what happened in 1902 By 26padillag May 31, 1901 May 31: Second Boer War ends in British victory. Jun 12, 1901 July 12: Arthur Balfour becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Jan 13, 1902 January 13: Unification of Saudi Arabia begins. Apr 20, 1902 May 20: Cuba given independence by the United States. Apr 30, 1902 May 31: Second Boer War ends in British victory. Jun 17, 1902 July 17: Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit.