What Happened This Year 1909
Historical Events from This Year 1909
Founding of the NAACP
The NAACP was founded in response to racial violence and injustice. A group of activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells, convened in New York City to address the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans. Their goal was to advocate for equal rights and combat racial prejudice through legal challenges and public protest. This marked a significant step towards civil rights activism in the United States.
Continue ReadingCatastrophic Fire at Flores Theater
The Flores Theater in Acapulco caught fire during a performance, resulting in the loss of approximately 250 lives. The blaze rapidly spread, trapping many patrons inside. Eyewitnesses reported panic and chaos as people attempted to escape from the flames and smoke. Firefighters faced difficulties in controlling the fire due to limited resources and the theater's structure. The tragedy highlighted safety concerns in public venues across the region.
Continue ReadingFuturist Manifesto Published in Le Figaro
The Futurist Manifesto, penned by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, was published in the French journal Le Figaro, marking a pivotal moment in modern art and literature. It proclaimed a break from the past and emphasized themes of speed, technology, and youth. This radical text called artists to embrace the modern age, rejecting traditional aesthetics and glorifying dynamic expression. The manifesto's release captivated artists and intellectuals across Europe, sparking interest in the Futurist movement's energetic ideals and avant-garde style.
Continue ReadingGreat White Fleet Returns to United States
The Great White Fleet, a group of sixteen battleships led by USS Connecticut, returned to the United States after an extensive voyage around the world. The fleet, part of an initiative to showcase American naval power, visited various ports and participated in diplomatic missions during its journey, which lasted over a year and covered approximately 43,000 miles. The return of the fleet was celebrated with great fanfare, symbolizing the United States' growing influence on the global stage.
Continue ReadingFirst Powered Flight in Canada and Empire
The AEA Silver Dart made the first powered flight in Canada and the British Empire at Baddeck, Nova Scotia. Designed by Alexander Graham Bell, the Silver Dart flew for a distance of 800 feet (240 m) and remained airborne for approximately 12 seconds. This remarkable achievement demonstrated the feasibility of powered flight in a country that was still developing its aviation capabilities. Bell, along with several engineers and pilots, gathered in Baddeck to witness this groundbreaking moment in aviation history.
Continue ReadingFirst Public Screening of Kinemacolor
Kinemacolor premiered at the Palace Theatre in London, showcasing the vibrant potential of color in motion pictures. This innovative process used two black-and-white film strips and a rotating filter, effectively introducing audiences to a new visual experience. The film 'A Visit to the Seaside,' directed by George Albert Smith, was among the first to utilize this technology. Its success captivated viewers and paved the way for future advancements in color film.
Continue ReadingTaft's Saxbe Fix Appoints Knox as Secretary of State
William H. Taft used a legal mechanism, known as the Saxbe fix, to navigate around the constitutional restrictions of the Ineligibility Clause. This allowed him to appoint Philander C. Knox as U.S. Secretary of State despite previous service in the Senate. Taft's strategy involved legislating an exception for Knox during his first day in office, facilitating a smooth transition in the cabinet. This moment marked the first significant use of the Saxbe fix in American politics.
Continue ReadingThailand Relinquishes Sovereignty Over Malay States
The Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 resulted in Thailand, known as Siam at the time, formally relinquishing its claims over the Malay states of Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis, and Terengganu, which subsequently became British protectorates. This treaty was signed in Bangkok, where representatives from the British colonial administration negotiated terms to curb Siamese influence in the region while expanding British control. The agreement emphasized peaceful relations and mutual recognition of territory.
Continue ReadingTheodore Roosevelt's African Safari Departure
Theodore Roosevelt sets out for a safari in Africa, a journey funded by the Smithsonian Institution and the National Geographic Society. This expedition aims to explore and document wildlife and habitats, showcasing Roosevelt’s passion for conservation and adventure. His departure marks an intriguing intersection of science, exploration, and the emerging conservation movement of the early 20th century.
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