The Occupation of the Ruhr was a period of economic and political tension between Germany and France and Belgium that took place from January 11, 1923, to August 25, 1925. It occurred when French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr region in Germany to enforce the payment of reparations outlined in the Treaty of Versailles following World War I. The occupation led to a passive resistance campaign by the German people and had significant consequences for the German economy and international relations.
Treaty of Versailles: The Treaty of Versailles, signed on June 28, 1919, imposed strict reparations on Germany due to its role in World War I. The treaty required Germany to make annual payments to the Allies, which Germany struggled to fulfill.
Occupation: Due to Germany’s inability to meet the reparations payments, French and Belgian troops occupied the Ruhr region, one of Germany’s most industrialized areas, on January 11, 1923. They aimed to extract resources and raw materials as compensation.
Passive Resistance: The German government and its people responded to the occupation with passive resistance, including strikes and the refusal to cooperate with the occupiers. This resistance led to the collapse of the German economy, as industrial production came to a standstill.
Hyperinflation: The German government resorted to printing money to pay the striking workers and support the passive resistance campaign. This action caused hyperinflation, with the value of the German currency plummeting drastically, leading to widespread economic turmoil.
Dawes Plan: In response to the crisis, the Dawes Plan was proposed in 1924 by American banker Charles G. Dawes. The plan provided for restructuring German reparations payments and facilitated American loans to Germany to help stabilize the economy.
Occupation Ends: The French and Belgian troops withdrew from the Ruhr region on August 25, 1925, as a result of the implementation of the Dawes Plan and the subsequent improvement in Germany’s economic situation.
Effects on Pop Culture: The Occupation of the Ruhr and the ensuing economic crisis left a lasting impact on German society and culture. The instability of the period contributed to the rise of extremism in Germany, eventually leading to the emergence of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party.
Prominent People and Countries: Key figures involved in the Occupation of the Ruhr include French Prime Minister Raymond Poincaré, who ordered the occupation, and German Chancellor Wilhelm Cuno, who supported passive resistance. The main countries involved were Germany, France, and Belgium.
The Occupation of the Ruhr from 1923 to 1925 was a period of tension between Germany, France, and Belgium as French and Belgian troops occupied the German region to enforce reparations payments. The German people responded with passive resistance, leading to economic collapse and hyperinflation. The Dawes Plan partially resolved the crisis, and the occupation ended in 1925. The period significantly impacted German society, politics, and culture, contributing to the rise of extremism in the country.
The Rosewood Massacre was a horrific episode of racial violence in the United States in the small, predominantly African-American town of Rosewood, Florida. The massacre occurred in January 1923 and resulted in several black residents’ deaths and the entire town’s destruction. The incident had long-lasting effects on the survivors and their descendants and has significantly impacted pop culture and the public’s understanding of racial violence in the United States.
Initial Incident: The Rosewood Massacre was sparked by a false accusation on January 1, 1923. A white woman named Fannie Taylor from the nearby town of Sumner claimed that a black man had assaulted her. Taylor had been involved in a domestic dispute with her white lover.
Mob Violence: Fueled by Taylor’s false accusation and racial tensions, a white mob descended on Rosewood, seeking vengeance. Over the next week, the mob brutally attacked, tortured, and killed several black residents, including women and children. The exact number of deaths remains unknown, but estimates range from six to more than 40.
Destruction of Rosewood: By January 7, 1923, the white mob had burned down virtually every structure in Rosewood, effectively erasing the town from the map. Most surviving residents were forced to flee, never to return to their homes.
Aftermath and Legacy: For decades, the Rosewood Massacre was kept quiet by the survivors who feared reprisals and local white residents who sought to avoid public scrutiny. It was not until the early 1980s that the incident received widespread attention. In 1994, the Florida Legislature passed a bill to compensate the survivors and their descendants, acknowledging the state’s failure to protect Rosewood’s residents.
Impact on Pop Culture: The Rosewood Massacre has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and a 1997 “Rosewood” feature film directed by John Singleton. The incident has also been referenced in various songs, television shows, and other forms of popular culture, serving as a stark reminder of the horrors of racial violence in American history.
In summary, the Rosewood Massacre was a tragic and brutal episode of racial violence that resulted in the destruction of a predominantly African-American town and the deaths of several residents. The incident, sparked by a false accusation in 1923, has impacted the survivors, their descendants, and the public’s understanding of racial violence in the United States. The story of Rosewood has been told and retold in various forms of media, ensuring that this dark chapter in American history is not forgotten.
Formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR)
The formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a monumental event in world history that marked the establishment of the world’s first communist state. Over four decades, the USSR became a global superpower with significant influence on international relations, politics, and pop culture. The Soviet Union’s impact is still felt today, even after its dissolution in 1991.
Bolshevik Revolution: The seeds of the USSR were sown during the Bolshevik Revolution of October 1917 (Julian Calendar) or November 1917 (Gregorian Calendar). Led by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolshevik Party, the revolution resulted in overthrowing the Russian Provisional Government and the eventual end of the Russian Empire.
Russian Civil War: The Bolshevik Revolution ignited a brutal civil war from 1918 to 1922. The conflict pitted the Red Army, loyal to the Bolshevik government, against the anti-communist White Army. The war resulted in millions of casualties and widespread devastation, but the Bolsheviks emerged victorious.
Establishment of the USSR: On December 30, 1922, the USSR was officially established, incorporating Russia and several neighboring Soviet republics, including Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasia (later divided into Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan). The new state was governed by the Communist Party, with Moscow as its capital.
Stalin’s Rise to Power: Following Lenin’s death in 1924, Joseph Stalin emerged as the leader of the Soviet Union. Stalin’s rule was marked by rapid industrialization, forced collectivization of agriculture, and brutal repression of political dissent.
Effects on Pop Culture: The USSR significantly impacted global pop culture. Soviet cinema, literature, and art were often state-sponsored and used as propaganda tools. However, many talented artists and writers emerged from this period, including filmmakers Sergei Eisenstein and Andrei Tarkovsky, composer Dmitri Shostakovich, and writers Boris Pasternak and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn.
Cold War: The USSR played a central role in the Cold War (1947-1991), a period of heightened tension and rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. The Cold War profoundly impacted global politics, economics, and culture and led to a nuclear arms race and numerous proxy wars.
Dissolution: The USSR was dissolved on December 26, 1991, following economic decline and political upheaval. The dissolution resulted in the emergence of 15 independent nations, including Russia, which became the successor state to the Soviet Union.
In summary, the formation of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1922 marked the beginning of a new era in world history. The Soviet Union played a major role in global politics, economics, and culture for much of the 20th century. While the USSR no longer exists, its legacy is still felt today through its political and cultural impact on the world.
Mussolini and the Fascist Party came to power in Italy.
Mohandas Gandhi was arrested, tried for sedition, and sentenced to six years’ imprisonment.
America’s first aircraft carrier, The USS Langley, was commissioned.
Influential Musical Artists include Fats Waller, Fanny Brice, Al Jolson, Marion Harris, and Ethel Waters.
The 2-month-long Railway Shopmen’s Strike of 1922 began, affecting 400,000 workers.
The Movies to Watch include Nosferatu, Dr. Mabuse: The Gambler, Foolish Wives, and Nanook of the North.
The Most Famous Person in America was probably Babe Ruth
The Rose Bowl Stadium officially opened in Pasadena, California.
Coca-Cola’s first polar bear print advertisement appeared in France in 1922.
Price of 24 Dr. Swift’s Root Beer, 8 oz in 1922: $2.25
The Funny Guy was Harold Lloyd
The (Modern) Conversation: Betty White is older than sliced bread. Betty White was born in 1922, and sliced bread was introduced in 1928.
Top Ten Baby Names of 1922
Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Margaret, Ruth, Betty, Virginia, Mildred, Elizabeth John, Robert, William, James, Charles, George, Joseph, Edward, Richard, Frank
US Life Expectancy
(1922) Males: 58.4 years, Females: 61.0 years
The Stars
Theda Bara, Marion Davies, Pola Negri, Mary Pickford
Miss America
Mary Katherine Campbell (Columbus, Ohio)
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
Gummy Bears were created in Germany.
Walgreens introduced the malted milkshake in 1922.
Jack Johnson, the first Black heavyweight boxing champion, patented a wrench (U.S. patent #1,413,121) on April 18, 1922.
Lincoln Memorial was dedicated.
The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) was established.
The first-ever 3D movie was The Power Of Love, a silent film released in 1922. It was also the first film to have an alternative ending, and the viewer could choose between the happy and sad endings (both shot in 2D) by closing one eye or the other. No copies exist
The Caterpillar Club is an association of people who have successfully used a parachute to bail out a disabled aircraft. “Life depends on a silken thread” is the club’s motto.
The term The Jazz Age was coined by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1922, the same year that the Great Gatsby is based.
Christian K. Nelson patented the Eskimo Pie ice cream treat.
In the 1897 novel by Bram Stoker, sunlight isn’t fatal to Dracula but only drains most of his powers. It wasn’t until the 1922 film Nosferatu that sunlight was first depicted as deadly to vampires.
The first recorded use of periwinkle as an (English) color name.
The first woman to serve in the US Senate was Rebecca Latimer Felton in 1922. She was 87 and served for only one day. She championed prison reform, women’s rights, and education. She was the last member of Congress to have owned slaves.
Readers Digest and Ring Magazine began publication.
When Vegemite was invented in 1922, it almost failed as a product. By 1940, it was so central to the Aussie diet that it became mandatory in their WWII military rations.
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 influenced the Art Deco design style and repopularized the use of eyeliner in the West.
The Bureau of Public Roads commissioned Gen. John J. Pershing to make a map for construction purposes and to highlight which roads in the U.S. were the most important in the event of war. The “Pershing Map” was the first official topographic road map of the United States.
The Biggest Pop Artists of 1922 include
Elsie Baker, Nora Bayes, The Benson Orchestra of Chicago, Fanny Brice, Henry Burr, Eddie Cantor, Zez Confrey & His Orchestra, Edwin Dale, Vernon Dalhart, Al Jolson, Ernest Hare, Mariona Harris, Charles Harrison, Billy Jones, Isham Jones & His Orchestra, Ted Lewis and His Band, Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra, Ray Miller and His Orchestra, Lucy Isabelle Marsh, Billy Murray, The Peerless Quartet, Joseph C. Smith’s Orchestra, Aileen Stanley, John Steel, Van & Schenck, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, Bert Williams
Film director Hal Roach released the first of many ‘short’ features called Our Gang. Considered racist by many today, it was groundbreaking to include black and white children playing together in 1922. In 1955, the series of shorts was renamed Little Rascals for television.
The Straw Hat Riot of 1922 was an eight-day riot in New York City over men wearing straw hats past the unofficial date deemed socially acceptable, September 15th.
Hottest day and place ever recorded on Earth: September 13, 1922 – 136 degrees in El Aziza, Libia. (or was it?)
Although lead paint was recognized as toxic as early as 1897 and banned by the League of Nations in 1922, the US did not ban lead paint until 1971.
Nanook of the North, the first commercially successful feature-length documentary film, was released on June 11.
There was an all-Native American NFL team from 1922-1923 called the Oorang Indians, based out of Ohio.
All telephone service in the US and Canada was silenced for one minute on August 4, 1922, to mark the funeral of Alexander Graham Bell.
While incarcerated in Leavenworth, Jack Johnson, the first black world champion heavyweight boxer, modified a wrench for tightening loosened fastening devices and received a patent for his improvements on April 18, 1922 (Patent #1,413,121)
There are no grizzly bears in California, and there haven’t been since 1922, despite one being on the state flag.
On May 30, 1922, the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs traded two players (Max Flack and Cliff Heathcote)between doubleheader games. Both players played for each team that day.
The US Postmaster General declared all houses had to have mailboxes or forgo mail delivery.
On August 25, 1922, the highest-scoring game in Major League history occurred: the Chicago Cubs defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 26–23, a total of 49 runs.
Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter discovered the tomb of Pharoah Tutankhamun, better known as King Tut.
Briggs & Stratton Flyer was the least expensive car ever manufactured, selling for about $125 in 1922.
Charles Osborne had hiccups for 68 years, from 1922 to 1990, and was entered in the Guinness World Records as the man with the longest attack of hiccups, an estimated 430 million hiccups.
Wimbledon Center Court was completed.
The highest-scoring baseball game was 49 runs when the Chicago Cubs beat the Phillies 26 to 23 on August 25th.
The Bureau of Public Roads commissioned US General John J. Pershing to make a map to highlight which roads in the U.S. were the most important in the event of war. The “Pershing Map” was the first official topographic road map of the United States.
One hundred twelve people died during the Hoover Dam project. The first was J. G. Tierney, a surveyor who drowned on December 20, 1922. His son, Patrick W. Tierney, was the last man to die working on the dam, 13 years later.
In Chicago, the Herrin Massacre occurred in June 1922 in Herrin, Illinois. 19 ‘scabs’ and two union miners (Jordie Henderson and Joe Pitkewicius) were killed in mob action between June 21-22, 1922. #scabsgetslabs
The Cure
Scientists went to a Toronto General Hospital’s children’s diabetes ward with comatose children, dying from diabetic ketoacidosis. They went from bed to bed, injecting the kids with a new extract, insulin. The children woke up within minutes.
The Reward
When Niels Bohr won the Nobel Prize, Carlsberg Brewery gave him a house. The house was located next to the brewery, and it had a direct pipeline to the brewery so that Bohr had free beer on tap whenever he wanted. They injected the last unconscious child, and the first children injected began to awaken.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Niels Henrik David Bohr Chemistry – Francis William Aston Physiology or Medicine – Archibald Vivian Hill, Otto Fritz Meyerhof Literature – Jacinto Benavente Peace – Fridtjof Nansen
Broadway Show
Abie’s Irish Rose (Play) Opened on May 23, 1922, and closed on October 1, 1927
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1922
Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis The Breaking Point by Mary Roberts Rinehart Gentle Julia by Booth Tarkington The Head of the House of Coombe by Frances Hodgson Burnett Helen of the Old House by Harold Bell Wright If Winter Comes by A. S. M. Hutchinson Maria Chapdelaine by Louis Hémon The Sheik by Edith M. Hull Simon Called Peter by Robert Keable This Freedom by A. S. M. Hutchinson To the Last Man by Zane Grey
Sports
World Series Champions: New York Giants Stanley Cup Champs: Toronto St. Pats U.S. Open Golf: Gene Sarazan U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): William (Bill) T. Tilden/Molla B. Mallory Wimbledon (Men/Women): Gerald Patterson/Suzanne Lenglen NCAA Football Champions: California & Cornell & Princeton Kentucky Derby Winner: Morvich Boston Marathon Winner: Clarence DeMar Time: 2:18:10
The formation of the Irish Free State marked a significant milestone in Ireland’s quest for self-governance and independence from the United Kingdom. Established on December 6, 1922, the Irish Free State resulted from the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which ended the Irish War of Independence. The Free State laid the groundwork for modern-day Ireland and played a crucial role in shaping the country’s political, cultural, and social landscape.
Easter Rising: The 1916 Easter Rising was a key event leading to the formation of the Irish Free State. Irish Republicans staged an armed insurrection against British rule to establish an independent Irish Republic. Though the uprising was suppressed, it became a rallying point for Irish nationalists.
Irish War of Independence: The war lasted from 1919 to 1921, fought between the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and British forces. The IRA, led by prominent figures like Michael Collins, used guerrilla tactics against British forces and the Royal Irish Constabulary. The war fueled popular support for Irish independence.
Anglo-Irish Treaty: Signed on December 6, 1921, the treaty ended the Irish War of Independence. It provided for the establishment of the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. A team of Irish representatives, including Michael Collins and Arthur Griffith, and British government officials negotiated the treaty.
Irish Civil War: The Anglo-Irish Treaty proved divisive among Irish nationalists. Pro-Treaty supporters saw it as a significant step towards full independence, while anti-Treaty Republicans considered it a betrayal of the Irish Republic. The disagreement led to the Irish Civil War lasted from 1922 to 1923. The pro-Treaty forces emerged victorious, solidifying the Irish Free State’s establishment.
Constitution of the Irish Free State: Enacted on December 6, 1922, the constitution provided a bicameral parliament, an executive council headed by a president, and a governor-general representing the British monarch. It established the Free State as a constitutional monarchy with the British monarch as head of state.
Cultural Impact: The Irish Free State sought to foster a distinct Irish identity, promoting the Irish language and cultural heritage. The state established institutions like the national radio broadcaster, Radio Éireann, and the Abbey Theatre, which played crucial roles in shaping Irish culture.
The formation of the Irish Free State in 1922 marked a significant step towards Irish self-governance and independence. The Free State resulted from the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which ended the Irish War of Independence and was followed by the Irish Civil War. The establishment of the Free State laid the foundation for modern-day Ireland and played an essential role in shaping the country’s political, cultural, and social landscape.
The British Mandate for Palestine was a League of Nations mandate granted to the United Kingdom to administer the territory of Palestine, including modern-day Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, following the end of World War I and the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The mandate lasted from 1922 to 1948 and played a significant role in shaping the region’s political, cultural, and social landscape. The mandate period saw the rise of the Zionist movement, Arab nationalist sentiments, and the eventual establishment of the State of Israel.
Balfour Declaration: In 1917, during World War I, British Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour issued a statement known as the Balfour Declaration, expressing British support for establishing a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. The declaration was a crucial milestone in the Zionist movement and contributed to Jewish immigration to the region during the mandate period.
League of Nations: On July 24, 1922, the League of Nations granted the British Mandate for Palestine, formalizing British control over the region. The mandate included provisions for both the establishment of a Jewish national home and the protection of the rights of non-Jewish communities.
Jewish Immigration and Settlement: During the mandate period, Jewish immigration to Palestine increased significantly, driven by the Zionist movement and the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. Jewish settlers established agricultural settlements, urban centers, and various cultural and educational institutions, laying the foundation for the future State of Israel.
Arab Nationalism: The mandate period also saw the rise of Arab nationalist sentiments and opposition to both British rule and Zionist settlement. Arab leaders called for greater autonomy, ending Jewish immigration, and establishing an independent Arab state in Palestine.
Arab Revolts and Jewish Resistance: The 1930s witnessed a series of Arab revolts against British rule and Zionist settlement. In response, the British administration implemented a series of policies to curb Jewish immigration and land purchases. Jewish resistance groups also emerged, targeting both British and Arab targets.
United Nations Partition Plan: In 1947, as the situation in Palestine deteriorated, the United Nations proposed a partition plan to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with an international administration for Jerusalem. The Jewish leadership accepted the plan but rejected by the Arab states and Palestinian leaders.
End of the Mandate and Establishment of Israel: The British Mandate for Palestine officially ended on May 14, 1948. On the same day, the Jewish leadership declared the establishment of the State of Israel. The declaration sparked the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which resulted in Israel’s victory and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs.
In summary, the British Mandate for Palestine was a critical period in the history of the region, characterized by the rise of the Zionist movement, Arab nationalist sentiments, and the eventual establishment of the State of Israel. The mandate period saw significant Jewish immigration and settlement, as well as Arab opposition to both British rule and Zionist activities. The end of the mandate and the declaration of the State of Israel led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and the displacement of many Palestinian Arabs, setting the stage for the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Carl Fenton I’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise Written by George and Ira Gershwin and premiered in the musical The George White Scandals. Described by a critic in 1922 as”The most perfect piece of jazz ever written.” The song was also used in the 1951 MGM musical “An American in Paris.”
Club Royal led by saxophonist Clyde Doerr The Sheik (Also known as the Sheik of Araby.) This piece of music was inspired by the 1921 film The Sheik starring Rudolph Valentino. Clyde Doerr was a friend of Paul Whiteman. Whiteman secured a contract for Doerr to record for Victor Records. The first recording that Doerr made was The Sheik, and it was so successful that Whiteman severed all contact with Doerr out of resentment.
Fanny Brice Second Hand Rose This song was featured as the piece Brice used to audition for Florenz Ziegfeld in the Film Funny Girl. The piece would appear again on the charts at number 32 in 1965 on the Barbra Streisand album, My name is Barbra. The album would go to number two and would go platinum.
Fats Waller Waller was the son of a lay preacher. His father wanted him to pursue a religious vocation, but his talent for music took him in another direction.
His professional career began at the age of 15 when he became the organist at the Lincoln Theater on 135th St. There is some evidence to suggest that Waller studied as a pianist under Leopold Gadowski and composition with Carl Bohm at the Julliard School. Waller was best known for his popular songs, but while in Britain on his 1939 European tour, he recorded his London Suite. This suite shows his aspirations to become a serious composer.
Fats Waller died too soon, in 1943, of too much alcohol and hard living. His legacy is the music he left behind.
T’Aint Nobody’s Business If I Do Written and Performed by Fats Waller. The 1970’s musical Ain’t Misbehavin, was named after a Fats Waller song. Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I do was performed by Nell Carter in the show. Carter would later star in the 1980s situation comedy Gimme a Break.
Henry Burr My Buddy Music by Walter Donaldson and Lyrics by Gus Kahn, the song was published in 1922. The cover for the sheet music featured a picture of Al Jolson. The song has been recorded by many artists including, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Barbara Streisand and Barry White.
Lambert Murphy I Dream Of Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair The song was written by composer Stephen Foster. Foster composed this piece during a time that he was separated from his wife, whose name was Jenny, for an extended period of time. It is considered today as one of Foster’s finest compositions. However, when the song was introduced in 1854 it received little attention.
Marion Harris I’m Just Wild About Harry Written by Eubie Blake, (music) and Noble Sissle, (lyrics), for the all-black musical Shuffle Along. This was the first all-black musical that was also completely written and composed by blacks. The song was also used in Harry Truman’s 1948 campaign song.
Paul Whiteman Whiteman started his career in Denver playing the Viola in The Denver Symphony Orchestra in 1907. By 1914 he had moved to San Francisco. During World War I, he led a 40 piece Navy band, playing marches by day and show tunes at night.
In 1918, Whiteman organized a dance band in San Francisco. Not long after he moved to New Jersey and finally settled in New York in 1920. He soon became the best known American band leader especially with his recordings of Whispering and Japanese Sandman.
For his first extended concert tour in the United States, he commissioned George Gershwin to write Rhapsody in Blue.
From 1928 to 1952 Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra was featured on many network radio shows. They also took part in several films starting in 1930 with King of Jazz. The orchestra provided music for six Broadway shows and produced more than 600 phonograph records. Later Whiteman would work as music director for ABC. He died in 1967.
Whiteman’s musical memorabilia including his large library of more than 3000 arrangements was bequeathed to Williams College in Williamstown MA. The memorabilia and sheet music now form The Whiteman Collection.
Three O’Clock In The Morning Recorded by Whiteman is 1922 it lasted 8 weeks at #1 on the charts and became Whiteman’s early signature song. The song was also referenced in F Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Top Artists and Songs of 1922
Al Jolson April Showers, Angel Child Give Me My Mammy Coo Coo
Carl Fenton – Carl was really Walter Gustave “Gus” Haenschen. Fenton came from Fenton, Missouri. Gus legally became Carl in 1932. I’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise
Club Royal Orchestra The Sheik
Ernest Hare and Billy Jones In The Little Red Schoolhouse
Ernest Hastings My Word You Do Look Queer
Ethel Waters – Starred in Cabin in the Sky, a 1940 Broadway musical, and in the 1943 film version, featuring an all-black cast. There’ll Be Some Changes Made
Fanny Brice – Brice was featured in The Ziegfeld Follies both on stage and on the screen. Second Hand Rose My Man
Fats Waller Taint Nobody’s Biz-Ness If I Do (also heard in Woody Allen’s 1973 film, Sleeper)
Frank Crumit Stumbling
Gallagher & Sheen Mr. Gallagher and Mr. Shean
Henry Burr (January 15, 1882 – April 6, 1941, real name Harry Haley McClaskey) My Buddy
Isham Jones On The Alamo Ivy Cling To Me
Joseph Smith and his Orchestra Three O’Clock in the Morning
Lambert Murphy I Dream Of Jeannie With The Light Brown Hair
Mamie Smith Lonesome Mama Blues
Marion Harris I’m Just Wild About Harry Aggrivatin’ Papa Some Sunny Day Rose of the Rio Grande Blue (And Broken Hearted)
Nora Bayes All Over Nothing At All Good Morning
Paul Whiteman Three O’Clock In The Morning – Signature Song (one of several) Stumbling Do It Again Hot Lips I’ll Build A Stairway To Paradise Crinoline Days, Journey’s End Some Sunny Day Coal Black Mammy Oriental (Fox Trot)
Peerless Quartet – Although record-keeping was pretty spotty at that time, the Peerless Quartet had an estimated 108 “charting” singles, between 1904–1928, the 9th-most of the pre-rock, period, according to Billboard’s Joel Whitburn. Way Down In New Orleans
Ray Miller and his Orchestra Sheik of Araby
Trixie Smith My Man Rocks Me (With a Steady Roll) -may be the first song reference with the phrase “rock and roll” Give Me That Slow Drag
The State Political Directorate (GPU) was a Soviet secret police organization that played a critical role in the early years of the Soviet Union. Established in 1922, the GPU became an instrument of political repression and control under the leadership of prominent figures like Felix Dzerzhinsky. Its activities and legacy have left a lasting impact on Russian history, politics, and pop culture.
Formation: The GPU was established on February 6, 1922, as part of reorganizing the Soviet state security apparatus. It succeeded the earlier Cheka, the Soviet Union’s first secret police organization, and functioned under the direct authority of the Soviet government.
Leadership: Felix Dzerzhinsky, the founder of the Cheka, continued to lead the GPU. Known for his ruthlessness and dedication to the Bolshevik cause, Dzerzhinsky became a symbol of the Soviet secret police’s power and determination.
Functions: The GPU was responsible for political policing, counterintelligence, and internal security. It played a central role in suppressing political opposition and maintaining control over the population during the early years of the Soviet Union. The GPU also contributed to the Red Terror, a mass killings and repression campaign by the Bolshevik government.
Reorganization and Evolution: In 1923, the GPU was incorporated into the newly formed State Security Agency (OGPU), which continued to carry out similar functions but with an expanded mandate. Over time, the Soviet secret police apparatus underwent further transformations, eventually evolving into the notorious NKVD and, later, the KGB.
Impact on Pop Culture: The GPU and its successors have been featured in numerous novels, films, and television shows that explore the themes of espionage, political repression, and the struggle for power in the Soviet Union. Notable examples include John le Carré’s “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” and the television series “The Americans.”
The State Political Directorate was a critical component of the Soviet Union’s security apparatus during its early years, enforcing political control and suppressing opposition under the leadership of Felix Dzerzhinsky. Although the GPU was short-lived, its activities and legacy have had a lasting impact on Russian history, politics, and popular culture, with its influence still being felt in various forms of media today.
The America Changing Event: The first radio baseball game was broadcast. Harold Arlin announced the Pirates-Phillies game from Forbes Field over Westinghouse KDKA, in Pittsburgh. The Pirates won, 8-5.
Soviet Russia and Poland signed the Treaty of Riga, establishing a permanent border between the two countries.
The Russian Great Famine of 1921/22 killed 5 million people.
The Communist Party of China was formed.
Influential Songs include Second Hand Rose and My Man by Fanny Brice, St. Louis Blues by the Original Dixie Land Band, and others.
The Movies to Watch include The Kid, The Three Musketeers, The Haunted Castle, and The Sheik.
The Most Famous Person in America was probably Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle
New York Yankee pitcher Babe Ruth hit his 138th home run, continually growing that record to 714 in 1935.
Adolf Hitler became the Chairman of the Nazi Party in his rise to power and prominence in Germany.
The price of a pound of peanut butter in 1921 15 cents
The Funny Fat Guy was Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle
The Other Funny Guy was: Harold Lloyd
The Conversation: Did Fatty Arbuckle kill Virginia Rappe?
Top Ten Baby Names of 1921:
Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Margaret, Ruth, Virginia, Mildred, Betty, Frances, Elizabeth John, Robert, William, James, Charles, George, Joseph, Edward, Frank, Richard
US Life Expectancy: (1921) Males: 60.0 years, Females: 61.8 years
The Stars:
Theda Bara, Pola Negri, Mary Pickford
Miss America:
Margaret Gorman (Washington, DC)
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
Guccio Gucci started selling his handbags.
Coco Chanel introduced “Chanel No. 5”.
On October 23, 1921, an American officer selected the first “Unknown Soldier” body.
“Andy’s Candies” was founded, but maker Andy Kanelos realized that men would never buy chocolates for women with another man’s name written on them. He renamed his company “Andes”.
The most popular laboratory rodent, The Black-6 mouse, was bred in 1921 by C.C. Little.
Radio Shack opened in Boston, Massachusetts.
White Castle restaurants opened in Wichita, Kansas.
The United States Figure Skating Association was formed in Colorado.
Pete Petiot invented the “Bloody Mary” drink.
Betty Crocker was not a real person – the name was created in 1921 to give a personalized response to consumer product questions by the Washburn-Crosby Company (later part of General Mills).
The Biggest Pop Artists of 1921 include
Nora Bayes, Eddie Cantor, Frank Crumit, Carl Fenton and His Orchestra, Mariona Harris, Art Hickman & His Orchestra, Al Jolson, Billy Jones, Isham Jones and His Orchestra, Benny Krueger and His Orchestra, Ted Lewis and His Band, Billy Murray, The Original Dixieland Band, The Peerless Quartet, Leo Reisman and His Orchestra, Mamie Smith & Her Jazz Hounds, Van & Schenck, Ethel Waters, Reinald Werrenrath, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, Yerkes Jazarimba Orchestra
US Politics
March 4, 1921 (Friday) Inauguration of Warren G. Harding. The United States also approved the burial of an unidentified soldier from World War I at Arlington National Cemetery. The inscription on the tomb reads, “Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.”
The Emergency Quota Act limited the number of immigrants to the United States.
US Civil Rights
The Tulsa Race Riot took place between May 31st and June 1st
Pop Culture Facts & History
Wonder Bread began distribution. It went national in 1925 when the Continental Baking Company discovered Taggart Baking, the originator of the product.
Albert Einstein won the Nobel Prize for Physics for his 1916 work ‘The General Theory of Relativity.’
Iowa imposed the first state cigarette tax, 2 cents per pack.
On January 21, The full-length silent comedy-drama film The Kid, written, produced, directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin, as his Tramp character, and Jackie Coogan, was released in the United States.
On October 31, The Sheik, starring Rudolph Valentino, premiered in Los Angeles.
The first actor to play Jesse James on film was his son, Jesse James Jr, in the 1921 film Under the Black Flag.
In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the first Miss America Pageant was held and sixteen-year-old Margaret Gorman won the Atlantic City Pageant’s Golden Mermaid trophy. Pageant officials later named her the first Miss America.
The Rorschach Test does not use a series of random inkblots but ten specific prints selected in 1921 and always shown in the same order.
We, the book that is thought to have inspired both Brave New World and 1984, was written by Russian writer Yevgeny Zamyatin.
John Larson invented an early polygraph (lie detector)
On July 20, Congresswoman Alice Mary Robertson became the first woman to preside over the US House of Representatives floor.
A small tract of land (“The Wedge“) along the borders of Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Ownership of the land was disputed until 1921, but it is now officially recognized as part of Delaware.
On July 1, The Communist Party of China (CPC) was founded.
Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, borrowed a Latin phrase from his friend, Father Henri Didon, for the Olympic motto: Citius, Altius, Fortius (“Swifter, Higher, Stronger”).
The Horrible
“Black Wall Street” was the wealthiest Black community in America (in the African-American community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma) before being attacked by an angry mob that killed hundreds of Black residents and destroyed 35 city blocks.
Workers at an ammonium nitrate factory in Oppau (now part of Ludwigshafen), Germany, tried clearing a clogged silo with dynamite. The resulting explosion killed over 500 people and left 6500 homeless.
The Scandals
August 4th – Eight Chicago White Sox players were banned for life for purposefully losing the World Series to the Cincinnati Reds. They were all acquitted in criminal court, however.
Silent film actor Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle was accused of raping and killing Virginia Rappe. It was probably consensual and accidental.
Nerd News
Einstein won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics not for his work on the famous E=mcˆ2 equation or special relativity, but for his work on the photoelectric effect, which forms the basis of photosynthesis.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Albert Einstein Chemistry – Frederick Soddy Medicine – not awarded Literature – Anatole France Peace – Karl Hjalmar Branting, Christian Lous Lange
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1921
A Poor Wise Man by Mary Roberts Rinehart The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton The Brimming Cup by Dorothy Canfield Her Father’s Daughter by Gene Stratton-Porter The Kingdom Round the Corner by Coningsby Dawson Main Street by Sinclair Lewis The Mysterious Rider by Zane Grey The Sheik by Edith M. Hull The Sisters-in-Law by Gertrude Atherton The Valley of Silent Men by James Oliver Curwood
Sports
World Series Champions: New York Giants Stanley Cup Champs: Ottawa Senators U.S. Open Golf: James M. Barnes U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): William (Bill) T. Tilden/Molla B. Mallory Wimbledon (Men/Women): Bill Tilden/Suzanna Lenglen NCAA Football Champions: California & Cornell Kentucky Derby Winner: Behave Yourself Boston Marathon Winner: Frank Zuna Time: 2:18:57
Discovery of Insulin by Frederick Banting and Charles Best
The discovery of insulin by Canadian scientists Frederick Banting and Charles Best on July 27, 1921, revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and has saved countless lives since its introduction. Their groundbreaking work led to the development of insulin therapy, which transformed diabetes from a fatal condition to a manageable one. The story of insulin’s discovery involves collaboration, determination, and a fair share of serendipity.
Origins: In 1920, Dr. Frederick Banting, a surgeon, was inspired by an article about the pancreas and diabetes. He theorized that a hormone produced in the pancreas could regulate blood sugar. Banting pitched his idea to Professor John Macleod, a leading diabetes researcher at the University of Toronto, who agreed to provide Banting with laboratory space and the assistance of Charles Best, a medical student.
Discovery: Banting and Best began their research in May 1921, focusing on isolating the hormone they believed could treat diabetes. They performed experiments on dogs, surgically removing the pancreas to induce diabetes and then administering their extracted hormone. The treatment successfully lowered blood sugar levels in the test subjects.
Naming Insulin: The hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar was named “insulin” by Banting and Best, derived from the Latin word “insula,” meaning “island,” referring to the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas where insulin is produced.
Collaboration with James Collip: Banting and Best enlisted the help of biochemist James Collip to purify insulin, making it safe for human use. On January 11, 1922, Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old diabetic, became the first to receive an insulin injection, dramatically improving his condition.
Nobel Prize: In 1923, Frederick Banting and John Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their discovery of insulin. Banting shared his prize money with Best, while Macleod shared his with Collip, acknowledging their essential contributions to the breakthrough.
Effects on Pop Culture: The discovery of insulin has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and movies, highlighting the importance of this medical breakthrough. It has also been celebrated on postage stamps and has inspired countless researchers to continue exploring new treatments for diabetes.
The discovery of insulin by Frederick Banting and Charles Best in 1921 marked a turning point in treating diabetes. Their groundbreaking work led to the development of insulin therapy, which has saved millions of lives worldwide. The story of insulin’s discovery has become a significant part of pop culture, inspiring books, documentaries, and movies highlighting medical breakthroughs’ importance.
Make Believe Music by Jerome Kern and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II for the Broadway Musical Showboat. The Musical was one of the first musicals to use the songs too. This technique will be perfected when Oscar Hammerstein teams with Richard Rodgers for OKLAHOMA to move the story forward. The musical was extremely controversial as it dealt with interracial marriage and was also the first racially integrated musical. Previously white and black performers did not perform on the same stage together. The musical was filmed twice – once in 1936 and again by MGM in 1951.
Al Jolson April Showers This was one of Al Jolson’s trademark songs. And was written by Louis Silvers and BG De Silva for a musical called Bomba. The song was used in the Bugs Bunny 1962 short Wet Hare.
Ben Selvin Ben Selvin was an American bandleader and violinist who became a popular and influential figure in the early years of recorded music during the 1920s and 1930s. Over his career, he recorded with various ensembles under different names, including the Knickerbockers. As a prolific musician, Selvin recorded thousands of songs, making him one of the most recorded bandleaders of his time. The Knickerbockers was a popular dance band, and like many of Selvin’s ensembles, the group focused on performing popular tunes and dance music of that era. They gained considerable recognition and success, contributing to the rise of dance orchestras in the early 20th century.
Isham Jones Isham Jones was an American bandleader, saxophonist, bassist, and songwriter who gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s. Born on January 31, 1894, in Coalton, Ohio, Jones began his career as a saxophonist in various bands before forming his own orchestra in 1915. The Isham Jones Orchestra quickly gained fame for its smooth dance music and innovative arrangements.
Jones was a prolific songwriter, composing many popular tunes of his time, including “It Had to Be You,” “Swingin’ Down the Lane,” “I’ll See You in My Dreams,” and “On the Alamo.” Many of his songs have become jazz and popular music standards, covered by countless artists over the years.
The Isham Jones Orchestra featured many talented musicians, such as Benny Goodman and Woody Herman, who would later become successful bandleaders themselves. Jones continued to perform and record music until his retirement in the 1950s. He passed away on October 19, 1956, in Hollywood, Florida, but his legacy continues to influence musicians and listeners.
Fanny Brice My Man My Man (and Funny Girl) are regaining popularity now by Lea Michele as the Character of Rachel Berry in Glee uses Barbara Streisand and Funny Girl as her inspiration for star success.
Marion Harris Look For The Silver Lining Written by Jerome kern the song was originally written for the musical Zip, Goes A Million. It was then reused in another musical called Sally, where it became popular. The song was also rewritten to be the Anthem for the ILGWU called Look For The Union Label. Recently the song was used in the popular Masterpiece Classic series Downton Abbey.
I Ain’t Got Nobody The song though popular on its own in the 1920s. It would later become more popular still when paired as a melody with I’m Just a Gigolo. This combination was performed by artists like Cab Calloway, Louis Prima, and David Lee Roth.
Original Dixie Land Band St. Louis Blues Composed by W. C. Handy in 1914. the song was inspired by a melody that Handy Heard while out of work in St. Louis. It also took some inspiration from a woman who inspired him to write, “ma man’s got a heart like a rock cast into the sea.” Many artists have recorded the song, from The Original Dixie Land Band to Chuck Berry, Stevie Wonder, and David Sanborn. At his death in 1958, WC Handy received 25,000 dollars in royalty annually.
Paul Biese Trio and Frank Crumit Mimi Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart. It would later become popular again in the 1932 film “Love Me Tonight” and sung by Maurice Chevalier. Richard Rodgers would later achieve major success with Oscar Hammerstein. ( See Make Believe).
Van and Schenk A’int We Got Fun It was used as Eric Northman’s ringtone in a 2010 episode of Trueblood. Also used as part of a pivotal point in F Scott Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby.
Top Artists and Songs of 1921
Aileen Stanley My Mammy My Man
Al Jolson – Although he usually wore blackface in live performances, he was also known for fighting against anti-black discrimination on Broadway Avalon O -H-I-O (O-My-O!)
Ben Selvin Say It With Music Cherie
Benson Orchestra of Chicago Bimini Bay
Billy Murray & Billy Jones Down By The O-HI-O
Eddie Cantor Margie
Ethel Waters – in 1949, Ethel was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in Pinky. There’ll Be Some Changes made
Fanny Brice – Her marriage to Nick Arnstein was the basis for the Broadway Musical and Film Funny Girl. My Man – Signature Song Second Hand Rose
Frank Crumit Sweet Lady, All By Myself
Isham Jones Wabash Blues – Signature Song (#1 for six weeks)
Mamie Smith (May 26, 1883 – September 16, 1946) What Have I Done Royal Garden Blues
Marion Harris -” The Queen of the Blues” Look For The Silver Lining I’m A Jazz Vampire I Ain’t Got Nobody – Signature Song I’m Nobody’s Baby Beale Street Blues
Nora Bayes – AKA Eleanor Goldberg, was married five times, and adopted three children. Make Believe
Original Dixieland Jazz Band called themselves the Creators of Jazz because they made some of the earliest jazz recordings, in 1917. St. Louis Blues Palesteena
Patrick Waddington Night May Have Its Sadness
Paul Biese Trio and Frank Crumit MiMi
Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra were the most popular band of the 1920s. Say It With Music Caresses My Mammy Bright Eyes Cherie Song of India My Man (Mon Homme) April Showers Make Believe Learn To Smile Gypsy Blues
Prince’s Orchestra Deep In Your Eyes
Ted Lewis (June 6, 1890 – August 25, 1971) All By Myself
Van and Schenck Ain’t We Got Fun? – Signature Song
World Changing Event: The US Senate rejected the Versailles Treaty, nullifying the League of Nations.
World Changing Event: The Treaty of Sèvres officially dissolved the Ottoman Empire.
Pancho Villa surrendered, and the Mexican Revolution ended.
The 1920 Summer Olympics were held in Antwerp, Belgium.
The Birth of Mass Media: On November 2, 1920, the first commercially licensed radio station began broadcasting live results of the presidential election.
The Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution was enabled in 1920, outlawing the production and consumption of alcohol (more commonly known as Prohibition).
The Nineteenth Amendment To The Constitution was ratified, giving women the right to vote.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was established.
On September 16, 1920, a bomb exploded on Wall Street outside the NYSE building, killing 33 people and injuring more than 400. The perpetrators were never found.
Influential Songs include: I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time by Charles Harrison and others. Also, Swanee was written by George Gershwin and recorded by Al Jolson.
The Movies to Watch include The Mark of Zorro, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
The Most Famous Person in America was probably Al Jolson
Price of Wrigley’s Doublemint gum in 1920: 5 cents/pack
Price of Silver: $1.37 an ounce
The Funny Fat Guy was Roscoe ‘Fatty’ Arbuckle
The Other Funny Guy was: Harold Lloyd
The Color Magazine Cover: National Geographic magazine was the first US publisher to establish a color photo lab in 1920, the first to publish underwater color photographs in 1927, the first to print an all-color issue in 1962, and the first to print a hologram in 1984.
January 10 – Treaty of Versailles Took Effect: The treaty officially ended World War I, imposing heavy reparations on Germany and redrawing European borders.
January 16 – Prohibition Began in the United States: The 18th Amendment, banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol, went into effect, ushering in the Prohibition era.
January 19 – American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Founded: The ACLU was established to defend and preserve individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution.
February 24 – Nazi Party Established: Adolf Hitler presented the National Socialist Program in Munich, leading to the foundation of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party (NSDAP).
March 1 – Royal Canadian Mounted Police Formed: The Royal Northwest Mounted Police merged with the Dominion Police to create the RCMP, Canada’s federal and national law enforcement agency.
April 4 – British Mandate/Palestine Riots Erupted: Violence broke out between Arabs and Jews in Jerusalem, resulting in several deaths and injuries.
April 19 – San Remo Conference Began: Allied Powers met to determine the allocation of mandates for former Ottoman territories in the Middle East.
May 7 – Treaty of Moscow Signed: Soviet Russia recognized the independence of the Democratic Republic of Georgia, though it would invade the country six months later.
May 16 – Joan of Arc Canonized: Pope Benedict XV canonized Joan of Arc as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
June 4 – Treaty of Trianon Signed: The treaty formally ended World War I between the Allies and Hungary, resulting in significant territorial losses for Hungary.
June 15 – Duluth Lynchings Occurred: Three African American men were lynched by a mob in Duluth, Minnesota, after being falsely accused of rape.
August 10 – Treaty of Sèvres Signed: The treaty partitioned the Ottoman Empire, leading to significant territorial losses and setting the stage for the Turkish War of Independence.
August 18 – 19th Amendment Ratified: The United States granted women the right to vote with the ratification of the 19th Amendment.
August 26 – First Commercial Radio Broadcast Aired: Detroit’s 8MK (later WWJ) began operations, becoming one of the first commercial radio stations in the U.S.
September 16 – Wall Street Bombing Occurred: A bomb exploded in New York City’s financial district, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds.
September 17 – National Football League (NFL) Founded: The American Professional Football Association, later renamed the NFL, was established in Canton, Ohio.
November 2 – First Commercial Radio Station KDKA Began Broadcasting: KDKA in Pittsburgh aired the first commercial broadcast, announcing the results of the U.S. presidential election.
November 2 – Warren G. Harding Elected U.S. President: Republican candidate Warren G. Harding won the presidential election, defeating Democrat James M. Cox.
November 11 – Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Dedicated in Paris and London: Both France and the United Kingdom held ceremonies honoring unidentified soldiers who died in World War I.
November 15 – League of Nations Held First Assembly: The League’s inaugural assembly convened in Geneva, Switzerland, aiming to promote international cooperation and peace.
December 16 – Earthquake Devastated Gansu, China: A magnitude 8.6 earthquake struck Gansu province, resulting in an estimated 200,000 deaths.
December 23 – Government of Ireland Act Passed: The British Parliament enacted the act, partitioning Ireland into Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, each with its own parliament.
Spanish Flu Pandemic Ended: The influenza pandemic that began in 1918 concluded, having caused an estimated 50 million deaths worldwide.
Harlem Renaissance Flourished: The cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York, reached its peak, celebrating African American cultural expressions.
Women’s Suffrage Expanded Globally: Following the U.S. ratification of the 19th Amendment, several other countries, including Canada and Czechoslovakia, expanded voting rights for women, marking progress in global suffrage movements.
Top Ten Baby Names of 1920
Mary, Dorothy, Helen, Margaret, Ruth, Mildred, Virginia, Elizabeth, Frances, Anna John, William, Robert, James, Charles, George, Joseph, Edward, Frank, Richard
United States 1920 Stats
US Life Expectancy: (1920) Males: 53.6 years, Females: 54.6 years Federal spending: $6.36 billion Consumer Price Index: $20 Unemployment: 5.2% Cost of a first-class stamp: $0.02
The Stars
Douglas Fairbanks, Theda Bara, Pola Negri, Mary Pickford, Olive Thomas
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
Magnus Hirschfeld coined the term transsexualism.
