1900 marked the turn of a century and saw significant developments across various fields, laying the groundwork for the 20th century. This article highlights some of the most important events of that year.
Politics and International Relations
January 1: Nigeria becomes a British protectorate.
February 27: The British Labour Party is founded. This marks a significant step in the rise of socialist and labor movements in the United Kingdom.
May 14 - October 28: The 1900 Summer Olympics are held in Paris, France, as part of the Exposition Universelle. This marked the second modern Olympic games.
June 20 - August 14: The Boxer Rebellion intensifies in China. The Boxer Rebellion, an anti-foreign uprising, reaches its peak. Foreign powers, including the United States, send troops to quell the rebellion.
July 2: The first Zeppelin flight takes place near Lake Constance in Germany.
September 1: Germany adopts its Civil Code (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch), a significant step in the standardization of German law.
November 6: William McKinley is re-elected as President of the United States. Theodore Roosevelt becomes his Vice President.
December 14: Max Planck presents his Quantum Theory.
Science and Technology
April 14 - October 15: The Exposition Universelle, a world's fair held in Paris, showcases technological and cultural advancements from around the world. The fair attracts nearly 50 million visitors.
December 14: Max Planck presents his groundbreaking work on quantum theory to the German Physical Society. This marks the birth of quantum mechanics, revolutionizing physics.
Landsteiner discovers human blood groups: Karl Landsteiner discovered the first three human blood groups, A, B, and O.
Sigmund Freud publishes The Interpretation of Dreams: This seminal work laid the foundation for psychoanalysis and profoundly influenced the understanding of the human mind.
Culture and Society
L. Frank Baum publishes The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: This children's novel becomes an instant classic and a major cultural phenomenon.
Claude Monet begins his Water Lilies series: The Impressionist painter embarks on this iconic series that explores light and color in his garden at Giverny.
Exposition Universelle in Paris The exposition served as a cultural touchstone, presenting art, architecture, and design from around the world, influencing artistic movements and popular culture in the years to come.
The Pan-African Conference The first Pan-African Conference took place in London, organized by Henry Sylvester Williams.
Gold Standard Act: The United States formally adopts the gold standard, stabilizing the economy but also leading to debates about monetary policy.
Boxer Rebellion Involvement: The United States participates in the international coalition to suppress the Boxer Rebellion in China, marking its increasing role in global affairs.
Presidential Election: William McKinley's re-election victory signaled continued support for his policies, including expansionism and economic growth.
Progressive Era Stirrings: While not a single event, the year 1900 saw growing momentum for the Progressive Era, with reformers advocating for social justice, political reform, and government regulation of business.