IRS Timeline

  • 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.

    The Open Door Policy meant that protection of equal privileges for all countries trading with China and for the support of Chinese territorial and administrative integrity.
  • The United States and the United Kingdom sign a treaty for the Panama Can

    The United States and the United Kingdom sign a treaty for the Panama Can

    The Hay–Pauncefote Treaty is a treaty signed by the United States and Great Britain on 18 November 1901, as a legal preliminary to the U.S. building of the Panama Canal.
  • 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 Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse has the distinction of having the world's very first commercial wireless telegraph system installed aboard in 1900, and it was demonstrated by Marconi using wireless systems aboard the Borkum Island lighthouse and Borkum Riff lightship as well as several British stations.
  • 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

    The siege of Catubig (Filipino: Pagkubkob sa Catubig) was a long and bloody engagement fought during the Philippine–American War, in which Filipino guerrillas launched a surprise attack against a detachment of U.S. infantry, and then forced them to abandon the town after a four-day siege.
  • Second Boer War: The United Kingdom annexes the Orange Free State.

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

    The war had three phases. In the first phase, the Boers mounted preemptive strikes into British-held territory in Natal and the Cape Colony, besieging the British garrisons of Ladysmith, Mafeking, and Kimberley. The Boers then won a series of tactical victories at Stormberg, Magersfontein, Colenso and Spion Kop.
  • 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

    Second German Naval Law to challenge Royal Navy. Fleet to be doubled to 38 battleships, 20 armoured cruisers and 38 light cruisers . Anglo-French Entente Cordiale highlighted German concerns about British future intentions and the threat of the Royal Navy.
  • 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 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.

    Meanwhile, legation guards from Austria-Hungary, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Japan, Russia and the United States were hard pressed defending the diplomatic quarter in Beijing. The siege, which lasted for 55 days, witnessed repeated attacks by the 'Boxers' and their Imperial Chinese allies
  • 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.

    Assassination. On the evening of 29 July 1900, Italian-American anarchist Gaetano Bresci assassinated Umberto in Monza by shooting him four times. Bresci claimed he wanted to avenge the people killed in Milan during the suppression of the riots of May 1898.
  • 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.

    The ensuing Philippine-American War lasted three years and resulted in the death of over 4,200 American and over 20,000 Filipino combatants. As many as 200,000 Filipino civilians died from violence, famine, and disease. The decision by U.S. policymakers to annex the Philippines was not without domestic controversy.
  • 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.

    Leliefontein was the most desperate situation faced by Canadians during the war. The number of decorations, including Victoria Crosses to Lieutenants H.Z. C. Cockburn, R.E.W. Turner and Sergeant E.J. Holland, all of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, attests to the intensity of the fighting
  • The Australian colonies federate.

    The Australian colonies federate.

    Australia became a nation on 1 January 1901, when the British Parliament passed legislation enabling the six Australian colonies to collectively govern in their own right as the Commonwealth of Australia. It was a remarkable political accomplishment that had taken many years and several referenda to achieve.
  • 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.

    King Edward VII was the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In 1863 he married Princess Alexandra of Denmark; their second son succeeded as King George V after the death of their eldest son, the Duke of Clarence, in 1892.
  • 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.

    The Platt Amendment, an amendment to a U.S. army appropriations bill, established the terms under which the United States would end its military occupation of Cuba (which had begun in 1898 during the Spanish-American War) and "leave the government and control of the island of Cuba to its people."
  • 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

    Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumes the presidency. A funeral train carrying McKinley's casket travels from Buffalo to the Capitol in Washington, DC, and finally to Ohio, where McKinley is buried. Czolgosz's trial begins. Three days later, the jury finds him guilty and sentences him to death
  • 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

    The Qing dynasty was greatly weakened as a result of the Boxer Rebellion. Despite subsequently implementing liberal economic and political reforms, the dynasty was overthrown in 1911. The Republic of China was established the following year, bringing an end to more than 2,000 years of imperial dynastic rule
  • Guglielmo Marconi receives the first trans-Atlantic radio signal.

    Guglielmo Marconi receives the first trans-Atlantic radio signal.

    On 12 December 1901, Guglielmo Marconi and his assistant, George Kemp, heard the faint clicks of Morse code for the letter "s" transmitted without wires across the Atlantic Ocean. This achievement, the first reception of transatlantic radio signals, led to considerable advances in both science and technology.
  • Unification of Saudi Arabia begins.

    Unification of Saudi Arabia begins.

    In 1902, Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, leader of the Al Saud, returned from exile in Kuwait to resume the conflict with the Al Rashid, and seized Riyadh—the first of a series of conquests creating the Third Saudi State, and ultimately leading to the creation of the modern state of Saudi Arabia in 1930.
  • Cuba given independence by the United States.

    Cuba given independence by the United States.

    After Spain's defeat by U.S. and Cuban forces during the War of 1898, Spain relinquished sovereignty over Cuba. Following the war, U.S. forces occupied Cuba until 1902, when the United States allowed a new Cuban government to take full control of the state's affairs.
  • Second Boer War ends in British victory.

    Second Boer War ends in British victory.

    By 1902, the British had crushed the Boer resistance, and on May 31 of that year, the Peace of Vereeniging was signed, ending hostilities. The treaty recognized the British military administration over Transvaal and the Orange Free State, and authorized a general amnesty for Boer forces.
  • Arthur Balfour becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    Arthur Balfour becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

    It completely transformed the position of the fledgling Zionist movement vis-à-vis the Arabs of Palestine, and it provided a protective umbrella that enabled the Zionists to proceed steadily towards their ultimate goal of establishing an independent Jewish state in Palestine .
  • Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.

    Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.

    Willis Carrier, a 25-year-old experimental engineer, created a primitive cooling system to reduce humidity around the printer. He used an industrial fan to blow air over steam coils filled with cold water; the excess humidity would then condense on the coils and produce cooled air.
  • The first teddy bear is invented.

    The first teddy bear is invented.

    Morris Michtom, a Brooklyn candy shop owner, saw the cartoon and had an idea. He and his wife Rose also made stuffed animals, and Michtom decided to create a stuffed toy bear and dedicate it to the president who refused to shoot a bear. He called it 'Teddy's Bear'.
  • 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.

    They were shot and their bodies mutilated and disembowelled, after which, according to eyewitness accounts, they were thrown from a second-floor window of the palace onto piles of garden manure. The king was only 26 years old. King Alexander and Queen Draga were buried in the crypt of St. Mark's Church, Belgrade
  • The first Tour de France is held.

    The first Tour de France is held.

    The first Tour de France was held in 1903 – with the aim of selling more newspapers… It was set up and sponsored by French sports paper L'Auto, which hoped a tough new endurance race around the country would capture the public's attention and boost its declining sales figures. It was right.
  • Pius X becomes Pope.

    Pius X becomes Pope.

    Pope Leo XIII died and Cardinal Sarto reluctantly accepted the position of Pope after a four-day conclave during which he won 55 out of 60 votes. He chose the name Pius because he said, “As I shall suffer, I shall take the name of those Popes who also suffered.” His coronation took place on August 9, 1903.
  • 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.

    In his new role, Bunau-Varilla negotiated the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty of 1903, which provided the United States with a 10-mile wide strip of land for the canal, a one-time $10 million payment to Panama, and an annual annuity of $250,000. The United States also agreed to guarantee the independence of Panama.
  • First controlled heavier-than-air flight of the Wright Brothers.

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

    The Wright Flyer (also known as the Kitty Hawk, Flyer I or the 1903 Flyer) made the first sustained flight by a manned heavier-than-air powered and controlled aircraft—an airplane—on December 17, 1903. Invented and flown by brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright, it marked the beginning of the pioneer era of aviation.
  • 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.

    8, 1904. President Theodore Roosevelt. Armed conflict between Russia and Japan began on this day in 1904 when the Japanese navy launched a surprise attack on Port Arthur and blockaded the Russian Far East fleet in what is now northeast China
  • Entente cordiale signed between Britain and France.

    Entente cordiale signed between Britain and France.

    Entente Cordiale, (April 8, 1904), Anglo-French agreement that, by settling a number of controversial matters, ended antagonisms between Great Britain and France and paved the way for their diplomatic cooperation against German pressures in the decade preceding World War I (1914–18).
  • Trans-Siberian railway is completed.

    Trans-Siberian railway is completed.

    It was finished in 1916. The original train with its marble-tiled bathrooms, a grand piano in the music room, a library and a gym, as well as caviar and sturgeon in the first-class dining room, proceeded at a stately 20mph or so and took nearly four weeks for the journey.
  • The Revolution of 1905 in Russia erupts.

    The Revolution of 1905 in Russia erupts.