The Holland Tunnel was started, allowing motor vehicle traffic between New Jersey and New York City.
Raggedy Andy was introduced. His sister, Raggedy Ann, was created in 1915 (US Patent #D47789).
On August 20, 1920, The first US commercial radio station, 8MK (WWJ), Detroit began daily broadcasting.
On September 29, The first domestic radio sets came to stores in the United States; a Westinghouse radio costs $10.
The American Professional Football Association was formed in 1920 with Jim Thorpe as its president and fourteen teams. It later changed its name to the National Football League in 1922.
Jesse Langsdorf patented the all-weather and wrinkle-free necktie.
Carrie Chapman Catt founded the League of Women Voters during the National American Woman Suffrage Association (NAWSA) convention in Chicago, Illinois.
“googol” and “googolplex” were coined by the 9-year-old nephew of mathematician Edward Kasner in 1920. He defined a googol as 10^100 and a googolplex as “one, followed by writing zeroes until you get tired.” Kasner decided to standardize it and set a googolplex equal to 10^googol instead.
The Ford Motor Company produced so much factory wood waste that they manufactured it into charcoal and sold it under the name Ford Charcoal. The company was later renamed Kingsford Charcoal.
Snap-on Tools, with interchangeable sockets, began being sold in Chicago.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Force was established.
On May 2, the first game of Negro National League baseball was played, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Nikolai Tesla patented a one-way valve with no moving parts (#1,329,559).
On January 16, 1920, the League of Nations held its first Executive Council meeting of the significant member powers.
Pop Culture Facts & History
May 1, 1920: The longest MLB game (by innings) Brooklyn Robins 1, Boston Braves 1 at 26 innings. The game was called due to darkness.
Hollywood’s first ‘super couple’ was Douglas Fairbanks and Mary ‘America’s Sweetheart’ Pickford, who married in 1920 and divorced in 1936. Both were huge stars in the silent film industry but were also significant players behind the scenes. In 1919, along with Charlie Chaplin and D.W. Griffith, founded United Artists, one of the first movie distribution companies. They appeared in one film together – 1929’s Taming of the Shrew. The couple was also the first to officially handprint by Grauman’s Chinese Theater (1927), the first on Hollywood’s ‘Walk of Fame.’
George Polley (The’ Human Fly’) was arrested on the 30th Floor while trying to climb up the outside of the Woolworth Building in New York.
Shipping children through parcel post service was initially legal in the United States. The US Post Office banned the practice in 1920.
The New York Times ridiculed American rocket scientist Robert H. Goddard, stating rockets could never fly. They rescinded the comment after the launch of Apollo 11 in 1969.
The first US postage stamps printed without the words “United States” or US.
Johnson & Johnson employee Earle Dickson used tape and cotton gauze to make a bandage for his wife. He told his bosses about it, they made him a VP, and they named it the ‘Band-Aid.’ It worked out well for all concerned.
By early 1920, every state west of the Mississippi River allowed women to vote. On August 18, 1920, the Tennessee House of Representatives voted to ratify the 19th Amendment by a vote of 50-49.
During the campaign of 1920, President Warren G. Harding was accused of making up a word: normalcy. When asked if he instead meant “normality,” Harding responded, “I have looked for ‘normality’ in my dictionary, and I do not find it there. ‘Normalcy’, however, I did find, and it is a good word.” #normalcy was used in the 1850s, however.
Tuition at Stanford University was free up until 1920.
American socialist candidate Eugene V. Debs ran his campaign from the inside of a jail cell with the slogan “Vote for President Convict #9653,” and he garnered almost a million write-in votes in 1920
Drano became available to start unclogging household drains and toilets.
When the spitball was banned from baseball in 1920, 17 pitchers were grandfathered in, and the last legal spitball was thrown in 1933.
February 14th – The League of Women Voters was founded in Chicago. Also that year, the Republican convention in Chicago endorsed women’s suffrage.
The word ‘robot’ was introduced to the public by Czech writer Karel Capek in his play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots); he credited his brother, Josef Capek, with the word later.
The first early models of the TV were invented.
A pro wrestling match between Joe Stecher and Earl Caddock was filmed for later viewing by cinema audiences. The film of Stecher’s win over Caddock is the oldest existing professional wrestling movie.
A Secret Court, headed by University President Abbott Lawrence Lowell and the acting Dean, was convened at Harvard University to rid the school of homosexuals, resulting in nine expulsions
Eddie Eagan is the only athlete to have won gold for different events at the Summer and Winter Olympics, winning his first while boxing in 1920, and his second while on the 4-man bobsled in 1932.
America’s oldest Thanksgiving Day Parade, 6abc Dunkin’ Donuts Thanksgiving Day Parade (AKA 6abc IKEA Thanksgiving Day Parade, 6abc Boscov’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Channel 6 Mellon PSFS Thanksgiving Day Parade, Channel 6 MasterCard Thanksgiving Day Parade) and initially the Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade was first held.
The Number One Hits of 1920
December 5, 1919 – January 16, 1920 Henry Burr – Oh! What A Pal Was Mary
January 17, 1920 – January 30, 1920 Al Jolson – I’ve Got My Captain Working For Me Now
January 31 – April 30, 1920 Ben Selvin’s Novelty Orchestra – Dardanella
May 1, 1920 – May 7, 1920 Edith Day – Alice Blue Gown
HIV probably originated in Léopoldville, modern-day Kinshasa, the capital of the Belgian Congo.
During prohibition, an exemption was made for whiskey prescribed by a doctor and sold through a pharmacy. The Walgreens pharmacy chain grew from 20 retail stores to almost 400 during this period, from 1920 to 1933.
The Tragedies
French passenger ship Afrique sank near La Rochelle, killing 533 people.
On December 16, 1920, an 8.5 earthquake rocked the Gansu province in China, killing an estimated 200,000 people.
November 21, 1920, Bloody Sunday: The Irish Republican Army, on the instructions of Michael Collins, kill fourteen British undercover agents in Dublin, most in their homes
The Palm Sunday tornado outbreak of 1920 included at least 37 tornadoes across the Midwest and Deep South states on March 28, 1920. The tornadoes left more than 380 people dead and at least 1,215 injured.
Tragedy/Mystery
On September 16, 1920, a horse-drawn wagon filled with explosives was blown up on Wall Street in NYC, killing 38 people and injuring hundreds. The perpetrators were never caught.
RIP
Jimmy, a canary, had a funeral procession led by a 15-piece band, a white hearse to carry the body, and two coaches for 2 miles that 10,000 people along the funeral route viewed.
Prank
Thomas Edison pranked The American Magazine (and its readers) by claiming that he had invented a phone that could contact the spirit world.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Charles Édouard Guillaume Chemistry – Walther Nernst Medicine – Schack August Steenberg Krogh Literature – Knut Hamsun Peace – Léon Victor Auguste Bourgeois
1st Appearances & 1920’s Most Popular Christmas Gifts
Raggedy Andy, wooden Pogo Sticks, and Lionel Trains became the rage
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1920
A Man for the Ages by Irving Bacheller The Great Impersonation by E. Phillips Oppenheim Kindred of the Dust by Peter B. Kyne The Man of the Forest by Zane Grey Mary-Marie by Eleanor H. Porter Harriet and the Piper by Kathleen Norris The Lamp in the Desert by Ethel M. Dell The Portygee by Joseph C. Lincoln The Re-Creation of Brian Kent by Harold Bell Wright The River’s End by James Oliver Curwood
1920 United States Census
Total US Population: 106,021,537 1. New York, New York – 5,620,048 2. Chicago, Illinois – 2,701,705 3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 1,823,779 4. Detroit, Michigan – 993,069 5. Cleveland, Ohio – 796,841 6. St. Louis, Missouri – 772,897 7. Boston, Massachusetts – 748,060 8. Baltimore, Maryland – 733,826 9. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 588,343 10. Los Angeles, California – 576,673
Sports
World Series Champions: Cleveland Indians Stanley Cup Champs: Ottawa Senators (NHL) U.S. Open Golf: Edward (Ted) Ray U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): William (Bill) T. Tilden/Molla B. Mallory Wimbledon (Men/Women): Bill Tilden/Suzanne Lenglen NCAA Football Champions: California Kentucky Derby Winner: Paul Jones Boston Marathon Winner: Peter Trivoulides 2:29:31
1. Swanee – Al Jolson Al Jolson was known as “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” – the highest-paid and most well-known actor/singer/comedian of the 1920s and 30s. Swannee was originally sung by Al but was written by George Gershwin. Gershwin would go on to write many other popular songs that would come out of his Broadway successes with his brother Ira, most notably Porgy and Bess and Strike up the Band.
2. When My Baby Smiles At Me – Ted Lewis A bandleader, Ted was probably best known for his catchphrase: “Is EVERYBODY Happy?” Although originally recorded in 1920, the song became the title of a movie musical, in 1948 starring Betty Grable and Dan Dailey. Dailey would win an academy award for his starring role in the film.
3. Whispering – Paul Whiteman Whispering was recorded by Paul Whiteman and his orchestra and was written by John Schonberger and Vincent Rose. The song actually has lyrics but they were not used on the first recording. According to the Literature that was provided by Victor, the recording studio, the song used an instrument that sounded like a “boson’s-pipe-slide-trombone-whistle.”
4. I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time – Charles Harrison Like many songs from this era, ‘Apple Blossom Time’ originally came out in 1920 but made a comeback in the 1940s during WW 2. The song, sung by The Andrew Sisters, had meaning for many who were waiting for the return of our troops. Other songs in this category are I’ll Be Seeing You, and I’ll be Home for Christmas.
5. Tell Me, Little Gypsy – Art Hickman Originally sung by Art Hickman, ‘Gypsy’ was written by the immortal Irving Berlin. Berlin’s first hit was Alexander’s Rag Time Band. Mr. Berlin would go on to write music for more than half of the 20th century. Two of his most popular are Blue Skies and White Christmas. His influence is still felt today.
Al Jolson Chloe I’ve Got My Captain Working For Me Now Swanee Tell Me Wonderful Kid From Madrid You Ain’t Heard Nothin Yet
Art Hickman Avalon Hold Me Tell Me Little Gypsy The Love Nest
Ben Selvin Dardanella, My Island of Golden Dreams, Afghanistan
Bert Williams – In World War II, the United States ship SS Bert Williams was named in his honor. The Moon Shines on the Moonshine
Billy Murray I’ll See You In Cuba
Carl Fenton Cuban Moon
Charles Harrision I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time Pretty Kitty Kelly That Old Irish Mother of Mine
Eddie Cantor – nicknamed “Banjo Eyes” because of his big, round eyes. He was also the man who named the “March of Dimes” which initially battled polio. Palesteena You’d Be Surprised
Edith Day -had a cocktail named after her – made with dry gin, grapefruit juice, sugar, and an egg white. Alice Blue Gown Irene
Francisco Alves Fala Meu Louro
Frank Crumit Lonesome Little Raindrop My Little Bimbo Down on Bamboo Isle Oh! By Jingo! (Oh! By Gee, By Goosh, By Gun, By Juu),
John McCormac Barefoot Trail
John Steel The Love Nest, Girl of My Dreams
Mamie Smith – Mamie was the first African-American woman to be a ‘million-seller artist. After ‘Crazy Blues” the recording companies started paying more attention to race records. Crazy Blues It’s Right Here For You You Can’t Keep A Good Man Down
Marion Harris– Marion was the first popular white singer to sing jazz and blues songs. St. Louis Blues Sweet Mama (Papa’s Getting Mad)
Nora Bayes – In 1917, George M. Cohan asked her to be the first to record his patriotic WW I son, Over There. Prohibition Blues, Without You
Paul Whiteman – Paul was (controversially) called The King of Jazz. Duke Ellington believed he deserved the title, so there really shouldn’t be a controversy. Anytime Anyday Anywhere The Japanese Sandman Wang Wang Blues Whispering
Ted Lewis and his Orchestra – Better known as Ted ‘is Everybody Happy?’ Lewis. When My Baby Smiles At Me
The Kentucky Serenaders – The Pennsylvania band was originally called The Serenaders. “My Old Kentucky Home” was their theme song and Kentucky kind of stuck with them. Rose of Washington Square
Waller Williams I Know Where The Flies Go In Summertime
Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth, John, William, James, Robert, Charles
US Life Expectancy
(1919) Males: 53.5 years, Females: 56.0 years
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
Copacetic is a word meaning ‘completely satisfactory.’ This mysterious word first appeared in a 1919 Lincoln biography by J. Alfred Sharp… “Now there’s the kind of a man! Stout as a buffalo an’ as to looks, I’d call him, as ye might say, real copasetic.” Its unknown origin provokes endless etymological speculation
Optimist International was founded in Louisville, Kentucky
The American Legion was formed on March 15, 1919
Enterprise, Alabama, erected an elaborate monument in the middle of town to honor the boll weevil for its profound influence on the area’s agriculture and economy. This is probably the world’s first monument built to keep an agricultural pest.
The Dutch airline KLM was formed. It is the oldest airline flying under its original name.
Radio Corporation of America (RCA) was founded.
Japanese Chemist Akira Ogata developed crystal Meth.
Bentley Motors Limited was founded.
American Meteorological Society was founded in Boston.
Grand Canyon National Park: An act of the United States Congress established most of the Grand Canyon as a United States National Park.
Harold Hamgravy, Popeye’s Olive Oil’s longtime boyfriend, debuted in Thimble Theatre Comics.
Pepperoni is a variety of salami created in the US, and the word was first used to describe the sausage in 1919.
On January 16, The Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, authorizing Prohibition, was ratified.
The Most Popular Singers and Artists of 1919 include
Norah Bayes, Al Bernard, Henry Burr, Albert Campbell, Conway’s Band, Arthur Fields, Earl Fuller’s Novelty Orchestra, Marion Harris, Charles Harrison, Vivian Holt & Lillian Rosedale, Al Jolson, Olive Kline, John McCormack, Billy Murray, The Peerless Quartet, Prince’s Orchestra, The Shannon Four, Joseph C. Smith’s Orchestra, John Steel, The Sterling Trio, Wilber Sweatman’s Original Jazz Band, Van & Schenck, The Victor Military Band, Bert Williams, Yerkes Jazarimba Orchestra
The Scandals
A 480-inch tall “skyscraper,” which defrauded investors thought was to be 480 feet tall (actually 480 inches, about four stories), was built in Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1919, and it still stands.
The Black Sox Scandal, in which eight members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of intentionally losing the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for money from gangsters. The scandal led to the appointment of the first Commissioner of Baseball.
Pop Culture Facts & History
The Pennsylvania Hotel has had its telephone number longer than anyone else in the United States. They were given the number Pennsylvania 6-5000 in 1919. When area codes were added, and exchange names eliminated, the number became (212) 736-5000.
Indians Pitcher Ray Caldwell was struck by lightning on the mound and subsequently won the game against the Philadelphia Athletics on August 24, 1919.
Racehorse Man o’ War won 20 races in a row. He lost his last race in 1919 to a horse named Upset.
The US Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which guaranteed the right to vote for women, and sent it to the individual states for ratification.
The Green Bay Packers got their name in 1919 after the Indian Packing Company gave the team $500 to buy equipment.
The longest Tour de France was held in 1919 and was 3,455 miles.
