Historical Events tagged with "newfoundland"

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.

Exploration & Discovery

Amelia Earhart's Solo Transatlantic Flight

May 20th, 1932 92 years ago

Amelia Earhart embarked on a groundbreaking solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean from Newfoundland to Ireland, making her the first female pilot to achieve this feat. Taking off in her Lockheed Vega, she faced challenging weather and mechanical difficulties during the journey. After approximately 15 hours in the air, she landed safely in a field in County Donegal, Ireland, making aviation history.

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Politics & Government

Mass Riots Challenge Newfoundland's Self-Government

April 5th, 1932 92 years ago

Ten thousand rioters stormed the Colonial Building in St. John's, Newfoundland, demanding government reforms and an end to the economic troubles faced by the province. This uprising was fueled by widespread unemployment and economic hardship during the Great Depression, showcasing the frustrations of the populace with colonial governance. The protests marked a significant turning point in Newfoundland's political landscape and led to the eventual suspension of self-government.

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Natural Disasters

Grand Banks Submarine Earthquake and Tsunami

November 18th, 1929 95 years ago

A Richter magnitude 7.2 submarine earthquake occurred off the south coast of Newfoundland in the Atlantic Ocean, devastating many communities. Triggered by the earthquake, a tsunami struck the Burin Peninsula, destroying infrastructure and homes. The underwater seismic event also severed 12 telegraph cables, significantly disrupting communications across the Atlantic. This disaster highlighted the vulnerability of coastal settlements to natural phenomena.

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Exploration & Discovery

Amelia Earhart Crosses Atlantic as a Passenger

June 18th, 1928 96 years ago

Amelia Earhart flew as a passenger across the Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. She was aboard the Fokker F.VII aircraft piloted by Wilmer Stultz, with mechanic Lou Gordon ensuring a safe journey. The flight commenced in Newfoundland, Canada, and successfully landed in Wales after approximately 20 hours in the air. This achievement was part of Earhart's efforts to promote women's participation in aviation and inspire future generations of female pilots.

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Military & Warfare

Inauguration of Newfoundland National War Memorial

July 1st, 1924 100 years ago

Field Marshall Douglas Haig inaugurated the National War Memorial for the Dominion of Newfoundland in St. John's, commemorating the Royal Newfoundland Regiment's devastating losses at Beaumont-Hamel during the Battle of the Somme. This memorial stands in honor of the regiment's bravery and sacrifice on the battlefield and marks a pivotal moment in Newfoundland's military history.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

First nonstop transatlantic flight completed

June 15th, 1919 105 years ago

John Alcock and Arthur Brown made history when they completed the first nonstop transatlantic flight from St. John's, Newfoundland to Clifden, County Galway, Ireland. They departed in their modified Vickers Vimy biplane and braved challenging weather conditions, including fog and rain. Their successful landing marked a significant milestone in aviation history, demonstrating the feasibility of long-distance flight and inspiring future exploration across the Atlantic.

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Exploration & Discovery

First Nonstop Transatlantic Flight

June 14th, 1919 105 years ago

John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown made history by successfully completing the first nonstop transatlantic flight from St. John's, Newfoundland to Clifden, Ireland. Their journey began early in the morning, showcasing remarkable aviation prowess and determination. Using a Vickers Vimy bomber, the two aviators navigated through challenging weather conditions, and their successful arrival in Ireland marked a significant milestone in aviation history, proving the feasibility of long-distance air travel.

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Politics & Government

New Zealand and Newfoundland Become Dominions

September 26th, 1907 117 years ago

New Zealand and Newfoundland were promoted from colonial status to dominion status within the British Empire in 1907, reflecting a significant shift in governance and self-determination for these regions. This transition was a result of discussions during the preceding Imperial Conference held in London, which aimed to redefine relationships between Britain and its colonies. The status change granted these territories greater autonomy, allowing them to manage their own affairs and governance with less direct oversight from Britain. The formal announcements signified a growing recognition of the unique identities and aspirations of these dominions.

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Science & Technology

Marconi's First Transatlantic Radio Signal Reception

December 12th, 1901 123 years ago

Guglielmo Marconi successfully received the letter 'S' in Morse Code at Signal Hill in St John's, Newfoundland. This momentous occasion marked the first time a radio signal was transmitted across the Atlantic Ocean, showcasing the potential of wireless communication. Marconi's experiment aimed to prove that radio waves could travel long distances, overcoming geographical barriers traditionally faced by electrical means of communication. The significance of this achievement was felt worldwide as it opened up new possibilities for instant communication over vast oceans.

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