What Happened This Year 1915
Historical Events from This Year 1915
German Government Acquires Phenol for Aspirin
A revelation surfaced in the New York World newspaper regarding the Imperial German government purchasing surplus phenol from inventor Thomas Edison. This phenol, typically utilized in the manufacturing of explosives, was instead redirected to Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, for the production of aspirin. This acquisition highlighted the complexities and ethical dilemmas in wartime commerce.
Continue ReadingGalveston Faces Category 4 Hurricane Assault
A devastating Category 4 hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, with sustained winds reaching 135 miles per hour. The storm created massive destruction across the coastal city, resulting in severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses. Residents sought refuge as the tempest overwhelmed the area. The hurricane’s intense winds and flooding led to significant loss and disruptions.
Continue ReadingLeo Frank Lynched by a Mob in Georgia
Leo Frank, a Jewish American factory manager, was lynched by a mob in Marietta, Georgia, after his death sentence for the murder of Mary Phagan was commuted by Governor John Slaton. The case garnered national attention due to its ethnic and racial undertones and highlighted issues of anti-Semitism in the United States at the time.
Continue ReadingAssassination Attempt on Bishop Patrick Heffron
Rev. Louis M. Lesches attempted to assassinate Bishop Patrick Heffron of the Diocese of Winona in Minnesota, driven by personal grievances against the church hierarchy. The attack took place during a meeting at the bishop's residence, where Lesches confronted Heffron and presented a firearm. Quick action from attendees prevented a tragedy, leading to Lesches' arrest. The motives behind the attempted assassination revolved around unresolved conflicts between Lesches and church authorities.
Continue ReadingUS Navy Salvage of First Submarine F-4
US Navy salvage divers successfully raised the F-4, the first U.S. submarine lost in an accident. This recovery took place in Hawaiian waters, marking a significant achievement in naval salvage operations. The F-4 sank due to a design flaw, prompting extensive investigation and motivation for enhanced submarine safety standards in future submarine designs.
Continue ReadingZimmerwald Conference Advocates Peace
The Zimmerwald Conference, a significant gathering of anti-war socialists, convened in Switzerland to discuss opposition to World War I. The meeting attracted notable figures like Leon Trotsky and Rosa Luxemburg, who aimed to promote peace and solidarity among workers. Delegates from various countries expressed their discontent with the war and the need for a unified front against militarism. The conference also addressed challenges of maintaining revolutionary perspective amid the conflict, marking a pivotal moment for international socialism and anti-war movements.
Continue ReadingFirst Test Drive of Tank Prototype
William Foster & Co. completed the first tank prototype for the British Army and conducted its first test drive. This innovative vehicle was designed to navigate the challenging conditions of trench warfare, showcasing military ingenuity during World War I. The prototype, named 'Little Willie', represented a new approach to combat and engineering, aiming to overcome entrenched enemy positions. The test drive marked a significant step toward mechanized warfare and contributed to the evolution of armored vehicles in military strategies.
Continue ReadingFrench Soldiers Aid Armenian Survivors
On September 12, 1915, French soldiers successfully rescued over 4,000 Armenian genocide survivors stranded on Musa Dagh in Ottoman Turkey. The survivors had taken refuge in the mountains as they faced deportation and extermination during the Armenian Genocide. The French naval and military intervention not only provided much-needed aid but also evacuated these individuals to safety, marking a significant humanitarian effort amid widespread violence and persecution.
Continue ReadingEstablishment of New Youth Magazine in Shanghai
Chen Duxiu founded the influential magazine New Youth in Shanghai. It aimed to promote new cultural and intellectual ideas that would rejuvenate Chinese society. The publication was pivotal in advocating for democratic and scientific thought, providing a platform for progressive writers and thinkers. Launched amidst a backdrop of social upheaval, New Youth became a vehicle for reformist ideas and modern Chinese nationalism, marking its significance in the New Culture Movement.
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