Historical Events tagged with "technology"

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.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Deutschland Sets New Eastward Passage Record

August 13th, 1900 124 years ago

The steamer Deutschland of Hamburg America Lines made headlines when it docked in Plymouth, England after an extraordinary eastward voyage from New York. Completing the journey in just five days, 11 hours, and 45 minutes, the vessel set a new record for crossing the Atlantic, beating its own previous mark by over three hours. This achievement highlighted the advancements in maritime technology and boosted the reputation of the Hamburg America Lines as a leader in transatlantic travel.

Continue Reading
Arts & Culture

Exposition Universelle Opens in Paris

April 14th, 1900 124 years ago

The Exposition Universelle, a world's fair held in Paris, showcased innovations and cultural achievements from around the globe. Opening in 1900, the fair celebrated the achievements of the 19th century while looking forward to the 20th. Notable exhibits included the debut of the first moving sidewalk, the electric elevator, and the grand Palais des Machines. The event attracted millions of visitors and was a spectacle of modernity, art, technology, and progress, symbolizing France's cultural prominence at the time.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

First Japanese Joint Venture with Foreign Capital

July 17th, 1899 125 years ago

In a significant step towards modernization, NEC Corporation was established as Japan's first joint venture with foreign capital. This collaboration aimed to combine Japanese entrepreneurial spirit with Western technological expertise. The venture marked a pivotal moment in Japan's industrial development and its openness to foreign investment. The firm would provide critical telecommunications infrastructure that helped modernize the country’s communication systems.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Approval of Voting Machines by Congress

February 14th, 1899 126 years ago

Voting machines were officially approved for use in federal elections. The Congress took this significant step on February 14, 1899, aiming to improve the electoral process by minimizing human error and enhancing voter privacy. The use of these machines marked a shift towards modernization in voting practices in the United States.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat Sets Land Speed Record

December 18th, 1898 126 years ago

Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat achieved the first officially recognized land speed record driving a Jeantaud electric car, reaching a speed of 63.159 km/h (39.245 mph). This record was set on a one-kilometer stretch near Paris, showcasing the capabilities of electric vehicles during a time when gasoline engines were beginning to dominate. The feat highlighted early innovations in automotive technology and the potential for electric propulsion.

Continue Reading
Technology & Innovation

Hannibal Goodwin Patents Celluloid Film

September 13th, 1898 126 years ago

Hannibal Goodwin developed and patented his invention of celluloid photographic film, which revolutionized photography and filmmaking. His patent allowed for a flexible and durable alternative to glass plates, thereby making photography more accessible and practical for a wider audience. Goodwin’s innovation, conceptualized in a small workshop, laid the foundation for future advancements in both still and motion picture photography.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Carl Gustav Witt Discovers Near-Earth Asteroid Eros

August 13th, 1898 126 years ago

Carl Gustav Witt discovered 433 Eros, the first near-Earth asteroid, on August 13, 1898, while working at the Berlin Observatory. This significant discovery added to the understanding of celestial bodies close to Earth and marked a major advancement in astronomy. Eros, named after the Greek god of love, was initially located at a distance of approximately 22 million kilometers from Earth. This finding opened new avenues for research into asteroids and their compositions, orbits, and potential for future exploration.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Guglielmo Marconi's Radio Patent Granted in London

July 2nd, 1897 127 years ago

Guglielmo Marconi secured a pivotal patent for radio technology in London, marking a significant milestone in communication advancements. This breakthrough followed his extensive experimentation with wireless telegraphy, demonstrating the potential for long-distance communication without wires. Marconi's innovative work attracted attention in both scientific and commercial circles, paving the way for the future of radio communication. The patent provided him legal recognition to continue his experiments and commercial ventures, effectively launching his career as a leading inventor in the field.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Guglielmo Marconi Patents Wireless Telegraph

June 2nd, 1896 128 years ago

Guglielmo Marconi submitted a patent application for his invention of the wireless telegraph, marking a significant milestone in telecommunications. The application was made to the British patent office in London. Marconi's innovative technology utilized radio waves to wirelessly transmit messages over long distances, fundamentally changing communication methods. His work laid the groundwork for future advancements in wireless communication and broadcasting.

Continue Reading