What Happened This Year 1898
Historical Events from This Year 1898
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 ReadingAdoption of Australian Constitution by Colonies
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.
Continue ReadingU.S. Declares War on Spain
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.
Continue ReadingU.S. Navy Blockades Cuban Ports Amid Tensions
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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