    The Russian Revolution of 1905, also known as the First Russian Revolution, began on 22 January 1905. A wave of mass political and social unrest then began to spread across the vast areas of the Russian Empire. The unrest was directed primarily against the Tsar, the nobility, and the ruling class.
  • 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.

    16 October – Union resolution for 1905 : After the warmongering and hard negotiations was the Norwegian union with Sweden formally dissolved when the Swedish parliament recognized Norway as a separate state. 26 October – Norway was recognized by Sweden as an independent constitutional monarchy.
  • The Russo-Japanese War ends in Japanese victory.

    The Russo-Japanese War ends in Japanese victory.

    After the Japanese sank most of the Russian ships ( and won a couple of land battles), they became the winners of the war. This was a shocking victory at the time because Japan had not yet proved its power to the rest of the world and was often looked at as a much smaller force.
  • Albert Einstein's formulation of special relativity.

    Albert Einstein's formulation of special relativity.

    Special relativity is an explanation of how speed affects mass, time and space. The theory includes a way for the speed of light to define the relationship between energy and matter — small amounts of mass (m) can be interchangeable with enormous amounts of energy (E), as defined by the classic equation E = mc^2.
  • 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.

    Partition of Bengal carried out by the British viceroy in India, Lord Curzon, despite strong Indian nationalist opposition. It divided Bengal into Hindu dominated west which consisted of Bihar, Odisha, etc. and Muslim dominated East Bengal with Assam.
  • Liberal Henry Campbell-Bannerman becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

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

    Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman GCB PC (né Campbell; 7 September 1836 – 22 April 1908) was a British statesman and Liberal politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1905 to 1908 and Leader of the Liberal Party from 1899 to 1908.
  • An earthquake in San Francisco, California, magnitude 7.9, kills 3,000.

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

    More than 3,000 people died, and over 80% of the city was destroyed. The event is remembered as the deadliest earthquake in the history of the United States. The death toll remains the greatest loss of life from a natural disaster in California's history and high on the lists of American disasters.
  • 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.

    In 1906 his innocence was officially established by an irrevocable judgement of the Supreme Court. Dreyfus was reinstated in the army with the rank of Major and participated in the First World War. He died in 1935. The implications of this case were numerous and affected all aspects of French public life.
  • An earthquake in Valparaíso, Chile, magnitude 8.2, kills 20,000.

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

    Much of Valparaíso was destroyed; there was severe damage in central Chile from Illapel to Talca. The earthquake was felt from Tacna to Puerto Montt. Reports said the earthquake lasted four minutes. A tsunami was also generated. The earthquake killed a reported 3,882 people
  • The US begins the Second Occupation of Cuba.

    The US begins the Second Occupation of Cuba.

    "The Second Occupation of Cuba or the Cuban Pacification was a major American military operation that began in September 1906. After the collapse of President Tomás Estrada Palma's regime, President Theodore Roosevelt ordered an invasion of Cuba and established an occupation that would continue for nearly four years.
  • 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.

    No. 14-bis made a total of nine takeoffs, and it remained in the air for just over 21 seconds on its longest flight. None of the other flights covered more than 220 metres (722 feet). Nevertheless, the airplane established a considerable record of achievement
  • The Muslim League is formed by Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dacca.

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

    A resolution to form the All-India Muslim League was passed by Nawab Salimullah Khan and was seconded by Hakim Ajmal Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali, and Moulana Zafar Ali. The resolution was passed by the All-India Educational Conference on 30th December 1906. A committee was formed to prepare its draft constitution.
  • 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.

    All political factions of Finland reached an agreement on the reform and the first elections were set for 1907. The 1906 reform ended the first period of attempted Russification in the Grand Duchy of Finland which had begun in 1899 and seen such dramatic episodes as the assassination of Nikolai Bobrikov, the Governor-General of Finland, in 1904
  • Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907.

    Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907.

    Negotiations were concluded on July 24, 1907. The treaty provided that Korea should act under the guidance of a Japanese resident general. The effect of the treaty's provisions was that the administration of internal affairs was turned over to Japan.
  • Liberal H. H. Asquith becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

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

    H.H. Asquith, 1st earl of Oxford and Asquith, (born September 12, 1852, Morley, Yorkshire, England—died February 15, 1928, Sutton Courtenay, Berkshire), Liberal prime minister of Great Britain (1908–16), who was responsible for the Parliament Act of 1911, limiting the power of the House of Lords, and who led Britain during the first two years of World War I.
  • 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 Masjid-i-Solaiman, located in Khozestan province in the southwest of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was the country's first oil well. It was drilled in 1908
  • The Tunguska impact devastates thousands of square kilometres of Siberia

    The Tunguska impact devastates thousands of square kilometres of Siberia

    Tunguska event, enormous explosion that is estimated to have occurred at 7:14 AM plus or minus one minute on June 30, 1908, at an altitude of 5–10 km (15,000–30,000 feet), flattening some 2,000 square km (500,000 acres) and charring more than 100 square km of pine forest near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River in central Siberia (60°55′ N 101°57′ E), Russia.
  • Young Turk Revolution in the Ottoman Empire.

    Young Turk Revolution in the Ottoman Empire.

    They led a rebellion against the absolute rule of Sultan Abdulhamid II ( r. 1876–1909) in the 1908 Young Turk Revolution. With this revolution, the Young Turks helped to establish the Second Constitutional Era in the same year, ushering in an era of multi-party democracy for the first time in the country's history.
  • Founding of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI)

    Founding of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI)

    The FBI was established in 1908 as the Bureau of Investigation, the BOI or BI for short. Its name was changed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 1935.
  • The Ford Motor Company invents the Model T.

    The Ford Motor Company invents the Model T.

    The Model T was introduced to the world in 1908. Henry Ford wanted the Model T to be affordable, simple to operate, and durable. The vehicle was one of the first mass production vehicles, allowing Ford to achieve his aim of manufacturing the universal car.
  • Independence of Bulgaria.

    Independence of Bulgaria.

    Bulgaria declared its independence on October 5, 1908. The United States recognized Bulgaria on May 3, 1909, when Secretary of State Philander Knox instructed Chargé Norman Hutchinson to convey a message from President William H.
  • Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, assumes the throne.

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

    Born in 1906, the young Puyi was named emperor at the age of two years and ten months by the dying dowager Empress Cixi. The first his parents knew of his ascension to the throne was when a procession of palace officials and eunuchs arrived at their home to take the toddler away.
  • 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 earthquake almost levelled Messina. At least 91% of structures in Messina were destroyed or irreparably damaged and 75,000 people were killed in the city and suburbs. Reggio Calabria and other locations in Calabria also suffered heavy damage, with some 25,000 people killed.
  • 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.

    His presidency ended with his defeat in the 1912 election by Democrat Woodrow Wilson. Taft sought to lower tariffs—a tax on imports—then a major source of governmental income. However he was out-maneuvered. The new Payne–Aldrich Tariff Act of 1909 raised rates when most people expected reductions
  • Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 signed (effective on July 9).

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

    The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 or Bangkok Treaty of 1909 was a treaty between the United Kingdom and the Kingdom of Siam signed on 10 March 1909, in Bangkok. Ratifications were exchanged in London on 9 July 1909, and the treaty established the modern Malaysia–Thailand border.
  • Indian Councils Act passed.

    Indian Councils Act passed.

    The Indian Councils Act of 1861 transformed the viceroy's Executive Council into a miniature cabinet run on the portfolio system, and each of the five ordinary members was placed in charge of a distinct department of Calcutta's government—home, revenue, military, finance, and law.
  • 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.

    Peary and his companions purportedly reached the North Pole on April 6, 1909. Peary returned to civilization only to discover that his former colleague, Cook, was claiming to have reached the North Pole independently in April 1908. Cook's claim, though subsequently discredited, marred Peary's enjoyment of his triumph.
  • A countercoup fails in the Ottoman Empire.

    A countercoup fails in the Ottoman Empire.

    The 1913 Ottoman coup d'état (January 23, 1913), also known as the Raid on the Sublime Porte (Turkish: Bâb-ı Âlî Baskını), was a coup d'état carried out in the Ottoman Empire by a number of Committee of Union and Progress (CUP) members led by Ismail Enver Bey and Mehmed Talaat Bey, in which the group made a surprise raid on the central Ottoman government buildings, the Sublime Porte (Turkish: Bâb-ı Âlî).
  • 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.

    The constitutionalist forces marched to Tehran, forced Muhammad Ali Shah's abdication in favor of his young son Ahmad Shah Qajar and the re-established the constitution in 1909.
  • Boy Scouts of America is founded.

    Boy Scouts of America is founded.

    The Boy Scouts of America was established. In the very first National Executive Board meeting report, there was a discussion about finding ways to retain older boys with age-specific program and challenges appropriate for them.
  • 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.

