What Happened This Year 1905

Historical Events from This Year 1905

Natural Disasters

Massive Earthquake Strikes Kangra Valley, India

April 4th, 1905 119 years ago

A powerful earthquake struck the Kangra Valley, leading to the deaths of approximately 20,000 individuals. The quake demolished a significant number of structures in Kangra, McLeod Ganj, and Dharamshala, leaving the cities in ruins. The tremor was felt across northern India, but the epicenter was near Kangra, resulting in widespread destruction and a humanitarian crisis. Rescue efforts were complicated by the remote mountainous terrain.

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Politics & Government

Lochner v. New York: Free Contract Rights Affirmed

April 17th, 1905 119 years ago

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court decided in favor of Joseph Lochner, declaring that New York's limits on working hours violated the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The case revolved around a New York law that restricted bakers to a 60-hour work week. Lochner challenged these regulations, arguing for the right to freely contract with employees. The Court's decision articulated a broader interpretation of personal freedoms, emphasizing economic liberty and the right to free contract. This ruling had significant implications for labor laws and individual rights in the United States.

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Education & Academia

Albert Einstein Completes His Doctoral Thesis

April 30th, 1905 119 years ago

Albert Einstein finalized his doctoral thesis titled 'A New Determination of Molecular Dimensions' at the University of Zurich. Through this work, he presented groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of molecular physics and statistical mechanics. The thesis included discussions on the behavior of molecules and the principles of the Brownian motion phenomenon, which would later become pivotal in proving the existence of molecules in physical science. His innovative ideas were influential yet initially met with mixed reactions.

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Crime & Law

First Use of Fingerprint Evidence in Murder Trial

May 5th, 1905 119 years ago

The trial of the Stratton Brothers commenced in London, marking a pivotal moment in criminal justice as it featured the inaugural use of fingerprint evidence to secure a murder conviction. This groundbreaking case involved the circumstantial evidence surrounding the brutal murder of a local man. The introduction of fingerprinting techniques, pioneered by Edward Henry, sought to solve the crime and establish a new standard for forensic evidence in the legal system.

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Economics & Industry

Las Vegas Founded in Nevada

May 15th, 1905 119 years ago

Las Vegas, a city located in Nevada, was founded when a group of land speculators assembled at a site near the Las Vegas Springs. Originally, the area was a watering stop on the way to California, but with the introduction of the railroad in 1905, it became increasingly attractive for settlement. The land transaction during this time marked the beginning of Las Vegas's transformation into a city, paving the way for its future development.

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Politics & Government

Establishment of the Ullah millet for Aromanians

May 22nd, 1905 119 years ago

Abdul Hamid II established the Ullah millet for the Aromanians. This action recognized the unique cultural and religious identity of the Aromanian people within the Ottoman Empire. While this decision was made on May 22, 1905, it was publicly announced on May 23 of the same year, leading to discussions about Aromanian rights and representation within the empire. The establishment of this millet aimed to provide a degree of autonomy and cultural preservation for the Aromanian community.

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Politics & Government

Creation of the Ullah Millet for Aromanians

May 23rd, 1905 119 years ago

Sultan Abdul Hamid II publicly announced the establishment of the Ullah millet, a new administrative entity aimed at recognizing and organizing the Aromanian community within the Ottoman Empire. This announcement followed the formal creation of the millet just one day prior, marking a significant approach to ethnic and religious recognition. The establishment sought to empower the Aromanian community and promote their cultural identity amidst the diverse population of the empire, leading to a unique celebration recognized as Aromanian National Day.

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Military & Warfare

Commencement of the Battle of Tsushima

May 27th, 1905 119 years ago

The Battle of Tsushima was a pivotal naval engagement between the Imperial Japanese Navy and the Imperial Russian Navy. It took place in the Tsushima Strait, occurring during the Russo-Japanese War. The battle commenced on May 27, 1905, and is renowned for its decisive nature, where Japan's fleet, under Admiral Heihachiro Togo, achieved a significant victory against a larger Russian force led by Admiral Zinovy Rozhestvensky. This encounter not only showcased Japan's naval prowess but also altered the course of naval warfare.

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Military & Warfare

Tsushima Victory: Tōgō Heihachirō's Triumph

May 28th, 1905 119 years ago

The Battle of Tsushima marked a decisive naval engagement between the Imperial Japanese Navy, led by Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, and the Russian Baltic Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War. Taking place in the Tsushima Strait, this battle concluded with the near-total destruction of the Russian fleet that had circumnavigated the globe to reach the theater of war. The effectiveness of Japanese tactics, combined with superior training and technology, turned the tide decisively in favor of Japan, establishing it as a formidable military power in Asia.

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