege of the International Legations called 55-day siege of the Beijing Legation Quarter or Legation Quarter in Beijing, China.

    Boxer Rebellion: The Imperial Chinese Army begins a Siege of the International Legations called 55-day siege of the Beijing Legation Quarter or Legation Quarter in Beijing, China.

    Boxer Rebellion: The Imperial Chinese Army begins a Siege of the International Legations called 55-day siege
    of the Beijing Legation Quarter or Legation Quarter in Beijing, China.
  • The United States and the United Kingdom sign a treaty for the Panama Canal.

    The United States and the United Kingdom sign a treaty for the Panama Canal.

    The United States and the United Kingdom sign a treaty for the Panama Canal.
  • Battle of Leliefontein, a battle during which the Royal Canadian Dragoons win three Victoria Crosses.

    Battle of Leliefontein, a battle during which the Royal Canadian Dragoons win three Victoria Crosses.

    Battle of Leliefontein, a battle during which the Royal Canadian Dragoons win three Victoria Crosses.
  • The Australian colonies federate

    The Australian colonies federate

    The Australian colonies federate
  • Edward VII becomes King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India upon the death of Queen Victoria.

    Edward VII becomes King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India upon the death of Queen Victoria.

    Edward VII becomes King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India upon the
    death of Queen Victoria.
  • Platt Amendment limits the autonomy of Cuba in exchange for withdrawal of American troops.

    Platt Amendment limits the autonomy of Cuba in exchange for withdrawal of American troops.

    Platt Amendment limits the autonomy of Cuba in exchange for withdrawal of American troops.
  • Assassination of William McKinley. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumes office as President of the United States following McKinley's death on September 14.

    Assassination of William McKinley. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumes office as President of the United States following McKinley's death on September 14.

    Assassination of William McKinley. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumes office as President of the
    United States following McKinley's death on September 14.
  • Boxer Rebellion defeated by international coalition. They impose heavy financial sanctions on China.

    Boxer Rebellion defeated by international coalition. They impose heavy financial sanctions on China.

    Boxer Rebellion defeated by international coalition. They impose heavy financial sanctions on China.
  • Guglielmo Marconi receives the first trans-Atlantic radio signal.

    Guglielmo Marconi receives the first trans-Atlantic radio signal.

    Guglielmo Marconi receives the first trans-Atlantic radio signal.
  • Unification of Saudi Arabia begins.

    Unification of Saudi Arabia begins.

    Unification of Saudi Arabia begins.
  • Cuba given independence by the United States.

    Cuba given independence by the United States.

    Cuba given independence by the United States.
  • Second Boer War ends in British victory.

    Second Boer War ends in British victory.

    Second Boer War ends in British victory.
  • King Alexander I of Serbia and his wife Queen Draga are assassinated in a military coup.

    King Alexander I of Serbia and his wife Queen Draga are assassinated in a military coup.

    King Alexander I of Serbia and his wife Queen Draga are assassinated in a military coup.
  • Arthur Balfour becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Arthur Balfour becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Arthur Balfour becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
  • Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.

    Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.

    Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.
  • The first teddy bear is invented.

    The first teddy bear is invented.

    The first teddy bear is invented.
  • The first Tour de France is held.

    The first Tour de France is held.

    The first Tour de France is held.
  • Pius X becomes Pope.

    Pius X becomes Pope.

    Pius X becomes Pope.
  • Independence of Panama, the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed by the United States and Panama.

    Independence of Panama, the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed by the United States and Panama.

    Independence of Panama, the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed by the United States and Panama.
  • First controlled heavier-than-air flight of the Wright Brothers.

    First controlled heavier-than-air flight of the Wright Brothers.

    First controlled heavier-than-air flight of the Wright Brothers.
  • A Japanese surprise attack on Port Arthur (Lushun) starts the Russo-Japanese War.

    A Japanese surprise attack on Port Arthur (Lushun) starts the Russo-Japanese War.

