The year 1894 witnessed significant developments across various fields, from political upheavals to scientific breakthroughs and cultural shifts. This entry provides a summary of the most important events of the year.
Politics and International Relations
January 4: France and Russia ratify the Franco-Russian Alliance, formalizing a defensive pact against the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. This alliance would have significant consequences in the coming decades. Franco-Russian Alliance
June 23: The International Olympic Committee is formally established. This marks the beginning of the modern Olympic Games. International Olympic Committee
July 1: The Sino-Japanese War begins as Japan invades Korea. This conflict highlights Japan's growing imperial ambitions and exposes the weakness of the Qing dynasty in China. Sino-Japanese War
November 1: Nicholas II becomes Tsar of Russia following the death of his father, Alexander III. Nicholas II
December 22: The Dreyfus Affair begins in France, with Captain Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer in the French army, being wrongly convicted of treason. The affair becomes a major political scandal, dividing French society. Dreyfus Affair
Science and Technology
August 6: The West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey is established in the United States.
November 8: Wilhelm Röntgen observes and later publishes on his discovery of X-rays, revolutionizing medical imaging. This discovery would later earn him the first Nobel Prize in Physics. X-Rays
Culture
May 8: The Panic of 1893, a severe economic depression, impacts the United States significantly. Panic of 1893
May: Jacob Riis publishes How the Other Half Lives, a photographic expose of poverty in United States that brings attention to the harsh realities of urban life. Jacob Riis
United States Specific Events
May 11: The Pullman Strike begins in United States, a widespread railroad strike that disrupts transportation and labor relations. The strike is eventually suppressed by federal troops. Pullman Strike
August 18: The United States Congress passes the Carey Act, which allows private companies to develop irrigation systems in arid western states. Carey Act
The population of the United States is approximately 68 million.
Other Notable Events
Formation of the All India Football Federation: A significant step in the organization of sports in India. All India Football Federation
This list represents a selection of the most important events of 1894, demonstrating a year marked by political maneuvering, scientific discovery, and social commentary.