The Dodge Brothers, John and Horace, sued Henry Ford in 1919 because a company should act in the interests of its shareholders and not for the good of society, its customers, or its employees. They owned 10% of Ford stock, and the Michigan Supreme Court agreed.
Pachelbel’s Canon was written in the 1690s but forgotten. It survived in only two manuscripts, was first published in 1919, and first recorded in 1940.
Oregon became the first US state to tax gasoline… 1 cent per gallon.
The name ‘Aspirin’ was originally a trademark belonging to the German pharmaceutical company, Bayer. Still, after Germany’s loss in WWI, the company was forced to hand over the trademark as a part of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. They lost the trademarked name ‘Heroin’ too.
When the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 26, 1919, a French General, Marshal Ferdinand Jean Marie Foch, declared, “This is not peace; this is an armistice for 20 years”. WWII started 20 years and 64 days later.
It was confirmed in 1919 that ‘The sun never sets on the British Empire.’
In 1919, Michael Keogh stopped an angry mob of men from killing two right-wing political agents they were beating up. In 1930, at a Nuremberg rally, Keogh recognized one of the agents he had saved. It was Adolf Hitler.
Eisenhower and 80 US Army vehicles attempted to drive across the country. After the experience, Eisenhower built the Interstate Highway System when he became President. #Nebraska #6milesperhour
Edith Bolling Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, is often considered the first unofficial female President. She functionally ran the Executive branch of the government for the rest of her husband’s term after he suffered a stroke in 1919.
Nerd News
Einstein used 1919’s total solar eclipse to prove that Newton’s theory of space was wrong and that gravity can bend spacetime, causing light to take a different path.
Gravity assists, or “Gravitational Slingshots,” which can be used to propel a spacecraft for interplanetary travel, were first theorized in 1919.
A Social Experiment
Charles Schwab met a bunch of black American soldiers on a boat’s commissary in 1919 and offered to lend each a dollar as an experiment. He gave them all his address if they wanted to pay him back. 138 of 154 men did, almost 90%.
The Tragedies
A large molasses storage tank (over 2,000,000 gallons) burst in Boston in 1919, creating a 35 MPH flood of molasses that killed 21 people and injured 150; it became known as the ‘Great Molasses Flood.’
On July 21, 1919, the Goodyear Blimp crashed through the Illinois Trust & Savings Building skylight in Chicago, killing 13 people.
The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 is known as the most devastating epidemic in recorded world history, and it killed more people in 1 year than during the four years of the Black Plague. It was most deadly for people aged 20-40, and many died within hours of contracting the virus.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Johannes Stark Chemistry – not awarded Physiology or Medicine – Jules Bordet Literature – Carl Friedrich Georg Spitteler Peace – Woodrow Wilson
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1919
Fiction Bestsellers
1. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse by V. Blasco Ibanez 2. The Arrow of Gold by Joseph Conrad 3. The Desert of Wheat by Zane Grey 4. Dangerous Days by Mary Roberts Rinehart 5. The Sky Pilot in No Man’s Land by Ralph Connor 6. The Re-Creation of Brian Kent by Harold Bell Wright 7. Dawn by Gene Stratton Porter 8. The Tin Soldier by Temple Bailey 9. Christopher and Columbus by “Elizabeth” 10. In Secret by Robert W. Chambers
Nonfiction Bestsellers
1. The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams 2. The Years Between by Rudyard Kipling 3. Belgium by Brand Whitlock 4. The Seven Purposes by Margaret Cameron 5. In Flanders Fields by John McCrae 6. Bolshevism by John Spargo
Other Books of Note
Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson Ten Days that Shook the World by John Reed The Economic Consequences of the Peace by John Maynard Keynes Commentary on Romans by Karl Barth The Waning of the Middle Ages by Outline of History by Johan HuizingaH.G. Wells Rousseau and Romanticism by Irving Babbitt
Sports
World Series Champions: Cincinnati Reds Stanley Cup Champs: Montreal Canadiens (NHL) vs. Seattle Metropolitans (PCHA), but canceled due to flu epidemic, no champions U.S. Open Golf: Walter Hagan U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Bill Johnston/Hazel Hotchkiss Wightman Wimbledon (Men/Women): Bill Tilden/Suzanne Lenglen NCAA Football Champions: Harvard, Texas A&M, and Notre Dame Kentucky Derby Winner: Sir Barton (Triple Crown Winner: Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes) Boston Marathon Winner: Carl Linder Time: 2:29:13
One of the earliest and most iconic animated characters, Felix the Cat debuted in the early 20th century. Created by Pat Sullivan and Otto Messmer, this lovable black cat had a lasting impact on pop culture, symbolizing the silent film era and paving the way for future animated characters.
Creation: Felix the Cat was created by Australian cartoonist Pat Sullivan and American animator Otto Messmer. The character first appeared in the silent film era and quickly gained popularity due to his expressive features and mischievous antics.
Debut: Felix made his official debut in the short film “Feline Follies,” released on November 9, 1919, under the name “Master Tom.” The character was later renamed Felix the Cat, and his adventures continued in a series of successful animated shorts.
Silent Film Era: Felix the Cat was a significant figure during the silent film era. His expressive features and ability to convey emotions without dialogue made him an ideal character for silent films. Felix’s popularity soared during the 1920s, and he became a symbol of the era.
Transition to Sound: With the advent of sound in film, Felix the Cat’s popularity began to wane. The character struggled to adapt to the new format, and other animated characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop eventually eclipsed his popularity.
Legacy: Despite declining popularity, Felix the Cat remains important in animation history. The character is considered a pioneer of animated films and has inspired countless animators and cartoonists. Felix the Cat merchandise, such as toys and comic books, remains popular among collectors and fans of vintage animation.
Revivals: Felix the Cat has experienced several revivals, including a television series in the 1950s, a feature film in 1988, and a new television series in the 1990s. These revivals introduced Felix to new fans and kept his legacy alive.
Felix the Cat, which debuted in 1919, is an iconic animated character that played a crucial role in developing animated films. Although his popularity diminished with the transition to sound, Felix the Cat’s impact on pop culture and animation history remains significant, inspiring countless creators and charming fans worldwide.
The Irish Republican Army (IRA) has played a prominent role in Irish history and politics, particularly in the struggle for Irish independence. Founded in 1919, the IRA has undergone numerous transformations over the years, resulting in various factions and splinter groups. Its impact on pop culture and the Irish identity has been significant and remains a subject of fascination and controversy.
Origins: The IRA was established in January 1919 as the military wing of the Irish Republican movement, primarily as a successor to the Irish Volunteers. It was led by prominent Irish nationalists such as Michael Collins, Richard Mulcahy, and Eamon de Valera, who sought independence from British rule.
Irish War of Independence: The IRA played a significant role in the Irish War of Independence (1919-1921), engaging in guerrilla warfare against British forces. The conflict ultimately led to the signing of the Anglo-Irish Treaty on December 6, 1921, which established the Irish Free State as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.
Irish Civil War: The Anglo-Irish Treaty sparked division among Irish nationalists, leading to the Irish Civil War (1922-1923). The IRA split into pro-treaty and anti-treaty factions, with the former supporting the establishment of the Irish Free State and the latter opposing it in favor of a fully independent Irish Republic. The pro-treaty forces emerged victorious, but the division within the IRA persisted for decades.
The Troubles: The IRA experienced a resurgence during the period known as “The Troubles” (late 1960s-1998) in Northern Ireland. The Provisional IRA, a more militant faction formed in 1969, carried out bombings, shootings, and other acts of violence in pursuit of a united Ireland. This period significantly impacted pop culture, with numerous songs, movies, and books focusing on the IRA and the conflict in Northern Ireland.
Peace Process: The IRA’s role in the Northern Ireland peace process led to the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which established a power-sharing government and largely ended the violence associated with The Troubles. The Provisional IRA announced a ceasefire in 1997 and decommissioned its weapons in 2005.
The Irish Republican Army was founded in 1919 as a nationalist military organization seeking Irish independence. Its role in the Irish War of Independence, the Irish Civil War, and The Troubles has impacted Irish history, politics, and pop culture. The IRA’s involvement in the peace process has led to significant changes in its status and objectives, but its legacy remains an important aspect of Irish identity.
January 8 – President Wilson’s Fourteen Points Speech: U.S. President Woodrow Wilson outlined his vision for post-war peace, presenting the Fourteen Points to Congress as a basis for ending World War I.
March 3 – Treaty of Brest-Litovsk Signed: Soviet Russia and the Central Powers signed this treaty, marking Russia’s exit from World War I and ceding significant territories to Germany.
March 21 – German Spring Offensive Launched: Germany initiated a series of attacks along the Western Front to defeat the Allies before American forces could fully arrive.
April 21 – Death of the Red Baron: Manfred von Richthofen, the famed German fighter pilot known as the Red Baron, was shot down and killed over France.
May 16 – U.S. House Passes Women’s Suffrage Amendment: The House of Representatives approved the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote; it would be ratified in 1920.
June 4 – Battle of Belleau Wood Begins: U.S. Marines engaged German forces in France, marking a significant American contribution to the war and bolstering Allied morale.
July 17 – Execution of the Romanov Family: Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg, effectively ending the Russian monarchy.
July 18 – Second Battle of the Marne: Allied forces launched a successful counteroffensive against Germany, marking a turning point on the Western Front.
August 8 – Battle of Amiens Commences: Allied forces began an offensive that led to a series of victories, contributing to the eventual end of World War I.
September 26 – Meuse-Argonne Offensive Starts: The largest operation of the American Expeditionary Forces aimed to breach German defenses, leading to significant Allied advances.
October 12 – Cloquet Fire in Minnesota: A massive forest fire in Cloquet, Minnesota, resulted in the deaths of approximately 453 people and extensive property damage.
October 30 – Ottoman Empire Signs Armistice of Mudros: The Ottoman Empire agreed to cease hostilities, effectively exiting World War I.
November 3 – Austria-Hungary Signs Armistice: Austria-Hungary agreed to an armistice with the Allies, leading to the empire’s dissolution.
November 9 – Kaiser Wilhelm II Abdicates: Facing revolution at home, the German Emperor abdicated, leading to the proclamation of the Weimar Republic.
November 11 – Armistice Day: World War I ended with the Armistice signing between the Allies and Germany, ceasing hostilities on the Western Front.
November 11 – Poland Regains Independence: After 123 years of partitions, Poland re-emerged as an independent nation following the end of World War I.
November 28 – Estonia Declares Independence: Estonia proclaimed independence from Russia, establishing the Estonian Provisional Government.
December 1 – Formation of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes: The new state, later known as Yugoslavia, was established, uniting South Slavic peoples.
December 4 – President Wilson Sails for Paris Peace Conference: Woodrow Wilson became the first sitting U.S. president to travel to Europe, aiming to shape the post-war peace process.
December 14 – British General Election Held: The United Kingdom held its first general election after World War I, resulting in a coalition victory led by David Lloyd George.
Spanish Flu Pandemic: A deadly influenza pandemic spread globally, ultimately killing an estimated 50 million people worldwide.
Russian Civil War Intensifies: The conflict between the Red (Bolshevik) and White (anti-Bolshevik) armies escalated, shaping the future Soviet Union.
Women’s Suffrage Movement Gains Momentum: Several countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada, granted women the right to vote, marking significant progress in women’s rights.
Advancements in Aviation: World War I spurred significant technological advancements in aircraft design and aerial combat tactics.
Cultural Shifts Post-War: The end of World War I led to significant changes in art, literature, and society, setting the stage for the Roaring Twenties.
Top Ten Baby Names of 1918
Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth, John, William, James, Robert, Charles
US Life Expectancy
(1918) Males: 36.6 years, Females: 42.2 years *The life expectancy at birth in 1918 in the US dropped by almost 12 years because of the Spanish Flu.
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
The Timberland Shoe Company was founded.
Irving Berlin wrote God Bless America.
Stars & Stripes, the weekly US armed forces newspaper, restarted publication. It was also published during the Civil War.
Opha Mae Johnson became the first woman allowed to join the US Marine Corps.
The Most Popular Singers and Artists of 1918 include:
Norah Bayes, Henry Burr, Enrico Caruso, Arthur Collins, Albert Campbell, The Farber Sisters, Arthur Fields, Byron G. Harlan, Marion Harris, Charles Harrison, Charles Hart, Lewis James, Al Jolson, Irving Kaufman, Olive Kline, John McCormack, Lambert Murphy, Billy Murray, The Original Dixieland Band, The Peerless Quartet, Oscar Seagle, The Shannon Four, Joseph C. Smith’s Orchestra, John Philip Sousa’s Band, Elizabeth Spencer, The Sterling Trio, Van & Schenck, The Victor Light Opera Company
Pop Culture Facts & History
Executed labor leader and songwriter Joe Hill had his ashes seized by the US federal government on Oct 8, 1917. The ashes were held for 71 years as they were seen as subversive. Before he died, Hill asked to be cremated and specified that his ashes be scattered in every state except Utah.
The 1918 World Series marked the first time The Star-Spangled Banner was performed at a major league game. During the seventh-inning stretch of Game 1, the band began playing the song because the country was involved in World War I.
A 1918 calendar is also suitable for 2013, 2019, 2002, 1991, 1985, 1974, 1963, 1957, 1946, 1935 and 1929
The Sinking of the Lusitania was a cartoon short (longest at the time) by Windsor McCay…
Enrico Caruso, the legendary opera singer, was paid $100,000, the equivalent of $1.75 Million today, to star in My Cousin, a silent movie.
The United States Congress officially established time zones and approved the March 19, 1918 Standard Time Act.
The Geographic Center of the United States was determined by balancing a cardboard cutout shape of the US on a point, near Lebanon, Kansas. It was accurate to within 20 miles.
In 1918, pink was for boys because it was a stronger color, and the more delicate blue was reserved for girls.
Ossip Bernstein, a famous chess grandmaster, was sentenced to death by the Bolsheviks in 1918. While he was facing the firing squad, a Russian officer who heard his name offered him the chance to prove his identity in a game of chess. He beat the officer and was released.
Six hundred fifty-four sheep were killed by forked lightning when it struck a mountain in Wasatch National Park, Utah, on July 18, 1918.
Over 100 waiters were arrested for poisoning bad tippers in Chicago. The Mickey Finn is most likely named after Michael “Mickey” Finn, the Lone Star Saloon and Palm Garden Restaurant manager, which operated from 1896 to 1903 in the Chicago Loop neighborhood on South State Street of Chicago. “Slipping someone a ‘Mickey’ was named after this assault.
In Russia, the day after January 31st was February 14th, not February 1st – that’s the day Russia transitioned from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar.
The Re-Gift: In 1915, Cecil Chubb bought Stonehenge as a gift for his wife. She didn’t like it, so he donated it to the nation in 1918.
H1N1 – Spanish Flu
The Spanish Flu: This was during World War I (also called The Great War), and many countries had limits on what the press could write about, except Spain, which was neutral. Thus, more reports came out about the flu from Spain, causing people to think it was primarily happening there.
The 1918 Spanish Flu killed so many people in the US that it caused the average life expectancy in males to drop from 48.4 to 36.6 and 54.0 to 42.2 in females between 1917 and 1918.
Some Scientists Have Never Seen A Movie Dept
An unextinction is scientifically possible. Several viruses have been brought back, including the 1918 flu pandemic.
WWI News
When Manfred von Richthofen (the Red Baron) was shot down and killed in 1918, the British Army gave him a full military funeral, complete with clergy, a gun salute, and a wreath inscribed with, “To Our Gallant and Worthy Foe.”
