What Happened This Year 1884
Historical Events from This Year 1884
Foundation of the Fabian Society in London
The Fabian Society, a socialist organization, was founded in London by a group of intellectuals and activists including George Bernard Shaw and Sidney Webb. The society aimed to promote socialist ideals through gradual reform rather than revolutionary means, advocating for social justice, economic equality, and political reform in British society. It became a significant player in the formation of the Labour Party and the development of British socialism.
Continue ReadingPublication of Oxford English Dictionary Volume A-Ant
The first volume of the Oxford English Dictionary, covering words from A to Ant, was published in Oxford, England. This monumental work was initiated under the editorship of James Murray in 1879 as a response to the need for a comprehensive and systematic reference for the English language. The publication marked the beginning of a significant achievement in lexicography, aiming to document the evolution of English words, their definitions, and usage. The dictionary would go on to become a crucial resource for scholars and authors worldwide, showcasing the diversity and richness of the English lexicon. The launch highlighted the collaboration of numerous contributors who provided insights into the language's historical development.
Continue ReadingLarge Tornado Outbreak Strikes Southern U.S.
Over sixty tornadoes struck several states in the Southern United States, greatly impacting regions like Mississippi and Alabama. The storm system was traced to a powerful cold front colliding with warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, creating an ideal environment for tornado formation. The widespread devastation included destroyed homes, uprooted trees, and severe casualties. Eyewitnesses reported multiple tornadoes occurring simultaneously, a remarkable and horrifying event that underlined the severity of the outbreak.
Continue ReadingSiege of Khartoum Commences Under General Gordon
The Siege of Khartoum began as Mahdist forces, commanded by Muhammad Ahmad (the Mahdi), surrounded the city to challenge British control. General Charles Gordon, sent to evacuate the besieged British citizens and soldiers, found his position increasingly precarious. The siege would last for nearly a year, concluding with a violent breach of the city's defenses. This confrontation showcased the complexities of British imperialism in Sudan and the strength of local resistance movements.
Continue ReadingCincinnati Courthouse Riot Following Verdict
After a jury returned a manslaughter verdict perceived as unjust, a mob in Cincinnati attacked its members, leading to widespread riots. The violence escalated over the following days, resulting in the burning of the courthouse amidst public outrage over what many saw as a miscarriage of justice. The event exemplified the tensions surrounding the legal system's handling of serious crimes and community reactions.
Continue ReadingPope Leo XIII Condemns Freemasonry
Pope Leo XIII published the encyclical Humanum genus, which firmly condemned Freemasonry for its perceived opposition to the Catholic Church and its teachings. This document argued that the principles of Freemasonry were incompatible with the doctrines of the Church, particularly in terms of its moral and philosophical foundations. The Pope called for the faithful to oppose Masonic principles and asserted the importance of maintaining a distinct Catholic identity in society.
Continue ReadingTāwhiao's Arrival to Claim Queen Victoria's Protection
Tāwhiao, the Maori King, arrived at Plymouth to seek the protection of Queen Victoria. This marked a significant moment for the Maori people as they aimed to establish a relationship with the British Crown amidst ongoing land disputes and socio-political challenges in New Zealand.
Continue ReadingFirst Purpose-Built Roller Coaster Opens
LaMarcus Adna Thompson launched the amusement industry with his revolutionary Switchback Railway at Coney Island. This unique ride introduced a new form of entertainment, featuring gentle twists and turns that enthralled riders. The wooden coaster, which was the first of its kind, set the stage for future roller coasters, capturing the imagination of the public and becoming a popular attraction for thrill-seekers looking for fun during the summer months on New York's iconic amusement strip.
Continue ReadingDow Jones introduces first stock market average
Dow Jones & Company published its first stock average, a compilation that tracked the performance of selected stocks to provide a benchmark for the stock market's overall health. This was a pivotal step in financial reporting and investment analysis, aiming to offer investors a clearer understanding of market trends. The average included the prices of 11 railroad stocks, underscoring the transport sector's significance in the economy at the time. This initiative was created amidst rising interest in stock investments among the American public.
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