What Happened This Year 1914

Historical Events from This Year 1914

Military & Warfare

HMS Bulwark's Catastrophic Internal Explosion

November 26th, 1914 110 years ago

HMS Bulwark was anchored near Sheerness when a catastrophic internal explosion occurred, resulting in the loss of 741 crew members aboard. The explosion was one of the deadliest maritime disasters in British naval history, shocking the nation and leading to investigations that highlighted safety and operational protocol concerns within the Royal Navy. The ship sank rapidly, with debris scattering across a wide area, and the incident raised urgent questions about naval engineering practices and ship design during World War I.

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Economics & Industry

New York Stock Exchange Reopens for Bond Trading

November 28th, 1914 110 years ago

After a lengthy closure caused by the onset of World War I, the New York Stock Exchange reopened its doors to bond trading, signaling a significant moment in the financial history of the United States. This reopening revealed a shift in economic focus amidst global conflict, highlighting the critical role of bonds in financing war efforts. The exchange, due to its importance in the financial ecosystem, was eager to resume operations to facilitate the nation's financial stability during tumultuous times.

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Exploration & Discovery

Beginning of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition

December 5th, 1914 110 years ago

Led by Ernest Shackleton, the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition aimed to traverse Antarctica from one coastline to another. The expedition set sail from London aboard the HMS Endurance, with a team of skilled men ready to pioneer a route across the uncharted icy terrain. Their mission was to establish a land crossing of Antarctica, marking a significant challenge in the era of exploration. Their journey would soon reveal the harsh realities of polar conditions, resulting in unforeseen trials.

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Military & Warfare

Royal Navy Defeats German Squadron at Falklands

December 8th, 1914 110 years ago

In the South Atlantic, Britain's Royal Navy decisively defeated the Imperial German East Asia Squadron at the Battle of the Falkland Islands. The confrontation was spurred by the Germans' raid on the British colony of Port Stanley, which led to a counterattack orchestrated by Vice Admiral Doveton Sturdee. The British fleet comprised several ships, including HMS Invincible and HMS Inflexible, and managed to sink multiple enemy vessels, showcasing naval supremacy.

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Politics & Government

Founding of the Democratic Progressive Party

December 14th, 1914 110 years ago

Lisandro de la Torre, along with other political leaders, established the Democratic Progressive Party in Buenos Aires to promote progressive political ideals. Convened at the Hotel Savoy, the meeting aimed to present an alternative to the traditional political landscape, emphasizing social justice and democratic reforms, amidst growing social concerns.

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Military & Warfare

Serbian Army's Strategic Victory in Belgrade

December 15th, 1914 110 years ago

The Serbian Army successfully recaptured Belgrade from the Austro-Hungarian forces in December 1914, marking a significant milestone in the Balkan front during World War I. This victory was crucial for Serbia, as it restored control over its capital and boosted morale in the face of overwhelming odds. The Serbian troops capitalized on a series of coordinated attacks, demonstrating resilience against the larger, better-equipped Austro-Hungarian Army. The battle was characterized by intense urban combat, showcasing the soldiers' determination to protect their homeland.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Catastrophic Gas Explosion at Mitsubishi Mine

December 15th, 1914 110 years ago

A gas explosion occurred at the Mitsubishi Hōjō coal mine in Kyushu, Japan, resulting in the deaths of 687 miners. The explosion was likely caused by a combination of poor ventilation and a buildup of methane gas. Rescue efforts were hampered by the severity of the explosion and the hazardous conditions underground. The event marked one of the deadliest mining disasters in Japan's history.

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Military & Warfare

Franz von Hipper's Naval Raid on British Ports

December 16th, 1914 110 years ago

Admiral Franz von Hipper led a naval raid targeting Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby. The German forces bombarded these coastal towns, causing civilian casualties and damage to structures. This operation aimed to assert German naval power and retaliate against British blockades. The attack highlighted the vulnerabilities of British coastal defenses during the early phase of World War I.

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Military & Warfare

Sarikamish Friendly Fire Incident in WWI

December 23rd, 1914 110 years ago

During the Battle of Sarikamish, Ottoman troops mistakenly engaged one another, leading to a catastrophic friendly fire incident that resulted in the deaths of approximately 2,000 soldiers. The confusion arose during combat operations against the Russian Empire, where poor visibility and miscommunication among the ranks played significant roles. This tragic incident not only weakened the Ottoman military presence but also highlighted the consequences of inadequate reconnaissance and coordination during a major conflict.

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