A carrier pigeon named Cher Ami saved 194 American soldiers by delivering a message to nearby support despite being blinded in one eye, shot through the breast, covered in blood, and with a leg hanging on by a tendon.
The phrase “The First World War” was used as early as 1918, by Niall Ferguson, who felt it would not be the last.
There is only a single known audio recording from WWI. It involves British troops firing gas shells at German positions during their advance on Lille, France, on October 9, 1918.
A monument honors the almost one million Allied horses who died during the First World War in Ascot, near Windsor Castle, UK. Of one million drafted horses, only 62,000 returned in 1918.
The USS Cyclops disappeared along with 306 crew and passengers in The Bermuda Triangle. No trace has ever been found, and it remains the single largest non-combat loss of life in US Naval history.
Private John Parr was the first British soldier to die in World War 1. Almost a million more Brits died, and the last was Private George Edwin Ellison, just before the Armistice ending the war was signed in 1918. In an unplanned coincidence, the graves face each other just 15 feet apart at the same cemetery.
Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of WW1 hostilities in 1918 in the 11th month, on the 11th day, at the 11th hour.
After the Treaty of Versailles (end of WW I), the French Commander-in-chief said, “This is not a Peace. It is an Armistice for 20 years”. Twenty years and 65 days later, WW II began.
The Disasters
On February 26, 1918, one of the worst sports-related disasters occurred when the “Happy Valley Racecourse” grandstands in Happy Valley, Hong Kong, caught fire. Over 600 spectators were burned alive and 300 more were injured.
The steamer Princess Sophia sank on Vanderbilt Reef near Juneau, Alaska, and 353 people died.
The Great Train Wreck of 1918: in Nashville, Tennessee, an inbound local train collided with an outbound express, killing 101 people.
The Mystery
The USS Cyclops, which went missing in 1918 during WWI, remains the single most significant loss of life in U.S. Naval history not directly involving combat, and the ship’s fate is still unknown.
Broadway Show
Lightnin’ (Play) Opened on August 26, 1918, and closed on August 27, 1921
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Max Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck Chemistry – Fritz Haber Medicine – not awarded Literature – not awarded Peace – not awarded
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1918
Fiction Bestsellers
1. The U.P. Trail by Zane Grey 2. The Tree of Heaven by May Sinclair 3. The Amazing Interlude by Mary Roberts Rinehart 4. Dere Mable by Edward Streeter 5. Oh, Money! Money! by Eleanor H. Porter 6. Greatheart by Ethel M. Dell 7. The Major by Ralph Connor 8. The Pawns Count by E. Phillips Oppenheim 9. A Daughter of the Land by Gene Stratton Porter 10. Sonia by Stephen McKenna
General Nonfiction Bestsellers
1. Rhymes of a Red Cross Man by Robert W. Service 2. Treasury of War Poetry by G.H. Clark 3. With the Colors by Everard J. Appleton 4. Recollections by Viscount Morley 5. Laugh and Live by Douglas Fairbanks 6. Mark Twain’s Letters edited by Albert Bigelow Paine 7. Adventures and Letters of Richard Harding Davis by Richard Harding Davis 8. Over Here by Edgar Guest 9. Diplomatic Days by Edith O’Shaughnessy 10. Poems of Alan Seeger by Alan Seeger
War Nonfiction Bestsellers
1. My Four Years in Germany by James W. Gerard 2. The Glory of the Trenches by Coningsby Dawson 3. Over the Top by Arthur Guy Empey 4. A Minstrel In France by Harry Lauder 5. Private Peat by Harold R. Peat 6. Outwitting the Hun by Lieut. Pat O’Brien 7. Face to Face with Kaiserism by James W. Gerard 8. Carry On by Coningsby Dawson 9. Out to Win by Coningsby Dawson 10. Under Fire by Henri Barbusse
Other Books of Note
The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington The Decline of the West, vol. 1 by Oswald Spengler The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey My Antonia by Willa Cather The Polish Peasant in Europe and America by W.I. Thomas and Florian Znaniecki
Sports
World Series Champions: Boston Red Sox Stanley Cup Champs: Toronto Arenas U.S. Open Golf: not held (WWI) U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Robert Lindley Murray/Molla Bjurstedt Wimbledon (Men/Women): not held (WWI) NCAA Football Champions: Pitt & Michigan Kentucky Derby Winner: Exterminator Boston Marathon Winner: Camp Devens relay team Time: 2:29:53
The British Royal Navy’s first seaplane base, Royal Naval Air Station Calshot (RNAS Calshot), was crucial in developing naval aviation and seaplane technology in the United Kingdom.
Dates: RNAS Calshot was established in 1913 and officially commissioned on March 29, 1918.
Details: Located on Calshot Spit, a narrow strip of land at the entrance of Southampton Water, RNAS Calshot served as the main seaplane and flying boat station for the British Royal Navy. The base’s strategic location allowed for easy access to the open waters of the English Channel. RNAS Calshot focused on training pilots and crew for seaplane operations, aircraft maintenance, and experimental work on new seaplane designs.
Trivial Facts: In 1919, RNAS Calshot was the starting point for the first-ever non-stop transatlantic flight by John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown in a modified Vickers Vimy bomber. Calshot was also involved in the Schneider Trophy air races, a prestigious international seaplane competition held between 1913 and 1931, where the British team achieved multiple victories.
Effects on Pop Culture: RNAS Calshot’s involvement in pioneering seaplane technology and its association with historic events such as the first non-stop transatlantic flight and the Schneider Trophy races have contributed to its place in British naval aviation history. While not a prominent fixture in popular culture, it remains an important part of the UK’s aviation heritage.
Prominent People: Key figures associated with RNAS Calshot include John Alcock and Arthur Whitten Brown, who successfully completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight after departing from the base. Additionally, several Royal Navy pilots trained at Calshot succeeded in the Schneider Trophy races.
Countries Involved: RNAS Calshot was an essential part of the British Royal Navy’s aviation efforts, directly contributing to developing seaplane technology and training in the United Kingdom.
In summary, RNAS Calshot, established in 1913, was the British Royal Navy’s first seaplane base and played a significant role in developing naval aviation and seaplane technology. The base’s strategic location made it ideal for training and experimental work, and it was involved in historic events such as the first non-stop transatlantic flight and the Schneider Trophy races.
Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth, John, William, James, Robert, Joseph
US Life Expectancy
(1917) Males: 48.4 years, Females: 54.0 years
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
Kiwanis International was founded in Detroit, Michigan
The term “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” was popularized by cereal companies’ marketing campaigns after appearing in Good Health Magazine.
At Piggly Wiggly grocery stores, the modern concept of a grocery store, where you get items off the shelf yourself, wasn’t invented until 1917.
The Converse All-Star “Chuck Taylor” Basketball Shoe was first produced in 1917.
The first use of OMG was in Lord Fisher’s September 9, 1917, letter to Winston Churchill.
Melvin Jones founded Lions Clubs International.
The Most Popular Singers and Artists of 1917 include
The American Quartet, Elsie Baker, Bora Bayes, Henry Burr, Albert Campbell, Byron G. Harlan, Marion Harris, Charles Harrison, Al Jolson, Ada Jones, Lucy Isabelle Marsh, John McCormack, Billy Murray, The Original Dixieland Jazz Band, The Peerless Quartet, Prince’s Orchestra, Joseph C. Smith’s Orchestra, John Philip Sousa’s Band, The Sterling Trio, Van & Schenck, The Victor Military Band, Weber & Fields, Reinald Werrenrath, Anna Wheaton
US Politics
March 5, 1917 (Monday): Second inauguration of Woodrow Wilson
Pop Culture Facts & History
Jeannette Rankin, the first Congresswoman, served just two non-consecutive terms, starting in 1917 and 1941 and was the only person to vote against the declaration of war in both WWI and WWII.
A bank in Utah was built using 80,000 bricks mailed via USPS in 50-pound packages to save on freight costs. The post office changed parcel post rules after that.
Cape Canaveral is part of the Diocese of Orlando, making its Bishop technically Bishop of the Moon, according to the 1917 Code of Canon Law (“any newly discovered territory was placed under the jurisdiction of the diocese from which the expedition which discovered that territory left”).
The Miracle of the Sun occurred in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917 and was accepted as a miracle by the Catholic Church in 1930. At least 30,000 people gathered to see a multicolored sun dancing in the sky.
The United States purchased the Danish West Indies for $25,000,000 and renamed them the Virgin Islands.
The Royal Family officially adopted ‘Windsor’ as their surname in 1917.
WWI News:
The model for Uncle Sam on the famous 1917 post I Want You is the face of the painter, James Montgomery Flagg. For effect, he aged his portrait and added the goatee beard. Flagg used his picture to avoid the need to find a model. It was partially inspired by a British recruitment poster showing Lord Kitchener in a similar pose.
US troops in Paris stopped at the grave (composed of soil from the United States) of French Revolutionary War Hero, Marquis de Lafayette, and proclaimed, “Lafayette, we are here!”
The Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917 enabled the U.S. government to seize private assets worth millions of dollars, including Bayer’s trademark on Aspirin.
The Disaster
The Halifax Explosion was a maritime disaster in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, that killed 2000 people and injured 9,000.
Fake News
The Cottingley Fairies appeared in a series of five photographs taken by cousins Elsie Wright (1901–88) and Frances Griffiths (1907–86)
Emily Grant Hutchings tried to release a “Mark Twain” novel called Jap Herron after his death, claiming the dead author dictated the book using an Ouija board.
Journalist H.L. Mencken published a hoax news article stating bathtubs were popularized in the US by President Millard Fillmore after he had one installed in the White House. Thirty years later, even after he admitted it was false, it was still being reprinted as fact.
Spanish Flu
The 1918 Spanish Flu killed so many people in the US that it caused the average life expectancy in males to drop from 48.4 to 36.6 and 54.0 to 42.2 in females between 1917 and 1918.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Charles Glover Barkla Chemistry – not awarded Medicine – not awarded Literature – Karl Adolph Gjellerup, Henrik Pontoppidan Peace – International Committee of the Red Cross
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1917
Fiction Bestsellers
1. Mr. Britling Sees It Through, by H.G. Wells 2. The Light in the Clearing, by Irving Bacheller 3. The Red Planet by William J. Locke 4. The Road to Understanding by Eleanor H. Porter 5. Wildfire by Zane Grey 6. Christine by Alice Cholmondeley 7. In the Wilderness by Robert S. Hichens 8. His Family by Ernest Poole 9. The Definite Object by Jeffrey Farnol 10. The Hundredth Chance by Ethel M. Dell
General Nonfiction Bestsellers
1. Rhymes of a Red Cross Man by Robert W. Service 2. The Plattsburg Manual by O.O. Ellis and E.B. Garey 3. Raymond by Sir Oliver Lodge, 4. Poems of Alan Seeger by Alan Seeger 5. God the Invisible King by H.G. Wells 6. Laugh and Live by Douglas Fairbanks 7. Better Meals for Less Money by Mary Green
War Nonfiction Bestsellers
1. The First Hundred Thousand by Ian Hay 2. My Home in the Field of Honor by Frances W. Huard 3. A Student in Arms by Donald Hankey 4. Over the Top by Arthur Guy Empey 5. Carry On by Coningsby Dawson 6. Getting Together by Ian Hay 7. My Second Year of the War by Frederick Palmer 8. The Land of Deepening Shadow by D. Thomas Curtin 9. Italy, France and Britain at War by H.G. Wells 10. The Worn Doorstep by Margaret Sherwood
Other Books of Note
On Growth and Form by D’Arcy Wentworth Thomas A Theology for the Social Gospel by Walter Rauschenbusch A Book of Prefaces by H.L. Mencken Social Rule by Elsie Clewes Parsons Prufrock by T.S. Eliot
Sports
World Series Champions: Chicago White Sox Stanley Cup Champs: Seattle Metropolitans U.S. Open Golf: not held (WWI) U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Robert Lindley Murray/Molla Bjurstedt Wimbledon (Men/Women): not held (WWI) NCAA Football Champions: Georgia Tech Kentucky Derby Winner: Omar Khayyam Boston Marathon Winner: Bill Kennedy Time: 2:28:37
Siegfried Sassoon’s statement of willful defiance
July 17(?), 1917
I am making this statement as an act of wilful defiance of military authority because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it. I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that the war upon which I entered as a war of defence and liberation has now become a war of agression and conquest. I believe that the purposes for which I and my fellow soldiers entered upon this war should have been so clearly stated as to have made it impossible to change them and that had this been done the objects which actuated us would now be attainable by negotiation.
I have seen and endured the sufferings of the troops and I can no longer be a party to prolong these sufferings for ends which I believe to be evil and unjust. I am not protesting against the conduct of the war, but against the political errors and insincerities for which the fighting men are being sacrificed.
On behalf of those who are suffering now, I make this protest against the deception which is being practised upon them; also I believe it may help to destroy the callous complacency with which the majority of those at home regard the continuance of agonies which they do not share and which they have not enough imagination to realise.
Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth, John, William, James, Robert, Joseph
US Life Expectancy
(1916) Males: 49.6 years, Females: 54.3 years
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
Piggly Wiggly revolutionized grocery shopping by allowing customers to select their items, “To have no store clerks gab and smirk while folks are standing around ten deep to get waited on.”
The Professional Golfers Association of America (PGA) was founded in New York City.
Fall of a Nation, the 1916 sequel to D.W. Griffith’s Birth of a Nation, is considered the first sequel in film history, but no copies exist.
The US Department of Interior formed the National Park Service.
Mr. Peanut from Planters’ brand peanuts was created by 13-year-old Antonio Gentile, for a contest in 1916. He won $5. Mr. Peanut appeared in the Saturday Evening Post on February 23, 1918.
Oxycodone, a narcotic painkiller closely related to codeine, was synthesized in Germany.
Norman Rockwell’s’ first cover (Mother’s Day Off) for the Saturday Evening Post was published on May 20.
Tristan Tzara is often credited for founding the Dadaism art movement.
The Chicago Cubs played their first game at Weeghman Park (now Wrigley Field), defeating the Cincinnati Reds 7–6 in 11 innings.
In 1916, John D. Rockefeller became the world’s first confirmed U.S. billionaire.
The phrase “Founding Fathers” – usually referring to John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington – was coined by Warren G Harding in 1916.
The Most Popular Singers and Artists of 1916 include
The American Quartet, Sam Ash, Elsie Baker, Elizabeth Brice, Henry Burr, Albert Campbell, Enrico Caruso, Arthur Collins, Marguerite Dunlap, Marguerite Farrell, Arthur Fields, Byron G. Harlan, Charles Harrison, Al Jolson, Charles King, Olive Kline, Harry Macdonough, John McCormack, Lambert Murphy, Billy Murray, Geoffrey O’Hara, The Orpheus Quartet, The Peerless Quartet, Prince’s Orchestra, The Taylor Trio, The Victor Military Band, Walter Van Brunt, Elizabeth Wheeler
Pop Culture Facts & History
On October 7, 1916, the Georgia Tech Engineers defeated the Cumberland College Bulldogs 222–0. Georgia Tech’s coach was John Heisman; later, the Heisman Trophy was named after him in 1935.
The Star-Spangled Banner, when written in 1814 as a poem by Francis Scott Key, was initially titled The Defence of Fort McHenry and kept its original title until the poem was paired with music and people nicknamed it Star-Spangled Banner in 1916. The melody is from an older English tune, To Anacreon in Heaven.