    A Japanese surprise attack on Port Arthur (Lushun) starts the Russo-Japanese War.
  • Entente cordiale signed between Britain and France.

    Entente cordiale signed between Britain and France.

    Entente cordiale signed between Britain and France.
  • Trans-Siberian railway is completed.

    Trans-Siberian railway is completed.

    Trans-Siberian railway is completed.
  • The Revolution of 1905 in Russia erupts.

    The Revolution of 1905 in Russia erupts.

    The Revolution of 1905 in Russia erupts.
  • The Norwegian Parliament declares the union with Sweden dissolved, and Norway achieves full independence.

    The Norwegian Parliament declares the union with Sweden dissolved, and Norway achieves full independence.

    The Norwegian Parliament declares the union with Sweden dissolved, and Norway achieves full independence.
  • The Russo-Japanese War ends in Japanese victory.

    The Russo-Japanese War ends in Japanese victory.

    The Russo-Japanese War ends in Japanese victory.
  • Albert Einstein's formulation of special relativity.

    Albert Einstein's formulation of special relativity.

    Albert Einstein's formulation of special relativity.
  • The British Indian Province of Bengal, partitioned by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, despite strong opposition.

    The British Indian Province of Bengal, partitioned by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, despite strong opposition.

    The British Indian Province of Bengal, partitioned by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, despite strong
    opposition.
  • Liberal Henry Campbell-Bannerman becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Liberal Henry Campbell-Bannerman becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Liberal Henry Campbell-Bannerman becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
  • An earthquake in San Francisco, California, magnitude 7.9, kills 3,000.

    An earthquake in San Francisco, California, magnitude 7.9, kills 3,000.

    An earthquake in San Francisco, California, magnitude 7.9, kills 3,000.
  • Alfred Dreyfus is exonerated and reinstated as a major in the French Army; the Dreyfus Affair ends.

    Alfred Dreyfus is exonerated and reinstated as a major in the French Army; the Dreyfus Affair ends.

    Alfred Dreyfus is exonerated and reinstated as a major in the French Army; the Dreyfus Affair ends.
  • An earthquake in Valparaíso, Chile, magnitude 8.2, kills 20,000.

    An earthquake in Valparaíso, Chile, magnitude 8.2, kills 20,000.

    An earthquake in Valparaíso, Chile, magnitude 8.2, kills 20,000.
  • The US begins the Second Occupation of Cuba.

    The US begins the Second Occupation of Cuba.

    The US begins the Second Occupation of Cuba.
  • The Muslim League is formed by Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dacca.

    The Muslim League is formed by Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dacca.

    The Muslim League is formed by Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dacca.
  • William Howard Taft is inaugurated as President of the United States; deep divisions in his Republican Party over tariffs.

    William Howard Taft is inaugurated as President of the United States; deep divisions in his Republican Party over tariffs.

    William Howard Taft is inaugurated as President of the United States; deep divisions in his Republican Party
    over tariffs.
  • Elections to the new Parliament of Finland are the first in the world with woman candidates, as well as the first elections in Europe where universal suffrage is applied.

    Elections to the new Parliament of Finland are the first in the world with woman candidates, as well as the first elections in Europe where universal suffrage is applied.

    Elections to the new Parliament of Finland are the first in the world with woman candidates, as well as
    the first elections in Europe where universal suffrage is applied.
  • Brazilian inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont takes off and flies his 14-bis to a crowd in Paris.

    Brazilian inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont takes off and flies his 14-bis to a crowd in Paris.

    Brazilian inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont takes off and flies his 14-bis to a crowd in Paris.
  • Indian Councils Act passed.

    Indian Councils Act passed.

    Indian Councils Act passed.
  • Liberal H. H. Asquith becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Liberal H. H. Asquith becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Liberal H. H. Asquith becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
  • First commercial Middle-Eastern oilfield established, at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia.

    First commercial Middle-Eastern oilfield established, at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia.

    First commercial Middle-Eastern oilfield established, at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia.
  • The Tunguska impact devastates thousands of square kilometres of Siberia.

    The Tunguska impact devastates thousands of square kilometres of Siberia.

    The Tunguska impact devastates thousands of square kilometres of Siberia.
  • Young Turk Revolution in the Ottoman Empire.

    Young Turk Revolution in the Ottoman Empire.

    Young Turk Revolution in the Ottoman Empire.
  • Founding of the Bureau of Investigation.

    Founding of the Bureau of Investigation.

    .Founding of the Bureau of Investigation.
  • The Ford Motor Company invents the Model T.

    The Ford Motor Company invents the Model T.

    The Ford Motor Company invents the Model T.
  • Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering the Bosnian Crisis.

    Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering the Bosnian Crisis.

    Austria-Hungary annexes Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering the Bosnian Crisis.
  • Independence of Bulgaria.

    Independence of Bulgaria.

    Independence of Bulgaria.
  • Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, assumes the throne.

    Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, assumes the throne.

    Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, assumes the throne.
  • The 1908 Messina earthquake in southern Italy, magnitude 7.1, kills 70,000 people.

    The 1908 Messina earthquake in southern Italy, magnitude 7.1, kills 70,000 people.

    The 1908 Messina earthquake in southern Italy, magnitude 7.1, kills 70,000 people.
  • In the 1913 Ottoman coup d'état, Ismail Enver comes to power.

    In the 1913 Ottoman coup d'état, Ismail Enver comes to power.

    In the 1913 Ottoman coup d'état, Ismail Enver comes to power.
  • Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 signed (effective on July 9).

    Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 signed (effective on July 9).

    Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 signed (effective on July 9).
  • Robert E. Peary claims to have reached the North Pole though the claim is subsequently heavily contested.

    Robert E. Peary claims to have reached the North Pole though the claim is subsequently heavily contested.

    Robert E. Peary claims to have reached the North Pole though the claim is subsequently heavily contested.
  • A countercoup fails in the Ottoman Empire.

    A countercoup fails in the Ottoman Empire.

    A countercoup fails in the Ottoman Empire.
  • A revolution forces Mohammad Ali Shah, Persian Shah of the Qajar dynasty to abdicate in favor of his son Ahmad Shah Qajar.

    A revolution forces Mohammad Ali Shah, Persian Shah of the Qajar dynasty to abdicate in favor of his son Ahmad Shah Qajar.

    A revolution forces Mohammad Ali Shah, Persian Shah of the Qajar dynasty to abdicate in favor of his son
    Ahmad Shah Qajar.
  • Boy Scouts of America is founded.

    Boy Scouts of America is founded.

    Boy Scouts of America is founded.
  • Sinking of the RMS Titanic.

    Sinking of the RMS Titanic.

    Sinking of the RMS Titanic.
  • George V becomes King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India upon the death of Edward VII.

    George V becomes King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India upon the death of Edward VII.

    George V becomes King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India upon the death
    of Edward VII.
  • Union of South Africa created.

    Union of South Africa created.

    Union of South Africa created.
  • Kingdom of Montenegro is proclaimed independent.

    Kingdom of Montenegro is proclaimed independent.

    Kingdom of Montenegro is proclaimed independent.
  • Imperial Japan annexes Korea.

    Imperial Japan annexes Korea.

    Imperial Japan annexes Korea.
  • The 5 October 1910 revolution in Portugal and proclamation of the First Portuguese Republic.

    The 5 October 1910 revolution in Portugal and proclamation of the First Portuguese Republic.

    The 5 October 1910 revolution in Portugal and proclamation of the First Portuguese Republic.
  • Beginning of the Mexican Revolution (Plan of San Luis Potosí).

    Beginning of the Mexican Revolution (Plan of San Luis Potosí).

