The year 1893 was a significant period marked by economic turmoil, burgeoning technological advancements, and pivotal political changes across the globe. This article provides a summary of the key events that shaped the year.
Politics and Government:
January 17: The Kingdom of Hawaii is overthrown in a coup d'état led by the Committee of Safety, composed largely of American and European residents. This event led to the establishment of the Provisional Government of Hawaii, paving the way for eventual annexation by the United States.
March 4: Grover Cleveland is inaugurated as the 24th President of the United States, marking his second non-consecutive term. This was a period defined by economic hardship and the looming threat of depression.
May 1: The World's Columbian Exposition opens in Chicago, Illinois, showcasing American progress and technology. It served as a temporary "White City" that influenced urban planning and architecture in the United States for years to come.
July 16: The Hawaiian Islands are declared a U.S. protectorate by John L. Stevens, the United States Minister to Hawaii, a move later repudiated by President Cleveland.
October 11: The Parliament of Women convenes as part of the World's Columbian Exposition, showcasing the contributions of women to society and advancing the cause of women's rights.
Economics:
May 5: The Panic of 1893 begins in the United States, triggered by the collapse of railroad and financial institutions. This economic crisis would lead to widespread unemployment and hardship.
The Silver Question dominates political debate in the United States. The debate centered around the use of silver as a monetary standard, advocated for by farmers and debtors, versus the gold standard supported by business interests.
Science and Technology:
February 23: Rudolf Diesel receives a patent for the diesel engine, revolutionizing power generation and transportation technology.
Whitcomb Judson introduces the zipper at the World's Columbian Exposition, marking an early step in the development of modern clothing fasteners.
William Coolidge invents ductile tungsten, a key material for incandescent light bulbs, improving their efficiency and longevity.
Culture:
August 5: Katharine Lee Bates publishes the poem "America the Beautiful," later set to music, becoming one of the United States' most beloved patriotic songs.
Alfred Jarry's play Ubu Roi premieres in Paris, considered a precursor to modern absurdist theatre.
Antonín Dvořák composes his Symphony No. 9, "From the New World", while living in the United States, reflecting his impressions of American music and culture.
Other Significant Events:
September 19: New Zealand becomes the first self-governing nation in the world to grant all women the right to vote.
The establishment of the Football Association (FA) Cup final, marking a milestone in the history of association football.