The year 1910 was a pivotal year in world history, marked by significant advancements and events across various fields, from politics and science to culture and technology.
Politics and International Relations
January 26: France holds its first legislative elections under universal male suffrage. This marked a significant step in the development of democracy in France.
May 6: George V becomes King of the United Kingdom upon the death of his father, Edward VII.
October 5: Portugal becomes a republic after a revolution that overthrows King Manuel II. This event ended the Portuguese monarchy and ushered in a new era of republicanism in Portugal.
October 10: The Chilean presidential election resulted in the win for Ramón Barros Luco, consolidating conservative power.
United States Focus:
January 1: The Mann-Elkins Act goes into effect in the United States. This act expanded the power of the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to regulate telephone, telegraph, and cable companies.
July 4: African-American boxer Jack Johnson defeats James J. Jeffries in a highly anticipated fight in Reno, Nevada, sparking racial tensions and riots across the United States.
November 8: Hiram Johnson is elected Governor of California, ushering in the progressive era in California politics.
Science and Technology
January 28: The "Dreadnought Hoax" incident. Virginia Woolf and friends pull a prank dressed up as Abyssinian royals to visit the HMS Dreadnought.
July 13: First successful demonstration of long-distance wireless telephony between New York City and Philadelphia.
October 1: The first powered flight takes place in Canada, piloted by J.A.D. McCurdy at Baddeck, Nova Scotia.
United States Focus:
Comet Halley's Appearance: The visible return of Halley's Comet caused widespread public fascination and some fear, influencing scientific discussions and cultural events.
Culture and Arts
March 29: The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) is established as a private company in the United Kingdom. While initially private, it would later become a public service broadcaster.
November 22: Publication of The Cabin in the Clearing, written by Paul Leicester Ford.
United States Focus:
Art Movements: American artists continued to explore new forms of expression, with movements like the Ashcan School gaining prominence, depicting urban life in realistic and often gritty detail.
Literature: Notable literary works were published, contributing to the growing American literary landscape.
Other Significant Events
Founding of the Boy Scouts of America: The Boy Scouts of America was founded on February 8. This organization would become a major influence in the lives of millions of young Americans.
Start of the Mexican Revolution: The Mexican Revolution began on November 20. The revolution was a complex and bloody conflict that lasted for more than a decade.