    Beginning of the Mexican Revolution (Plan of San Luis Potosí).
  • New Delhi becomes the capital of British India.

    New Delhi becomes the capital of British India.

    New Delhi becomes the capital of British India.
  • Eugene B. Ely lands on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania stationed in San Francisco harbor, marking the first time an aircraft lands on a ship.

    Eugene B. Ely lands on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania stationed in San Francisco harbor, marking the first time an aircraft lands on a ship.

    Eugene B. Ely lands on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania stationed in San Francisco harbor, marking the first
    time an aircraft lands on a ship.
  • Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City results in the deaths of 146 workers and leads to sweeping workplace safety reforms.

    Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City results in the deaths of 146 workers and leads to sweeping workplace safety reforms.

    Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City results in the deaths of 146 workers and leads to sweeping
    workplace safety reforms.
  • The Kuomintang, the Chinese nationalist party, is founded.

    The Kuomintang, the Chinese nationalist party, is founded.

    The Kuomintang, the Chinese nationalist party, is founded.
  • The Italo-Turkish war which led to the capture of Libya by Italy, begins.

    The Italo-Turkish war which led to the capture of Libya by Italy, begins.

    The Italo-Turkish war which led to the capture of Libya by Italy, begins.
  • Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty of China, begins.

    Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty of China, begins.

    Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty of China, begins.
  • Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer Louis Chevrolet co-founds the Chevrolet Motor Company in Detroit with his brother Arthur Chevrolet, William C. Durant and others.

    Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer Louis Chevrolet co-founds the Chevrolet Motor Company in Detroit with his brother Arthur Chevrolet, William C. Durant and others.

    Swiss race car driver and automotive engineer Louis Chevrolet co-founds the Chevrolet Motor Company in
    Detroit with his brother Arthur Chevrolet, William C. Durant and others.
  • Roald Amundsen first reaches the South Pole.

    Roald Amundsen first reaches the South Pole.

    Roald Amundsen first reaches the South Pole.
  • End of the Chinese Empire. Republic of China established.

    End of the Chinese Empire. Republic of China established.

    End of the Chinese Empire. Republic of China established.
  • Arizona becomes the last state to be admitted to the continental Union.

    Arizona becomes the last state to be admitted to the continental Union.

    Arizona becomes the last state to be admitted to the continental Union.
  • Morocco becomes a protectorate of France.

    Morocco becomes a protectorate of France.

    Morocco becomes a protectorate of France.
  • Emperor Meiji dies, ending the Meiji Era; his son, the Emperor Taishō, becomes Emperor of Japan.

    Emperor Meiji dies, ending the Meiji Era; his son, the Emperor Taishō, becomes Emperor of Japan.

    Emperor Meiji dies, ending the Meiji Era; his son, the Emperor Taishō, becomes Emperor of Japan.
  • The African National Congress is founded.

    The African National Congress is founded.

    The African National Congress is founded.
  • The First Balkan War begins.

    The First Balkan War begins.

    The First Balkan War begins.
  • In the 1913 Ottoman coup d'état, Ismail Enver comes to power.

    In the 1913 Ottoman coup d'état, Ismail Enver comes to power.

    In the 1913 Ottoman coup d'état, Ismail Enver comes to power.
  • La Decena Trágica in Mexico City.

    La Decena Trágica in Mexico City.

    La Decena Trágica in Mexico City.
  • Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated as President of the United States.

    Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated as President of the United States.

    Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated as President of the United States.
  • Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring infamously premiers in Paris.

    Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring infamously premiers in Paris.

    Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring infamously premiers in Paris.
  • Treaty of London.

    Treaty of London.

    Treaty of London.
  • Treaty of Bucharest.

    Treaty of Bucharest.

    Treaty of Bucharest.
  • Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving assembly line.

    Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving assembly line.

    Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving assembly line.
  • The Federal Reserve System is created.

    The Federal Reserve System is created.

    The Federal Reserve System is created.