What Happened This Year 1897

Historical Events from This Year 1897

Military & Warfare

Relief of Malakand Garrison Achieved

August 2nd, 1897 127 years ago

The siege of the British garrison at Malakand ended when a relief column was able to reach the beleaguered forces. This critical moment occurred in the context of rising tensions and conflict between British forces and local tribes in the region. The relief operation was marked by fierce fighting as British troops pushed through hostile territory to break the siege, showcasing the strategic importance of Malakand during the Anglo-Afghan War.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Michele Angiolillo Kills Antonio Cánovas

August 8th, 1897 127 years ago

Michele Angiolillo, an Italian anarchist, assassinated Spanish Prime Minister Antonio Cánovas del Castillo in a violent act that reflected the growing tensions between anarchist movements and governmental authorities in late 19th-century Europe. The assassination took place in Guipúzkoa, Spain, where Angiolillo approached Cánovas and shot him multiple times, reportedly to protest against the harsh repression of anarchists in Spain. This act sparked widespread debates about political violence and the role of anarchism in societal change.

Continue Reading
Education & Academia

First International Congress of Mathematicians

August 9th, 1897 127 years ago

The first International Congress of Mathematicians took place in Zürich, Switzerland, attracting mathematicians from various nations to discuss advancements in mathematics. It was a significant gathering that facilitated collaboration and communication among mathematicians, many of whom were leaders in their respective fields. The congress served as a platform for sharing research, ideas, and methodologies in mathematics, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in this rapidly evolving discipline.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Boston's Tremont Street Subway Opens

September 1st, 1897 127 years ago

The Tremont Street Subway in Boston was the first underground rapid transit system in North America, opening to the public on September 1, 1897. Stretching over 1.7 miles, it connected major neighborhoods and marked a turning point in urban transportation. The subway was designed to alleviate traffic congestion above ground and provide a faster, more efficient way for residents to commute. Its construction involved innovative engineering techniques that would set the standard for future subway systems across the continent.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sheriff's Posse Kills Striking Immigrant Miners

September 10th, 1897 127 years ago

In Lattimer, Pennsylvania, armed forces shot at a group of unarmed immigrant coal miners striking for better wages and working conditions. The miners, primarily of Eastern European descent, marched peacefully when they were confronted by the sheriff’s posse, which opened fire, resulting in 19 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident exemplified the tensions between labor movements and authorities during the late 19th century.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Menelik II's Generals Capture Gaki Sherocho

September 11th, 1897 127 years ago

After an extensive military campaign, Gaki Sherocho, the last king of the Kaffa region in Ethiopia, was captured by the forces of Menelik II. This operation marked the culmination of months of pursuit, showcasing Menelik II's ambition to consolidate power and strengthen the Ethiopian Empire. As the Ethiopian Empire sought to expand its territory, the capture of Gaki Sherocho signified a crucial moment in the establishment of imperial authority in south-western Ethiopia.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Brave Last Stand of Sikh Soldiers at Saragarhi

September 12th, 1897 127 years ago

The Battle of Saragarhi saw 21 Sikh soldiers hold their fort against a massive force of approximately 10,000 Pashtun tribesmen. Stationed at the Saragarhi post in the North-West Frontier Province, these soldiers faced overwhelming odds. Despite being heavily outnumbered, they fought valiantly and communicated their defiance through messages until the end. Ultimately, the Sikh soldiers exemplified courage, resulting in significant casualties for the attacking tribesmen, highlighting the fierce resistance they demonstrated in the face of certain death.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Founding of Italian Sport-Club Juventus

November 1st, 1897 127 years ago

A group of students from Liceo Classico Massimo d'Azeglio founded the Italian Sport-Club Juventus in Turin, Italy. They aimed to promote football and other sports while fostering a sense of community and healthy competition among themselves. The club initially started as a gathering for sports enthusiasts, illustrating the burgeoning interest in organized sports during this period in Italy. Juventus would eventually become one of the most successful sports clubs in the world.

Continue Reading
Education & Academia

Library of Congress Opens New Building

November 1st, 1897 127 years ago

The first Library of Congress building opened in Washington, D.C., transitioning from its previous location in the Congressional Reading Room within the U.S. Capitol. This new structure was designed by architect Paul J. Pelz in the Beaux-Arts style and celebrated for its grand architecture. The building aimed to house a growing collection and provide better access for the public, marking a significant expansion of the library's mission. With its doors now open, it welcomed visitors to explore a vast array of resources and literature.

Continue Reading