An Arctic cold front slammed through Browning, Montana, dropping the temperature overnight, January 23, from 44°F to -56°F in 24 hours. The most dramatic 24-hour drop in temperature ever recorded in the US.
White-Tailed Sea Eagles went extinct in Scotland in 1916 due to hunting and egg collecting. In 1975, a breeding pair from Norway was re-introduced, and by 2006, the 200th Sea Eagle egg hatched on the Isle of Skye.
From 1860 through 1016, the British army required soldiers to have a mustache. That was revoked in October 1916, because the recruits were so young that some could not rustle up more than a thin, mousey streak.
The Statue of Liberty’s torch has been closed to the public since July 30, 1916, when it sustained structural damage from the Black Tom explosion – an act of German sabotage.
America’s last stagecoach robbery took place on December 5, 1916. A wagon headed for Jarbidge, NV, was hit. Fred Searcy, the driver, was killed, and $4,000 vanished. A drifter, Ben Kuhl, was tied to the crime by a bloody palm print. This marked the first time palm print evidence was used in a U.S. court. The $4,000 was never found.
Frank Grigware was serving a life sentence at Leavenworth Prison when he escaped in 1910 and fled to Canada. By 1916, he was elected mayor of Spirit River, Alberta, Canada.
A “blue discharge” was a form of administrative military discharge issued by the U.S. from 1916-1947. Neither honorable nor dishonorable, the blue discharge became the discharge of choice for commanders seeking to remove homosexual service members from the ranks.
Jeanette Rankin was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1916, four years before women won the right to vote nationwide.
The Movie Stars
The term ‘movie star’ originated from Paramount Pictures. In 1916, the studio contracted 22 actors and honored each with a star on the logo. Based on Famous Players-Lasky (precursor to Paramount) members, they were Valentine Grant, Wallace Reed, Owen Moore, Donald Brian, Fanny Ward, Pauline Frederick, Theodore Roberts, Ann Pennington, Mary Pickford, Marguerite Clark, Mae Murray, Marie Doro, Louise Huff, Geraldine Farrer, Blanche Sweet, Anita King, Hazel dawn, Lou Tellegen, Cleo Ridgely, Victor Moore, Sessue Hayakawa, and Thomas Meighan.
WWI News
A miscalculation of Montana’s population led to 40,000 men being drafted into the 1st World War…10% of the state’s population.
Due to the outbreak of World War I, the 1916 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, was canceled.
The Tragedy
In 1916, 2,223 Americans died in mining accidents.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – not awarded Chemistry – not awarded Medicine – not awarded Literature – Carl Gustaf Verner von Heidenstam Peace – not awarded
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1916
Fiction Bestsellers:
1. Seventeen by Booth Tarkington 2. When a Man’s a Man by Harold Bell Wright 3. Just David by Eleanor H. Porter 4. Mr. Britling Sees It Through by H.G. Wells 5. Life and Gabriella by Ellen Glasgow 6. The Real Adventure by Henry Kitchell Webster 7. Bars of Iron by Ethel M. Dell 8. Nan of Music Mountain by Frank H. Spearman 9. Dear Enemy by Jean Webster 10. The Heart of Rachael by Kathleen Norris
Other Books of Note
Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce A Course in General Linguistics by Ferdinand de Saussure Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism by Vladimir Lenin Democracy and Education by John Dewey Psychology of the Unconscious by C. Jung (English translation by Beatrice M. Hinkle) The Passing of the Great Race by Madison Grant
Sports
World Series Champions: Boston Red Sox Stanley Cup Champs: Montreal Canadians U.S. Open Golf: Chick Evans U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Richard Norris Williams/Molla Bjurstedt Wimbledon (Men/Women): not held (WWI) NCAA Football Champions: Pitt Kentucky Derby Winner: George Smith Boston Marathon Winner: Arthur Roth Time: 2:27:16
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Harry James (born March 15, 1916 – died July 5, 1983) was an American trumpeter, bandleader, and film actor who led one of the most popular big bands during the Swing Era. Known for his exceptional trumpet playing and powerful sound, Harry James and His Orchestra produced numerous hits and showcased the talents of many vocalists, including Helen Forrest.
Harry James was born in Albany, Georgia, and grew up in a musical family.
He started playing trumpet at the age of eight, taught by his father, who was a bandleader.
James first gained national attention as a member of the Benny Goodman Orchestra in the late 1930s.
In 1939, Harry James formed his own orchestra, quickly becoming popular due to his distinctive trumpet playing and energetic sound.
Helen Forrest, born Helen Fogel, was an American singer who joined the Harry James Orchestra in 1941.
Forrest was known for her warm, expressive voice and ability to interpret various musical styles.
Harry James and Helen Forrest recorded several hits together, including “I Don’t Want to Walk Without You,” “I’ve Heard That Song Before,” and “I Had the Craziest Dream.”
Their collaboration helped establish Helen Forrest as one of the top female vocalists of the Swing Era.
The Harry James Orchestra was known for its strong brass section, which featured James’ virtuosic trumpet playing.
The orchestra’s repertoire included a mix of jazz standards, ballads, and popular songs of the time.
Harry James and His Orchestra appeared in several Hollywood films, such as “Springtime in the Rockies” and “Private Buckaroo.”
In addition to Helen Forrest, the orchestra also featured other notable vocalists like Frank Sinatra, Kitty Kallen, and Dick Haymes.
Some of the orchestra’s biggest hits include “You Made Me Love You,” “Two O’Clock Jump,” and “Ciribiribin.”
Harry James significantly influenced many trumpeters, including Miles Davis and Doc Severinsen.
Throughout the 1940s, the Harry James Orchestra was consistently ranked as one of the top big bands in the United States.
Helen Forrest left the orchestra in 1943 to pursue a solo career and work with other bandleaders like Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.
Harry James and His Orchestra continued to perform and record through the 1950s, even as the popularity of big bands began to decline.
In the 1960s and 1970s, James focused on smaller ensembles and played in Las Vegas showrooms.
Harry James passed away in 1983, but his music and influence on jazz and big band music remain relevant today.
Helen Forrest continued to perform until she died in 1999, and she is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of her era.
Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth, John, William, James, Robert, Joseph
US Life Expectancy
(1915) Males: 52.5 years, Females: 56.8 years
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
Growers got together to try and make their “Alligator Pears” sound more appealing. Collectively, they decided to change the name of the fruit to “Avocados.”
The first performance of a ‘haunted house’ was the Orton and Spooner Ghost House, which opened in 1915 in Liphook, England.
A raisin company executive spotted a teenage girl (Lorraine Collett) drying her curly brown hair and wearing her mother’s red bonnet. She hired her for a stunt promotion that had her dropping raisins from an airplane. Soon she became the company’s first symbol called, “Sun-Maid.”
Tom Lyle Williams created the mascara “Maybelline” in 1915 when his sister Maybel used a mixture of Vaseline and coal dust to darken her eyelashes.
Junior Chamber International (Jay-Cees) was founded in St. Louis, Missouri.
Johnny Gruelle received a US Patent (#47789) for his Raggedy Ann Doll on September 7, 1915.
Audrey Munson was the first person allowed to appear nude in a non-pornographic film, Inspiration. She was the model for fewer than 15 statues in New York City and is considered the first supermodel.
Actress Theda Bara was the first modern Sex Symbol.
Kiwanis International was founded in Detroit by Joseph C. Prance and Allen S. Browne.
The first stop sign appeared in Detroit, Michigan. It was white with black letters.
Wrigley’s Gum shipped sticks of gum to every address listed in US phone books as an early viral marketing campaign.
Chicago’s Wrigley Field became the first baseball stadium to allow fans to keep home runs and foul balls hit into the stands.
The term “Crime Against Humanity” was first used about the Armenian Genocide by the Allied powers in 1915.
The Most Popular Singers and Artists of 1915 include
Henry Burr, Albert Campbell, Arthur Collins, The Conway’s Band, Alma Gluck, Byron Harlan, Charles Harrison, Morton Harvey, Al Jolson, Irving Kaufman, Olive Kline, The Lyric Quartet, Harry Macdonough, George MacFarlane, John McCormack, Lambert Murphy, Billy Murray, The Peerless Quartet, Prince’s Orchestra, Homer Rodeheaver, Cal Stewart, Reinald Werrenrath, Bert Williams
Pop Culture News
Inventor Buckminster Fuller tried to document his life as thoroughly as possible. Every 15 minutes from 1915 to his death in 1983, he recorded his life in his diary named ‘Dymaxion Chronofile.’ It contains 14,000 pages.
The British Board of Film Classification forbade images of drug misuse as early as 1915, not because there was a significant societal problem but because it was thought that these scenes might arouse curiosity.
Birth of a Nation was the first movie screened at the White House and even used excerpts from then-President Woodrow Wilson’s book in the subtitles. Wilson was a member of the KKK.
There were numerous reports of a theoretical planet named ‘Vulcan’ – closer to the Sun than Mercury – until the planet was finally disproved in 1915 by Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.
The US Supreme Court handed down a decision in 1915 that established that free speech did not extend to motion pictures because they were not a form of art but a business. It was overturned in 1952
“The Class the Stars Fell On”… 36% (59 cadets) of the 1915 West Point Class attained the rank of General. Members included Dwight D. Eisenhower and Omar N. Bradley.
Someone in the Red Ash Coal mine (Laurel Run, Pennsylvania) forgot his carbide lamp hanging from a timber beam that subsequently caught fire. The mine fire continues to burn today.
The earliest known instance of “Jazz” was used to refer to music in the Chicago Daily Tribune on July 11, 1915.
The real Chef Boyardee, Ettore “Hector” Boiardi, directed the catering at President Woodrow Wilson’s wedding reception 1915.
The phrase “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade” was coined by Elbery Hubbard, an anarchist, when he was writing the obituary for his friend, Marshall P. Wilder, a famous dwarf actor.
Cecil Chubb bought Stonehenge as a gift for his wife. She didn’t like it, so he gave it to England in 1918.
When the Ford Model T first came out in 1909, it cost $850. By 1913, it had fallen to $550; finally, by 1915, the price had dropped to $350. But by the 1920s, the price had fallen to $250 per car. On October 12, 1915, the 1,000,000th car was built by Ford.
One of the Hawaiian islands, Ni’ihau, has been privately owned since 1864 and closed to outside visitors since 1915.
California became the first state to ban cannabis.
The Horrible
The SS Eastland, a passenger ship, capsized in its dock in downtown Chicago, killing 844 people on July 24, 1915.
The Typo:
The Washington Post wrote that President Woodrow Wilson spent an evening “entering” his fiancée, instead of “entertaining” her.
Nobel Prize Winners
Chemistry – Richard Willstätter Literature – Romain Rolland Medicine – not awarded Peace – not awarded Physics – William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1915
Fiction Bestsellers
1. The Turmoil by Booth Tarkington 2. A Far Country by Winston Churchill 3. Michael O’Halloran by Gene Stratton Porter 4. Pollyanna Grows Up by Eleanor H. Porter 5. K by Mary Roberts Rinehart 6. Jaffery by William J. Locke 7. Felix O’Day by F. Hopkinson Smith 8. The Harbor by Ernest Poole 9. The Lone Star Ranger by Zane Grey 10. Angela’s Business by Henry Sydnor Harrison
Other Books of Note
The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford The Rainbow by D.H. Lawrence Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham The Golden Bough by James George Frazer America’s Coming of Age by Van Wyck Brooks The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman The House on Henry Street by Lillian Wald Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters
Sports
World Series Champions: Boston Red Sox Stanley Cup Champs: Vancouver Millionaires U.S. Open Golf: Jerome Travers U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Bill Johnston/Molla Bjurstedt Wimbledon (Men/Women): not held (WWI) NCAA Football Champions: Cornell Kentucky Derby Winner: Regret Boston Marathon Winner: Édouard Fabre Time: 2:31:41
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky,
The larks, still bravely singing, fly,
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead; short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe!
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high!
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
John McCrae (November 30, 1872 – January 28, 1918) was a Canadian soldier.
January 5 – Ford Motor Company Introduced $5 Workday: Henry Ford announced an eight-hour workday and a minimum wage of $5, doubling the average wage and setting new labor standards.
January 12 – Sakurajima Volcano Erupted in Japan: The eruption caused significant damage and made the island connect to the Ōsumi Peninsula.
February 12 – First Feature-Length Film Shot in Hollywood Released: The Squaw Man, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and Oscar Apfel, premiered in the U.S., marking Hollywood’s emergence as a film production center.
March 1 – Republic of China Joined the Universal Postal Union: China became a member of the international postal body, enhancing its global communication links.
March 9 – Panama Canal Completed: The construction of the Panama Canal was finished, significantly reducing maritime travel time between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
April 9 – Tampico Affair: A misunderstanding involving U.S. Navy sailors and Mexican troops in Tampico escalated tensions between the United States and Mexico.
April 20 – Ludlow Massacre in Colorado: The Colorado National Guard attacked a tent colony of striking coal miners, resulting in numerous deaths and highlighting labor disputes in the U.S.
May 7 – The British House of Lords Passed the Irish Home Rule Bill: The bill granted limited self-government to Ireland, though its implementation was delayed due to World War I.
May 15 – Henri Rabaud’s Opera ‘Marouf’ Premiered in Paris: The opera Marouf, savetier du Caire debuted, becoming one of Rabaud’s most celebrated works.
June 28 – Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand: Heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist.
July 5 – Kaiser Wilhelm II Promised Support to Austria-Hungary: Germany assured Austria-Hungary of its backing in any conflict against Serbia, influencing the escalation toward World War I.
July 23 – Austria-Hungary Issued Ultimatum to Serbia: Following the assassination, Austria-Hungary presented demands to Serbia, increasing tensions.
July 28 – Austria-Hungary Declared War on Serbia: Marking the beginning of World War I, Austria-Hungary initiated hostilities against Serbia.
August 1 – Germany Declared War on Russia: Following Russia’s mobilization, Germany declared war, further expanding the conflict.
August 3 – Germany Declared War on France: Germany expanded the war by declaring war on France, implementing the Schlieffen Plan.
August 4 – Germany Invaded Belgium; Britain Entered the War: Germany’s invasion of neutral Belgium prompted the United Kingdom to declare war on Germany.
August 23 – Battle of Mons: The British Expeditionary Force engaged German forces in Belgium, marking the first major British action of World War I. History
September 5–12 – First Battle of the Marne: Allied forces halted the German advance into France, leading to trench warfare on the Western Front. History
October 19–November 22 – First Battle of Ypres: Allied and German forces clashed in Belgium, resulting in heavy casualties and a stalemate. History
November 1 – Battle of Coronel: A naval engagement off the coast of Chile where the German East Asia Squadron defeated a British squadron.
December 8 – Battle of the Falkland Islands: The British Royal Navy defeated the German East Asia Squadron, reasserting naval dominance.
December 16 – German Navy Bombarded English Coastal Towns: Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby were shelled, causing civilian casualties and outrage in Britain.
December 24–25 – Christmas Truce: An unofficial ceasefire occurred along parts of the Western Front, with soldiers from opposing sides fraternizing and exchanging greetings.
Panama Canal Opened to Traffic: The canal began operations, facilitating maritime trade by connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Establishment of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the U.S.: The FTC was created to prevent unfair business practices and promote consumer protection.
Top Ten Baby Names of 1914
Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth, John, William, James, Robert, Joseph
US Life Expectancy
(1914) Males: 52.0 years, Females: 56.8 years
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
The world’s first electric traffic signal was placed on the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 105th Street in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 5, 1914.
