What Happened This Year 1905

Historical Events from This Year 1905

Politics & Government

Norway Dissolves Union with Sweden

June 7th, 1905 119 years ago

Norway's parliament voted to dissolve the union with Sweden. This decision was later confirmed by a national plebiscite on August 13 of the same year, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of Scandinavia. The union had existed since 1814 but had increasingly become a point of contention among Norwegians, leading to the push for independence and self-governance.

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Military & Warfare

Sailors Mutiny on Russian Battleship Potemkin

June 27th, 1905 119 years ago

A mutiny erupted aboard the Russian battleship Potemkin, initiated by sailors protesting against the poor living conditions and the rotten meat they were served. The incident began when the crew refused to eat the spoiled food and escalated when they rallied against their officers. Led by sailors like Grigory Petrovich Vakulenchuk, the mutineers took control of the ship, resulting in the death of several officers. This uprising was a significant event during the Russo-Japanese War, highlighting the growing unrest within the Russian military.

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Science & Technology

Einstein Publishes Special Relativity Article

June 30th, 1905 119 years ago

Albert Einstein submitted an influential paper titled 'On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies' for publication in the scientific journal Annalen der Physik. This 1905 manuscript introduced the theory of special relativity, revolutionizing the understanding of space and time. Einstein's work challenged the classical Newtonian mechanics and set the groundwork for modern physics. His ideas would later influence countless fields and prompt further developments in theoretical physics.

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Politics & Government

Peace Negotiations in Portsmouth Begin

August 10th, 1905 119 years ago

Negotiations for peace between Russia and Japan commenced in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, aimed at resolving the conflict following the Russo-Japanese War. U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt mediated discussions to help both nations reach an agreement, highlighting his role in global diplomacy. The watchful eyes of the world focused on this pivotal moment, as both sides grappled with the costs of the war and the possibility of a negotiated peace.

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Politics & Government

Norwegians vote for independence from Sweden

August 13th, 1905 119 years ago

The Norwegian referendum on independence took place, where a significant majority of voters chose to dissolve the union with Sweden. This decision stemmed from growing nationalistic sentiments and a desire for greater autonomy. Norwegians expressed their preference for a separate state through a peaceful voting process, held after increasing tensions in political negotiations. The decisive outcome clearly reflected the will of the Norwegian people, affirming their aspirations for full sovereignty. This vote marked a pivotal moment in Norway's pursuit of independence and laid the foundation for its future as an independent nation.

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Politics & Government

Establishment of Tongmenghui in Tokyo

August 20th, 1905 119 years ago

Sun Yat-sen, Song Jiaoren, and other revolutionaries founded the Tongmenghui in Tokyo, Japan, aiming to unify Chinese revolutionary efforts against the Qing dynasty. This organization was pivotal in rallying support for republican ideals and instigating political change in China. The meeting marked a significant step towards Chinese nationalism and the eventual fall of imperial rule in China. The choice of Japan as a base reflected the growing aspirations for modernity and reform among Chinese intellectuals.

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Politics & Government

Treaty of Portsmouth Ends Russo-Japanese War

September 5th, 1905 119 years ago

The Treaty of Portsmouth formally concluded the Russo-Japanese War, a conflict primarily over imperial ambitions in Korea and Manchuria. Negotiated in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, this treaty was significantly mediated by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt, who sought to establish the United States as a major diplomatic power. The negotiations took place over several months and were marked by intense discussion. The treaty resulted in significant territorial gains for Japan and further shifts the balance of power in East Asia. Roosevelt's success in brokering the peace earned him a Nobel Prize for Peace in 1906.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating 7.2 Mw Calabria Earthquake

September 8th, 1905 119 years ago

A major earthquake struck southern Italy, registering a 7.2 magnitude on the moment magnitude scale and reaching an extreme Mercalli intensity of XI. This catastrophic event resulted in significant destruction across the region, with estimates of casualties varying between 557 and 2,500 people. The earthquake's epicenter was located near Calabria, leading to widespread devastation of buildings and infrastructure. This natural disaster prompted an immediate response from local authorities and relief organizations, highlighting the need for improved disaster preparedness in the region.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Ninth Avenue Train Derailment Claims 13 Lives

September 11th, 1905 119 years ago

A train derailment occurred on the Ninth Avenue line in New York City, leading to the deaths of 13 individuals. The incident happened when the train, carrying numerous passengers, failed to negotiate a curve and left the tracks. Investigations revealed mechanical failure as a probable cause, raising concerns over the safety of rail operations in the area, which led to discussions on improving regulations for public transportation.

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