    After the death of his grandmother Queen Victoria in 1901, George became Prince of Wales, heir to his father's throne. Only nine years later when his father died, George became King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions as well as Emperor of India. Such titles he would hold until his death in 1936.
  • Union of South Africa created.

    Union of South Africa created.

    On May 31, 1910, four colonies were joined together to create the Union of South Africa, a self-governing Dominion in the British Empire. While the new nation was sovereign when it came to its domestic affairs, the United Kingdom maintained control over its relations with the wider world.
  • Kingdom of Montenegro is proclaimed independent.

    Kingdom of Montenegro is proclaimed independent.

    Following the dissolution of the Federation of Yugoslavia in 1989, Montenegro had been part of Yugoslavia's successor state (named the State Union of Serbia & Montenegro in 2003) until declaring independence on June 3, 2006.
  • Imperial Japan annexes Korea.

    Imperial Japan annexes Korea.

    In 1910, Korea was annexed by the Empire of Japan after years of war, intimidation and political machinations; the country would be considered a part of Japan until 1945. In order to establish control over its new protectorate, the Empire of Japan waged an all-out war on Korean culture
  • 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.

    This revolution overthrew the Portuguese monarchy and replaced it with the First Portuguese Republic. By 1910, the monarchy's power was dwindling. From the King's assassination in 1908 to the 1890 British ultimatum, there was widespread disapproval of the monarchy.
  • Beginning of the Mexican Revolution (Plan of San Luis Potosí).

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

    According to his plan, he would establish democracy throughout the country, contracts and government transactions previously made would be respected, government would transparent and accountable, and the economy would favor Mexican enterprises instead of foreign businesses.
  • 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.

    Ely piloting his Curtiss Model D biplane for an imminent landing on platform constructed (note sandbags on either side of platform) on the stern of US Navy ship USS Pennsylvania (Armored Cruiser # 4, later CA-4), anchored in San Francisco Bay, California on January 18, 1911.
  • 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 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire killed 146 workers and injured dozens more. While trying to escape the fire, they encountered locked doors and broken fire escapes. Many chose to leap from the building in desperation, instead of succumbing to the blaze and smoke, and died on the sidewalks below.
  • 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 or Turco-Italian War was fought between the Kingdom of Italy and the Ottoman Empire from 29 September 1911, to 18 October 1912. As a result of this conflict, Italy captured the Ottoman Tripolitania Vilayet, of which the main sub-provinces were Fezzan, Cyrenaica, and Tripoli itself. These territories became the colonies of Italian Tripolitania and Cyrenaica, which would later merge into Italian Libya.
  • Xinhai Revolution, which overthrew the Qing dynasty of China, begins.

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

    The 1911 Revolution, also known as the Xinhai Revolution or Hsinhai Revolution, ended China's last imperial dynasty, the Manchu-led Qing dynasty, and led to the establishment of the Republic of China. The revolution was the culmination of a decade of agitation, revolts, and uprisings.
  • 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.

    Louis-Joseph Chevrolet (French: [ʃəvʁɔlɛ]; December 25, 1878 – June 6, 1941) was a Swiss-American race car driver, mechanic and entrepreneur who co-founded the Chevrolet Motor Car Company in 1911.
  • New Delhi becomes the capital of British India.

    New Delhi becomes the capital of British India.

    On 12th December, 1911, at the historic Delhi Durbar, the George V, the Emperor of the British Empire proclaimed the shifting of the capital of India from Calcutta to Delhi. After announcement of Delhi as the Capital of India, the preparation for the building a new city started with majesty, pomp and show.
  • Roald Amundsen first reaches the South Pole.

    Roald Amundsen first reaches the South Pole.

    At around 3pm on 14 December 1911, Amundsen raised the flag of Norway at the South Pole. He had reached the Pole a full 33 days before Captain Scott arrived. Amundsen and his crew returned to their base camp on 25 January 1912, 99 days and roughly 1400 nautical miles after their departure.
  • The African National Congress is founded.

    The African National Congress is founded.

    African National Congress (ANC), South African political party and Black nationalist organization. Founded in 1912 as the South African Native National Congress, it had as its main goal the maintenance of voting rights for Coloureds (persons of mixed race) and Black Africans in Cape Province. It was renamed the African National Congress in 1923.
  • End of the Chinese Empire. Republic of China established.

    End of the Chinese Empire. Republic of China established.