The first Commercial Airline was the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line; the first commercial flight was on January 1, 1914.
The American Society of Composers, Authors & Publishers (ASCAP) was formed in New York, NY.
The Perils of Pauline, a movie serial, debuted.
Harry Fox introduced The Foxtrot at the New Amsterdam Roof Garden in NYC.
The Panama Canal opened.
The term “Cup of Joe” was invented to mock US Secretary of Navy Josephus Daniels, who banned alcohol consumption in 1914, replacing it with coffee.
On May 8, 1914, the US Congress passed a law designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day. It is still celebrated today.
H.G. Wells coined the term “Atomic Bomb” in his book The World Set Free.
The Most Popular Singers and Artists of 1914 include
The American Quartet, Nora Bayes, Henry Burr, Albert Campbell, Helen Clark, Arthur Collins, Marguerite Dunlap, Byron G. Harlan, Charles Harrison, Joe Hayman, The Heidelberg Quartet, Irving Kaufman, Grace Kerns, George MacFarlane, John McCormack, Billy Murray, Will Oakland, The Peerless Quartet, Prince’s Orchestra, Manual Romain, Maggie Teyte, Walter Van Brunt, The Victor Military Band
Pop Culture Facts & History
Gertie the Dinosaur by Winsor was one of the earliest animated films and the first to use keyframes, animation loops, tracing paper, and feature a dinosaur. The 12-minute film consists of over 10,000 individually traced frames and took several years to complete.
The Ford Model T wasn’t just available in black. From 1908-1913, it was available in gray, green, blue, and red. Only in 1914 was the “any color as long as it’s black” policy introduced.
Ford Motor Co wages went from $2.40/9-hr day to $5.00/8-hr day.
When Thomas Edison’s factory burned to the ground, destroying one-of-a-kind prototypes and causing millions in damage, he said: “Thank goodness all our mistakes were burned up. Now we can start fresh again.”
Charlie Chaplin’s first appearance as The Tramp was in Kid Auto Races at Venice
The RMS Empress of Ireland had a cat named Emmy. She never missed a voyage until May 28, 1914, when she refused to go aboard. The ship left without her and sank the next day.
Seattle’s Smith Tower was the tallest building on the Westcoast 1914 until the Space Needle opened in 1962
Speedo swimwear originated in 1914 under the brand name ‘Fortitude’. It didn’t become known by its current brand name until 1928.
The actor credited for performing in the most movies for a long time was Oliver Hardy, of Laurel and Hardy fame, with a record 417 movies between 1914 and 1951. Recently, others have gotten more screen credits than he, including Frank Welker, Eric Roberts, and many voice actors.
Passenger Pigeons were once the most abundant bird in the world. John James Audubon once saw a flock that took three days to pass. Alexander Wilson reckoned that a flock he saw contained 2,230,272,000 individuals. On September 1, 1914, Martha, the world’s last passenger pigeon, died alone in 1914 at the Cincinnati, Ohio Zoo.
The Coca-Cola Company was flooded with look-alike competitors. The bottlers requested design proposals for their product: a “bottle so distinct that you would recognize if by feel in the dark or lying broken on the ground,” and the initial Classic Coke green bottle was released in 1916.
The most outstanding high school football team of all time was in Massachusetts. The 1914 Everett Crimson Tide, went 13-0, won the national title, and outscored their opponents 600-0 throughout the season.
The famous “Uncle Sam Wants You,” and Smokey Bear’s “Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires” posters are both imitations of a British Army recruitment poster from 1914 – “Lord Kitchener Wants You.”
WWI in History
Franz Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, and his wife Sophie were assassinated in Sarajevo by Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip. British WWI soldier Thomas Hughes tossed a beer bottle with a letter to his wife into the English Channel. He was killed two days later. In 1999, a fisherman dredged up the bottle in the River Thames. Although Hughes’ wife had died in 1979, it was delivered to his 86-year-old daughter.
The Christmas Truce
On Christmas in 1914, German and Allied Troops had a truce and sang songs together, gave presents to each other, and even played soccer. The Germans won 3-2.
The Horrible
The Influenza Pandemic of 1913-1914, also known as ‘The Spanish Flu,’ killed more people than WWI. Casualties were around 30 million. (not to be confused with the Pandemic of 1918-1920, which killed over 50,000,000 people.
The Ludlow Massacre
On April 20, 1914, the Colorado National Guard fired on a camp of striking miners and their families, killing at least 19, including 11 children.
The Extinction
The final Passenger Pigeon in the wild was shot in 1901. The last, Martha, died in the Cincinnati Zoo on September 1, 1914.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Max von Laue Chemistry – Theodore William Richards Medicine – Róbert Bárány Literature – not awarded Peace – not awarded The Nobel Peace Prize was not awarded for WWI (1914-1916) and WWII (1939-1943). The International Committee of the Red Cross was the first winner after each war.
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1914
Fiction Bestsellers
1. The Eyes of the World by Harold Bell Wright 2. Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter 3. The Inside of the Cup by Winston Churchill 4. The Salamander by Owen Johnson 5. The Fortunate Youth by William J. Locke 6. T. Tembarom by Frances Hodgson Burnett 7. Penrod by Booth Tarkington 8. Diane of the Green Van by Leona Dalrymple 9. The Devil’s Garden by W.B. Maxwell 10. The Prince of Graustark by George Barr McCutcheon
Other Books of Note
Tender Buttons by Gertrude Stein Other People’s Money by Louis Brandeis Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw Drift and Mastery by Walter Lippmann Behaviorism by John D. Watson
Sports
World Series Champions: Boston Braves Stanley Cup Champs: Toronto Hockey Club U.S. Open Golf: Walter Hagen U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Richard Norris Williams/Mary Browne Wimbledon (Men/Women): Norman Brookes/Dorothea Lambert Chambers NCAA Football Champions: Army Kentucky Derby Winner: Old Rosebud Boston Marathon Winner: James Duffy Time: 2:25:14
W.E.B. Du Bois’ letter to his 14 year old daughter, Yolande, as she went off to England for school October 29, 1914
Dear Little Daughter:
I have waited for you to get well settled before writing. By this time I hope some of the strangeness has worn off and that my little girl is working hard and regularly.
Of course, everything is new and unusual. You miss the newness and smartness of America. Gradually, however, you are going to sense the beauty of the old world: its calm and eternity and you will grow to love it.
Above all remember, dear, that you have a great opportunity. You are in one of the world’s best schools, in one of the world’s greatest modern empires. Millions of boys and girls all over this world would give almost anything they possess to be where you are. You are there by no desert or merit of yours, but only by lucky chance.
Deserve it, then. Study, do your work. Be honest, frank and fearless and get some grasp of the real values of life. You will meet, of course, curious little annoyances. People will wonder at your dear brown and the sweet crinkley hair. But that simply is of no importance and will soon be forgotten. Remember that most folk laugh at anything unusual, whether it is beautiful, fine or not. You, however, must not laugh at yourself. You must know that brown is as pretty as white or prettier and crinkley hair as straight even though it is harder to comb. The main thing is the YOU beneath the clothes and skin—the ability to do, the will to conquer, the determination to understand and know this great, wonderful, curious world. Don’t shrink from new experiences and custom. Take the cold bath bravely. Enter into the spirit of your big bed-room. Enjoy what is and not pine for what is not. Read some good, heavy, serious books just for discipline: Take yourself in hand and master yourself. Make yourself do unpleasant things, so as to gain the upper hand of your soul.
Above all remember: your father loves you and believes in you and expects you to be a wonderful woman.
I shall write each week and expect a weekly letter from you.
The Panama Canal, an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, forever changed global trade and travel. Its construction was immense, involving multiple countries, tens of thousands of workers, and overcoming numerous engineering challenges. Today, the canal remains a vital artery for international commerce.
Initial Attempts: Interest in constructing a canal across Central America dates back to the early 16th century. In the late 19th century, French engineer Ferdinand de Lesseps, who was responsible for the Suez Canal, attempted to build a canal through Panama. His project began in 1881 but was plagued by disease, engineering challenges, and financial problems. The French ultimately abandoned the project in 1889.
U.S. Involvement: In 1903, the United States took an interest in constructing the canal. That year, Panama declared its independence from Colombia with U.S. support, and the newly formed Republic of Panama granted the U.S. rights to build and control the canal in the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty.
Construction: The U.S. began construction in 1904 under the leadership of President Theodore Roosevelt. Various chief engineers, including John F. Stevens and George W. Goethals, oversaw the project. The canal’s construction required significant labor, with approximately 56,000 workers at its peak.
Challenges: Workers faced numerous challenges, including tropical diseases like malaria and yellow fever. Chief sanitation officer Dr. William C. Gorgas was instrumental in implementing measures to control the spread of disease, dramatically improving working conditions.
Completion and Inauguration: The Panama Canal was completed in 1914, taking ten years to build at approximately $375 million. On August 15, 1914, the SS Ancon became the first ship to officially transit the canal.
Trivial Facts: The canal is approximately 50 miles long and takes ships about 8-10 hours to traverse. Over 14,000 vessels pass through the canal each year, transporting more than 200 million tons of cargo.
Effects on Pop Culture: The Panama Canal has been featured in movies, television shows, and books, often as a backdrop for adventure and intrigue. It has also inspired songs like the 1913 hit “The Panama Canal Rag.”
Prominent People: Key figures in the canal’s history include Ferdinand de Lesseps, Theodore Roosevelt, John F. Stevens, George W. Goethals, and Dr. William C. Gorgas.
Countries Involved: The U.S. played a significant role in the canal’s construction and controlled the Panama Canal Zone until December 31, 1999, when it was transferred to Panama.
In summary, the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 revolutionized global trade and travel, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The project was a massive engineering feat involving multiple countries, overcoming numerous challenges, and ultimately changing the face of international commerce. The canal’s construction and its impact on global trade have left an indelible mark on popular culture and the world.
Mary, Helen, Dorothy, Margaret, Ruth, John, William, James, Robert, Joseph
US Life Expectancy
(1913) Males: 50.3 years, Females: 55.0 years
Firsts, Inventions, and Wonders
America had a transcontinental highway in 1913, The Lincoln Highway, from Times Square to Lincoln Park in San Francisco.
The clothing zipper was invented (and became more popular by the 1930s).
Established in 1896, Cracker Jacks added small toys to their packages in 1913.
Alfred Carlton Gilbert’s Erector Sets went on sale.
Krazy Kat by George Herriman debuted in the New York Evening Journal.
The Actors’ Equity Association was founded.
Camel Cigarettes went on sale for the first time.
The modern “word-cross” puzzle, created by Arthur Wynne, was published in the New York World newspaper.
Igor Stravinsky’s ballet score The Rite of Spring premiered in Paris. The audience did not like it.
William Knox became the first in the American Bowling Congress to bowl 300.
The Palace Theater opened at 1564 Broadway, New York City.
The term ‘Lucid Dreaming,’ used to describe when someone becomes aware that they are dreaming while dreaming, was coined by Fredrick van Eeden.
Sporting Goods company Wilson was opened to use animal by-products from New York slaughterhouses. Its first products were strings for tennis rackets and violins.
The Most Popular Singers and Artists of 1913 include
The American Quartet, Elsie Baker, Henry Burr, Albert Campbell, Enrico Caruso, Helen Clark, Arthur Collins, Byron G. Harlon, Charles Harrison, James F. Harrison, The Hayden Quartet, Al Jolson, Ada Jones, Olive Kline, Christie MacDonald, Harry Macdonough, John McCormack, Billy Murray, Will Oakland, Chauncey Olcott, The Peerless Quartet, Manual Romain, Walter Van Brunt, Reinald Werrenrath, Bert Williams
US Politics
March 4, 1913 (Tuesday): First inauguration of Woodrow Wilson
Pop Culture Facts & History
A survey of US children working under challenging conditions in factories found that 412 out of 500 would instead work in sweatshops than the “monotony, humiliation, and cruelty” of school.
The Monte Carlo Fallacy – during a game of roulette in Monte Carlo, the ball fell in black 26 times in a row. (odds 1 in 138,600,000)
Sigmund Freud, Joseph Stalin, Hitler, and Trotsky frequented the same café, the “Café Central,” located at Herrengasse 14, in the Innere Stadt first district of Vienna.
Before the income tax was enacted in 1913, the U.S. government got up to 40% of its revenue from alcohol taxes. Without the income tax in place, the Prohibition Amendment would likely not have been proposed by the Senate in 1917.
Before the 17th Amendment was adopted in 1913, senators were chosen by state legislatures rather than elected by the people they represented like we do today.
At the Great Gettysburg Reunion of 1913, two men purchased a hatchet, walked to where their regiments had fought, and buried it. Over 50,000 veterans from both sides attended, without any altercation.
Thomas Jefferson wrote his State of the Union messages, instead of delivering them in a speech like George Washington. All presidents followed Jefferson’s lead until Woodrow Wilson resurrected Washington’s precedent in 1913.
Owens Lake is located in southeastern California; it has been primarily dry since 1913, when the Owens River was diverted to supply water to Los Angeles. It is now called the largest source of dust pollution in the entire United States.
The hottest day in recorded history. It occurred on July 10, 1913, in Death Valley, CA, where the temperature reached 134.1 degrees.
The record single-day snowfall for the entire United States is five feet three inches (63 inches), which occurred in Georgetown, Colorado, on December 12, 1913.
The United State’s Federal Reserve System was created via the Federal Reserve Act.
The statue of The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen, Denmark, was completed.
Nobel Prize Winners
Physics – Heike Kamerlingh Onnes Chemistry – Alfred Werner Medicine – Charles Richet Literature – Rabindranath Tagore Peace – Henri La Fontaine
Popular and Best-selling Books From 1913
Fiction Bestsellers
1. The Inside of the Cup by Winston Churchill 2. V.V.’s Eyes by Henry Sydnor Harrison 3. Laddie by Gene Stratton Porter 4. The Judgment House by Sir Gilbert Parker 5. Heart of the Hills by John Fox Jr 6. The Amateur Gentleman by Jeffrey Farnol 7. The Woman Thou Gavest Me by Hall Caine 8. Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter 9. The Valiants of Virginia by Hallie Erminie Rives 10. T. Tembarom by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Nonfiction Bestsellers
1. Crowds by Gerald Stanley Lee 2. Germany and the Germans by Price Collier 3. Zone Policeman 88 by Harry A. Franck 4. The New Freedom by Woodrow Wilson 5. South America by James Bryce 6. Your United States by Arnold Bennett 7. The Promised Land by Mary Antin 8. Auction Bridge To-Day by Milton C. Work 9. Three Plays by Eugene Brieux 10. Psychology and Industrial Efficiency by Hugo Munsterberg
Other Books of Note
Sons and Lovers by D.H. Lawrence An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States by Charles Beard Swann’s Way (English translation, 1922) by Marcel Proust Principia Mathematica by Alfred North Whitehead and Bertrand Russell Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter A Preface to Politics by Walter Lippmann The Problem of Christianity by Josiah Royce O Pioneers by Willa Cather
Sports
World Series Champions: Philadelphia Athletics Challenge Cup Champs: Quebec Bulldogs U.S. Open Golf: Francis Ouimet U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Maurice McLoughlin/Mary Browne Wimbledon (Men/Women): Laurence Doherty/Dorothea Lambert Chambers NCAA Football Champions: Harvard Kentucky Derby Winner: Donerail Boston Marathon Winner: Fritz Carlson Time: 2:25:14
