What Happened This Year 1898

Historical Events from This Year 1898

Politics & Government

Creation of Greater New York with Five Boroughs

January 1st, 1898 127 years ago

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.

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Politics & Government

Zola's J'accuse…! Challenges Dreyfus Case

January 13th, 1898 127 years ago

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.

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Politics & Government

Émile Zola's Libel Trial Over J'Accuse!

February 7th, 1898 127 years ago

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.

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Military & Warfare

USS Maine Explodes in Havana Harbor

February 15th, 1898 127 years ago

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.

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Politics & Government

Émile Zola's Imprisonment for Dreyfus Affair

February 23rd, 1898 127 years ago

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.

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Politics & Government

King George I of Greece survives assassination attempt

February 27th, 1898 127 years ago

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.

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Politics & Government

Adoption of Australian Constitution by Colonies

March 16th, 1898 126 years ago

Representatives from five Australian colonies convened in Melbourne to adopt a constitution that would lay the groundwork for the Commonwealth of Australia. This significant constitutional framework aimed to unify the colonies and establish a federated nation, marking a pivotal shift in governance and identity for the region.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Declares War on Spain

April 20th, 1898 126 years ago

William McKinley signed a joint resolution to Congress, approving a declaration of war against Spain. This act was fueled by rising tensions over Spain's rule in Cuba, where a humanitarian crisis was occurring, alongside the mysterious explosion of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor. The resolution tailored to the public sentiment rapidly united Congress and the American people in favor of war.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Navy Blockades Cuban Ports Amid Tensions

April 21st, 1898 126 years ago

In response to escalating tensions with Spain, the United States Navy initiated a blockade of Cuban ports, aiming to restrict Spanish naval and supply access. This military maneuver came after the U.S. Congress declared that a state of war existed following Spain's oppressive actions in Cuba. By deploying ships along the Cuban coastline, the U.S. sought to support the Cuban struggle for independence while demonstrating its naval power. This strategic blockade marked a turning point in U.S.-Spanish relations, setting the stage for open conflict.

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