What Happened This Year 1915

Historical Events from This Year 1915

Health & Medicine

Typhoid Mary Quarantined for Life

March 27th, 1915 109 years ago

Mary Mallon, known as Typhoid Mary, was quarantined for the second time due to her status as a healthy carrier of typhoid fever. Authorities sought to control the spread of the disease she unknowingly transmitted to others through her cooking. This time, Mary would remain in isolation for the rest of her life, highlighting the challenges in public health and the stigma faced by carriers of infectious diseases.

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Military & Warfare

Roland Garros Glides to German Landing

April 18th, 1915 109 years ago

French pilot Roland Garros was shot down over enemy lines during World War I. Despite being severely damaged, he managed to glide his aircraft to a controlled landing on the German side. This event highlighted the intense aerial combat that characterized the Great War and showcased Garros's exceptional piloting skills.

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Military & Warfare

Chlorine Gas Used in Second Battle of Ypres

April 22nd, 1915 109 years ago

Chlorine gas was utilized as a weapon during the Second Battle of Ypres, marking a significant point in warfare. On April 22, 1915, German forces released chlorine gas against Allied troops, causing panic and significant casualties. This was the first large-scale use of poison gas in war, altering combat tactics and raising ethical questions surrounding chemical weapons. The battle took place near Ypres in Belgium, where the use of such gases changed the nature of warfare permanently.

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Politics & Government

Arrest of Armenian Leaders in Istanbul

April 24th, 1915 109 years ago

On this day, a significant operation began involving the arrest of 250 Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Istanbul, marking a pivotal moment in the Armenian community's tumultuous history in the Ottoman Empire. The arrests were executed under the guise of a crackdown on suspected subversion, but the intention was widely understood as an effort to suppress the Armenian population amid rising tensions during World War I. These detentions aimed to dismantle the leadership of the Armenian community, promoting a climate of fear and uncertainty, leading to more extensive acts of violence and deportation against the Armenians.

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Military & Warfare

British and Allies Land at Gallipoli Peninsula

April 25th, 1915 109 years ago

The Gallipoli Campaign commenced with Allied forces landing on the Turkish Gallipoli Peninsula. Troops from Britain, France, India, and various dominions, including Australia and New Zealand, executed amphibious assaults at Anzac Cove and Cape Helles. The goal was to open a new front in World War I, weaken the Ottoman Empire, and secure a sea route to Russia. The strategic importance of the Dardanelles made it a target for Allied forces seeking to support their Eastern front operations.

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Politics & Government

Italy Joins Allies via Treaty of London

April 26th, 1915 109 years ago

Italy secretly signed the Treaty of London, committing to join the Allied Powers during World War I. This agreement, negotiated largely between Italian foreign minister Sidney Sonnino and representatives from the United Kingdom, France, and Russia, offered Italy territorial gains and other incentives in exchange for military support against the Central Powers. The treaty aligned Italy with nations like the United Kingdom and France, marking a significant shift in its wartime strategy.

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Military & Warfare

Final Voyage of RMS Lusitania Begins

May 1st, 1915 109 years ago

RMS Lusitania departed from New York City on her 202nd and final crossing of the North Atlantic. This luxurious British ocean liner was known for speed and comfort, catering to affluent travelers. During the voyage, it carried numerous prominent figures, including American citizens. The ship was on course for Liverpool when it encountered peril six days later, as it was struck by a German U-Boat torpedo off the coast of Ireland. The attack led to the rapid sinking of the ship, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,198 lives.

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Exploration & Discovery

SY Aurora Adrift During Gale in Antarctica

May 6th, 1915 109 years ago

The SY Aurora, part of the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, broke loose from its moorings in a strong gale while anchored in Antarctica. This incident led to a prolonged ordeal of 312 days for the crew, who faced harsh conditions and isolation. The expedition aimed to cross Antarctica from sea to sea, a feat that garnered significant attention and challenges during its execution.

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Sports & Recreation

Babe Ruth Hits His First Major League Home Run

May 6th, 1915 109 years ago

Babe Ruth, a young pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, hit his first major league home run in a game against the New York Yankees. This moment marked a significant milestone in Ruth's career, as he transitioned from being primarily a pitcher to becoming one of baseball's most legendary sluggers. The home run was a powerful hit that resonated throughout the stadium and symbolized Ruth's emerging prowess as a hitter, setting the stage for his future success and challenging conventional perceptions of pitchers in the sport.

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