1890 witnessed significant shifts across the political, scientific, cultural, and technological landscapes. It was a year of rapid industrialization, social change, and emerging global power dynamics.
Politics and Law
Sherman Antitrust Act (July 2): In the United States, the Sherman Antitrust Act was passed. This landmark legislation prohibited trusts and monopolies that restrained trade. It was intended to promote economic competition and protect consumers but initially proved difficult to enforce.
McKinley Tariff (October 1): Another significant piece of legislation in the United States, the McKinley Tariff raised import duties to an average of 49.5%, designed to protect American industries. This led to higher prices for consumers and fueled discontent amongst farmers.
Wounded Knee Massacre (December 29): One of the most tragic events in the history of relations between the United States government and Native Americans. U.S. soldiers massacred hundreds of Lakota Sioux at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota, effectively ending major armed resistance in the Indian Wars.
Idaho Admitted to the Union (July 3): Idaho became the 43rd state of the United States.
Wyoming Admitted to the Union (July 10): Wyoming became the 44th state of the United States.
Dismissal of Otto von Bismarck (March 20): Kaiser Wilhelm II dismissed Otto von Bismarck, the long-serving Chancellor of Germany. This marked a significant shift in German foreign policy, moving towards a more aggressive and expansionist approach.
Science and Technology
Motor Vehicle Production: Armand Peugeot began mass production of motor vehicles in France. This marked an important step in the widespread adoption of the automobile.
First Modern Electric Chair Execution (August 6): William Kemmler became the first person to be executed by electric chair in United States history at Auburn Prison in New York.
The Cellular AutomatonAlthough it wasn't widely publicized at the time, early conceptual work related to what we now call "Cellular Automata" was being conceived. This laid the groundwork for future computational modeling.
Culture
Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives: The publication of Jacob Riis' How the Other Half Lives brought attention to the squalid living conditions of the poor in New York City, influencing social reform movements in the United States.
Vincent van Gogh's Death (July 29): Vincent van Gogh, the renowned Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Social
Rise of the Populist Movement: Discontent among farmers in the United States fueled the rise of the Populist movement, advocating for reforms like government regulation of railroads and the coinage of silver.
Women's Suffrage Movements Gain Momentum: Across the United States and Europe, the women's suffrage movement continued to gain momentum, with activists demanding the right to vote.