The year 1905 was a pivotal year in global history, marked by significant political upheavals, scientific breakthroughs, and cultural shifts. From revolutionary movements in Russia to groundbreaking advancements in physics, 1905 laid the groundwork for the complexities of the 20th century.
Politics and International Relations
January 22 Russia: Bloody Sunday: A peaceful demonstration of workers in St. Petersburg, Russia, was violently suppressed by the Tsar's troops, sparking the 1905 Russian Revolution. This event significantly weakened the Tsarist regime.
March 31: Morocco: Tangier Crisis: Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany visited Tangier, Morocco, and declared his support for the independence of Morocco, challenging French influence and initiating the First Moroccan Crisis. This crisis heightened tensions between European powers.
May 27-28: Battle of Tsushima: The Russian fleet was decisively defeated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Tsushima Strait, a major turning point in the Russo-Japanese War. This demonstrated Japan's growing military power and exposed the weakness of the Russian Empire.
September 5: Treaty of Portsmouth: Mediated by United States President Theodore Roosevelt, the Treaty of Portsmouth was signed, officially ending the Russo-Japanese War. Roosevelt was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in the negotiations.
October 17: October Manifesto: Faced with widespread unrest, Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto, promising civil liberties and the establishment of a Duma (legislative assembly) in Russia. While initially appeasing some, the manifesto ultimately proved to be a temporary solution.
November 18: Prince Carl of Denmark becomes Haakon VII of Norway: Following Norway's declaration of independence from Sweden in a referendum, Prince Carl of Denmark accepted the throne and became King Haakon VII, marking a new era for the newly independent nation.
Science and Technology
Mirrors in Space: Physicist Albert Einstein published four groundbreaking papers in Annalen der Physik, revolutionizing the field of physics:
Photoelectric Effect: This paper introduced the concept of light quanta (later called photons) and explained the photoelectric effect, laying the foundation for quantum theory.
Brownian Motion: His paper on Brownian motion provided evidence for the existence of atoms and molecules, solidifying the atomic theory of matter.
Special Relativity: This paper introduced the theory of special relativity, challenging the Newtonian concepts of absolute space and time and proposing that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. It included the famous equation E=mc².
These papers are collectively known as the Annus Mirabilis papers (Latin for "Miracle Year").
Alfred Einhorn synthesizes Novocain: The German chemist Alfred Einhorn synthesized Novocain, a local anesthetic which became widely used in dentistry and medicine.
Culture
Die Brücke (The Bridge) founded: The German Expressionist artist group Die Brücke was founded in Dresden, marking a significant development in modern art. Its members sought to bridge the gap between traditional art forms and a more modern, emotional expression.
Publication of The House of Mirth: Edith Wharton's novel The House of Mirth, a scathing critique of upper-class society in New York City, was published and became an immediate success. Relevant to the United States, the novel captured the social dynamics of the Gilded Age.
Irish Literary Theatre becomes Abbey Theatre: The Irish Literary Theatre, a key institution in the Irish Literary Revival, formally became the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, continuing to promote Irish culture and drama.
Treaty of Portsmouth Mediation: As mentioned, President Theodore Roosevelt's successful mediation of the Treaty of Portsmouth enhanced the United States's international prestige and influence, establishing the country as a major player in global affairs.
Publication of The House of Mirth: Edith Wharton's novel provided a vivid portrait of United States society, highlighting the moral and social dilemmas of the elite.
Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) Founded: The IWW, a radical labor organization also known as the Wobblies, was founded in Chicago. It advocated for the rights of all workers, regardless of skill or trade, and became a prominent force in the American labor movement.
1905 was thus a watershed year, impacting political landscapes, scientific understanding, and cultural expressions across the globe, with significant implications for the future.