Historical Events tagged with "early 20th century"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Austria-Hungary Annexes Bosnia and Herzegovina

October 6th, 1908 116 years ago

Austria-Hungary formally annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to increased tensions in the Balkans. This act was met with strong opposition from Serbia and Russia, who opposed Austro-Hungarian dominance in the region. Nationalist sentiments surged among the South Slavs, creating a volatile environment that would escalate in the following years. The annexation was brought on by Austria-Hungary's desire to consolidate its power and influence in the Balkans after having occupied the territories since 1878.

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Crime & Law

Creation of the Chief Examiner's Office

July 26th, 1908 116 years ago

United States Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte issued an order to immediately staff the Office of the Chief Examiner, marking the foundational step in what would later become the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This centralization aimed to enhance federal investigative operations amidst growing concerns over crime and corruption. The establishment was significant as it reflected a burgeoning need for federal law enforcement capabilities during a time of rapid societal changes in America.

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Economics & Industry

First Major Oil Strike in the Middle East

May 26th, 1908 116 years ago

In southwest Persia, a significant oil strike was achieved at Masjed Soleyman. This discovery marked a turning point in the demand for oil as a vital resource. The rise in exploration efforts quickly attracted interest from major companies. The Anglo-Persian Oil Company swiftly secured rights to the newly discovered resource, spearheading a new era of industrial growth and economic change in the region. This finding not only illuminated the economic potential of oil but also attracted international scrutiny and investment.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of King Carlos I and Luis Filipe

February 1st, 1908 117 years ago

King Carlos I of Portugal and his son Infante Luis Filipe were assassinated while riding in a carriage through the streets of Lisbon. The attack was carried out by a group of armed republicans who opposed the monarchy. The assailants approached the royal carriage and opened fire, killing both the king and his eldest son almost instantly. The incident sparked significant political turmoil in Portugal as various factions vied for power in the aftermath of the regicide.

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Politics & Government

Failed Coup Attempt by Portuguese Republicans

January 28th, 1908 117 years ago

Members of the Portuguese Republican Party made an attempt to overthrow the administrative dictatorship led by Prime Minister João Franco. The plan to instigate a coup was orchestrated mainly by republicans who opposed Franco's authoritarian governance, which had garnered increasing unpopularity among various segments of society. However, the coup was poorly executed, leading to its swift failure and the subsequent arrests of key conspirators. This event marked a significant moment in the turbulent political climate in Portugal at the time.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Clashes Between Protesters and Police Over Dog Memorial

December 10th, 1907 117 years ago

A major confrontation occurred in London involving approximately 1,000 medical students who protested against a memorial dedicated to the brown dog, a victim of vivisection. The students opposed the memorial as a symbol of animal rights, resulting in a clash with about 400 police officers. The protest escalated into violent encounters, epitomizing the tensions surrounding animal experimentation and ethical considerations in medicine during the early 20th century.

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Accidents & Tragedies

SS Columbia Collision with San Pedro

July 21st, 1907 117 years ago

The passenger steamer SS Columbia collided with the steam schooner San Pedro near Shelter Cove, California, resulting in the sinking of the Columbia and the loss of 88 lives. The incident occurred as the vessels navigated foggy waters, and the crash was attributed to a misjudgment of the distance between them. Passengers and crew aboard the Columbia faced perilous conditions as the ship rapidly took on water and sank.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Opening of the Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway

June 22nd, 1907 117 years ago

The Charing Cross, Euston and Hampstead Railway opened, connecting major railway stations in London. This extension improved transport links in the city, allowing better access to underground journeys. Initially, it provided services from Charing Cross to Hampstead, facilitating daily commutes and leisure travel for Londoners.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

San Francisco's Segregation Policy for Japanese Students

October 11th, 1906 118 years ago

In San Francisco, a city ordinance mandated segregation in schools, specifically targeting Japanese students. This decision sparked outrage in Japan and heightened tensions between the U.S. and Japan. Leaders on both sides expressed concerns over racial discrimination and diplomatic relations. The situation escalated, leading to widespread demonstrations, and the Japanese government formally protested the ordinance, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Japan relations.

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