    Overview. A republic was formally established on 1 January 1912 following the Xinhai Revolution, which itself began with the Wuchang uprising on 10 October 1911, successfully overthrowing the Qing dynasty and ending over two thousand years of imperial rule in China.
  • 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 is the 48th state and last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieving statehood on February 14, 1912. Historically part of the territory of Alta California in New Spain, it became part of independent Mexico in 1821.
  • Morocco becomes a protectorate of France.

    Morocco becomes a protectorate of France.

    Morocco was officially made a French protectorate in the Treaty of Fez in 1912, with parts of the country handed over to Spain. Unlike Algeria, which became part of France, Morocco was technically not a colony but a protectorate - the country's sultan continued as head of state.
  • Sinking of the RMS Titanic.

    Sinking of the RMS Titanic.

    RMS Titanic sank in the early morning hours of 15 April 1912 in the North Atlantic Ocean, four days into her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York City. The largest ocean liner in service at the time, Titanic had an estimated 2,224 people on board when she struck an iceberg at around 23:40 on Sunday, 14 April 1912. Her sinking two hours and forty minutes later at 02:20 ship's time on Monday, 15 April, resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 people.
  • 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.

    Mutsuhito (3 November 1852 – 30 July 1912), posthumously honored as Emperor Meiji[a] was the 122nd emperor of Japan, according to the traditional order of succession. Reigning from 1867 to his death, he was the first monarch of the Empire of Japan and presided over the Meiji era. His reign is associated with the Meiji Restoration, a series of rapid changes that witnessed Japan's transformation from an isolationist, feudal state to an industrialized world power.
  • The Kuomintang, the Chinese nationalist party, is founded.

    The Kuomintang, the Chinese nationalist party, is founded.

    Founded in 1912 by Sun Yat-sen, the KMT helped topple the Qing dynasty and promoted modernization along Western lines. The party played a significant part in the first Chinese first National Assembly where it was the majority party. However the KMT failed to achieve complete control.
  • The First Balkan War begins.

    The First Balkan War begins.

    Montenegro, Bulgaria formed the Balkan League and declared war against the Ottoman Empire in October of 1912. The Ottoman Empire at the time had its greatest power base in the country of Turkey.
  • 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 first (October 1912–May 1913) the Ottomans lost almost all their European possessions, including Crete, to Bulgaria, Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and the newly created state of Albania (Treaty of London, May 30, 1913).
  • La Decena Trágica in Mexico City.

    La Decena Trágica in Mexico City.

    "La Decena Tragica" was a period of ten days, which began on February 9 with a coup against President Francisco I. Madero and ended with his imprisonment on February 18, 1913. The balance of this outbreak was the murder of Madero and José María Pino Suárez.
  • Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated as President of the United States.

    Woodrow Wilson is inaugurated as President of the United States.

    The first inauguration of Woodrow Wilson as the 28th president of the United States was held on Tuesday, March 4, 1913, at the East Portico of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. This was the 32nd inauguration and marked the commencement of the first four-year term of Woodrow Wilson as president and Thomas R.
  • Igor Stravinsky's The Rite of Spring infamously premiers in Paris.

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

    Stravinsky's music is famous for causing a riot at its premiere. It was a warm spring evening in Paris on May 29, 1913, and Hoffman says the well-heeled crowd at the Champs Élysées Theatre was not ready for jagged rhythms, crunching discord, and the strange jerking of the dancers on stage.
  • Treaty of London.

    Treaty of London.

    The Treaty of London was a secret agreement signed by Italy, Great Britain, France, and Russia on 26 April 1915, bringing Italy into the First World War on the Entente side. It therefore had a crucial impact on the conflict.
  • Treaty of Bucharest.

    Treaty of Bucharest.

    The Treaty of Bucharest (1918) was a peace treaty between Romania and the opposing Central Powers following the stalemate reached after the campaign of 1917. This left Romania isolated after Russia's unilateral exit from World War I (see the Armistice of Focșani and Treaty of Brest-Litovsk).
  • Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving assembly line.

    Ford Motor Company introduces the first moving assembly line.

    The Ford Motor Company team decided to try to implement the moving assembly line in the automobile manufacturing process. After much trial and error, in 1913 Henry Ford and his employees successfully began using this innovation at our Highland Park assembly plant.
  • The Federal Reserve System is created.

    The Federal Reserve System is created.

    It was created by the Congress to provide the nation with a safer, more flexible, and more stable monetary and financial system. The Federal Reserve was created on December 23, 1913, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Federal Reserve Act into law.