1911 witnessed significant developments across the globe, marking a turning point in politics, science, culture, and technology. From revolutionary upheavals in China to groundbreaking scientific discoveries, this year laid the foundation for the modern world.
Politics and International Relations
January 25: The First Monte Carlo Rally. This prestigious motorsport event was held for the first time, solidifying the emerging role of automobiles in society. Motorsport
May 25: Revolution in Mexico. The Porfiriato came to an end as Porfirio Díaz resigned after the capture of Ciudad Juárez by revolutionary forces led by Francisco Madero. This marked a critical juncture in the Mexican Revolution.
October 10: Wuchang Uprising. This armed rebellion in Wuchang, China, signaled the beginning of the Xinhai Revolution, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China.
December 14: Roald Amundsen Reaches the South Pole. The Norwegian explorer and his team became the first to reach the geographic South Pole, marking a significant achievement in polar exploration and highlighting the race for discovery. Polar Exploration
December 29: Sun Yat-sen Becomes Provisional President of the Republic of China. Following the success of the Xinhai Revolution, Sun Yat-sen was elected the first provisional president, signifying the formal establishment of the Republic of China.
Science and Technology
January 23: The First Airplane Landing on a Ship. Eugene Ely landed a Curtiss airplane on the deck of the USS Pennsylvania in San Francisco Bay. This demonstrated the potential for naval aviation and aircraft carriers.
April 8: Heike Kamerlingh Onnes Discovers Superconductivity. The Dutch physicist discovered that mercury loses all electrical resistance at extremely low temperatures. This groundbreaking discovery revolutionized the field of physics and paved the way for future applications in areas like medical imaging and particle accelerators.
Ernest Rutherford's Atomic Model: Ernest Rutherford publishes his new theory about the atom that describes it as a small, dense, positively charged nucleus surrounded by orbiting electrons. This marked a revolution in our understanding of atomic structure.
Culture and Society
March 25: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. A devastating fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City killed 146 garment workers. The tragedy exposed the unsafe working conditions prevalent in factories at the time and spurred labor reforms and safety regulations in the United States.
June 22: Coronation of George V. King George V was crowned King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India.
October 1: The first electric self-starter is incorporated into a production automobile. This innovation, developed by Charles Kettering, made cars more accessible and easier to operate.
Notable Events in the United States
February 5: Opening of the Huntington Library. The Huntington Library, officially the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens, is a collections-based educational and research institution established in San Marino, California, United States.
March 25: Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. The fire in New York City sparked major labor reform in the United States.
May 15: Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey v. United States. In a landmark antitrust case, the Supreme Court of the United States found Standard Oil guilty of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act, leading to its breakup. This decision had a significant impact on business regulation in the United States.
1911 was a year of momentous change, setting the stage for the transformations that would define the 20th century. The political upheavals, scientific breakthroughs, cultural shifts, and technological advancements all contributed to a world on the cusp of a new era.