What Happened This Year 1898
Historical Events from This Year 1898 (View all 52)
Creation of Greater New York with Five Boroughs
The consolidation of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx into the City of Greater New York on January 1, 1898, marked a significant moment in urban governance. Staten Island joined the four boroughs shortly thereafter, completing the modern structure of New York City. This consolidation aimed to streamline governance and address rapid urban growth, bringing together diverse communities under a single city administration.
Continue ReadingZola's J'accuse…! Challenges Dreyfus Case
Émile Zola published an open letter titled 'J'accuse…!' in the newspaper L'Aurore, defending Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish officer wrongfully convicted of treason. Through passionate rhetoric, Zola denounced the French military's cover-up and anti-Semitism surrounding the case. This letter, addressed to the President, stirred public debate and highlighted societal divisions, drawing supporters from various factions advocating for justice.
Continue ReadingÉmile Zola's Libel Trial Over J'Accuse!
Émile Zola was brought to trial for libel after publishing an open letter, 'J'Accuse!', in which he accused the French government of anti-Semitism and mishandling the Dreyfus Affair. This letter, published in the newspaper L'Aurore, sparked a public outcry and significant political debate in France. Zola's trial reflected the division in French society over the Dreyfus Affair, with intense media coverage and public interest surrounding both the accusation and the trial itself.
Continue ReadingUSS Maine Explodes in Havana Harbor
The USS Maine, an American battleship, exploded in Havana harbor, resulting in the deaths of about 274 sailors. The ship was in Cuba as part of a mission to protect American interests during the Cuban War of Independence and the tensions surrounding Spanish colonial rule. The explosion caused widespread outrage in the United States, leading to calls for military intervention against Spain. The circumstances surrounding the explosion remain a topic of debate.
Continue ReadingÉmile Zola's Imprisonment for Dreyfus Affair
Émile Zola was imprisoned for publishing 'J'Accuse…!', a letter accusing the French government of antisemitism and wrongfully imprisoning Captain Alfred Dreyfus. The letter detailed the miscarriage of justice surrounding Dreyfus’s conviction for treason and charged the government with failing to address the flaws in the military's actions. Zola's bold stance ignited public debate in France about justice, nationalism, and the treatment of Jews.
Continue ReadingKing George I of Greece survives assassination attempt
King George I of Greece faced an assassination attempt while attending a public event in Thessaloniki. The assailant, a Greek national, attempted to shoot the king but missed, leading to his swift apprehension. This incident heightened tensions in Greece, particularly regarding political stability and the safety of the monarchy.
Continue ReadingBorn in 1898 (View all 260)
Carolyn Haywood
An American author and illustrator contributed significantly to children's literature with numerous picture books. Many of the books featured relatable characters and engaging stories that resonated with young readers. A career spanning several decades included creating iconic book series, with one of the most recognized titles being 'Bibs and the Green Monster'. Haywood's illustrations complemented her text, creating a unique fusion that captured the imagination of children. In addition to writing and illustrating, many of her books were inspired by her own childhood experiences, allowing her to connect with audiences on a personal level.
Continue ReadingJames Fitzmaurice
A soldier and pilot, this individual played a significant role in aviation history. In 1926, completed a pioneering transatlantic flight from Newfoundland to Spain as part of an expedition. This achievement contributed to the development of aviation routes between Europe and North America. He served in the military, participating in various missions during his career. His experiences in both the military and aviation highlighted the advancements in flight technology during the early 20th century.
Continue ReadingAl Bowlly
A singer-songwriter active primarily in the 1930s, Bowlly gained popularity in the UK and across Europe. He became a prominent figure in the musical scene of the time, working with various orchestras and bands. His smooth vocal style and romantic ballads resonated with audiences, leading to numerous hit records. Bowlly collaborated with notable bandleaders, including Ray Noble and his orchestra, contributing greatly to the big band and jazz music genres. His signature song, 'Midnight, the Stars and You,' gained renewed attention in the 1980s after being featured in the film 'The Shining.' Bowlly's untimely death in 1941 marked the end of a significant chapter in British music history.
Continue ReadingGracie Fields
Fields was an English actress and singer who gained prominence during the early to mid-20th century. She starred in a number of films, including 'Sing As We Go' and 'Looking on the Bright Side'. Additionally, Fields achieved success in theatrical performances and music, particularly in the genre of music hall. Her talent and charisma made her a beloved figure in entertainment.
Continue ReadingKatharine Burr Blodgett
A physicist and engineer, contributions include the invention of non-reflective glass, which revolutionized optics and improved the quality of scientific instruments. Completed a PhD in Physics at theUniversity of Cambridge, becoming the first woman to earn a PhD in physics in the U.S. Worked at General Electric, where further advancements in thin-film technology occurred. Held multiple patents for various inventions, particularly in the field of surface chemistry.
Continue ReadingMargaret Booth
Born in 1898, a pioneering film editor and producer in the American film industry. Worked extensively with MGM and had a significant role in shaping the editing style of numerous classic films. Contributed to editing iconic movies such as 'The Wizard of Oz', 'Gone with the Wind', and 'The Good Earth'. Served as head of the editing department at MGM for many years, influencing the careers of many other editors and filmmakers. Actively worked in the industry for several decades, celebrated for craftsmanship and dedication to the art of film editing.
Continue ReadingPeople Who Died in 1898 (View all 53)
Lewis Carroll
An English novelist, poet, and mathematician. Best recognized for the literary work 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' published in 1865, which introduced imaginative characters and playful language. Also authored the sequel 'Through the Looking-Glass' in 1871. Contributed to the field of mathematics, particularly in logic and symbolic logic. Worked as a lecturer in mathematics at Christ Church, Oxford.
Continue ReadingCharles Pelham Villiers
A prominent lawyer and politician in England, served as a member of Parliament for over 60 years. Played a significant role in various reforms and legislative initiatives throughout the 19th century. Advocated for social issues and was actively involved in numerous parliamentary debates. His commitment to public service and dedication to legal matters left a lasting mark on the political landscape.
Continue ReadingFélix María Zuloaga
A military leader held the office of interim president of Mexico during a tumultuous period in the country's history. Zuloaga served as a general in the Mexican army and was involved in various military conflicts that shaped the nation's political landscape. His presidency was marked by a lack of constitutional legitimacy, reflecting the struggles for power that characterized 19th century Mexico. Zuloaga's tenure was part of a broader conflict known as the Reform War, highlighting the tensions between liberal and conservative factions within the country. After resigning, continued to influence political and military affairs until death.
Continue ReadingThomas Bracken
Born in Ireland and later settling in New Zealand, contributed significantly to literature and politics. Bracken's poetry often reflected the themes of nationalism and the landscape of New Zealand. He served as a member of the New Zealand Parliament and was a prominent advocate for the cultural identity of the nation. His most celebrated work includes the poem 'God Defend New Zealand', which was later adopted as one of the national anthems. His efforts in journalism helped shape public discourse in 19th-century New Zealand.
Continue ReadingHeungseon Daewongun
Served as regent during the early years of the Joseon dynasty, overseeing significant political and military reforms. Implemented modernization efforts in Korea, aiming to strengthen the nation against foreign influences. Focused on consolidating state power and centralizing authority, which included a crackdown on corrupt officials. Initiated construction projects, including the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Played a key role in foreign affairs, particularly in dealing with Western powers during the late 19th century.
Continue ReadingWilliam Rosecrans
Rosecrans served as a Union general during the American Civil War and later became a politician. He gained recognition for his role in key battles such as the Battle of Stones River and the Tullahoma campaign. After the war, he held the position of a U.S. Congressman representing California. His military strategies and leadership significantly influenced several campaigns, contributing to the Union's efforts.
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