May 20
Today In History

Historical Events in 1898

1898 New York City expanded by annexing land from surrounding counties, creating the modern five-borough metropolis.

1898 Émile Zola's J'accuse…! exposes the Dreyfus affair.

1898 In the midst of the Dreyfus affair, February 7, 1898, witnessed Émile Zola's trial for libel. His publication of "J'Accuse…!" had thrust the scandal into the public eye. Zola's defense of justice and truth in the face of political intrigue left an enduring mark on French legal history.

1898 The USS Maine's explosion in Havana harbor pushes the US into the Spanish-American War.

1898 Émile Zola is imprisoned in France after writing J'Accuse…!, a letter accusing the French government of antisemitism and wrongfully imprisoning Captain Alfred Dreyfus.

1898 King George I of Greece survives an assassination attempt.

1898 Melbourne played host to a momentous event where representatives from five colonies adopted a constitution, laying the foundation for the Commonwealth of Australia.

1898 The Spanish-American War's commencement marked a pivotal moment in global geopolitics as the United States asserted itself on the world stage.

1898 In 1898, tensions escalated as the Spanish-American War commenced, with Spain's involvement shaping the course of history during this tumultuous period.

1898 The outbreak of the Spanish-American War occurred as the United States declared war on Spain, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in the nation's history.

1898 The Italian football league system saw its debut games, setting the stage for Italy's enduring love affair with the beautiful game. This marked the inception of a football tradition that continues to thrive today.

1898 The Spanish-American War, a significant conflict, began in 1898.

1898 China undergoes a period of transformation as the Hundred Days' Reform commences. Initiated by the Guangxu Emperor, this reform movement aims to modernize social, political, and educational institutions. However, it faces suspension by Empress Dowager Cixi after a mere 104 days, ultimately leading to profound consequences, including the abolition of the Imperial examination in 1905.

1898 General Emilio Aguinaldo's declaration of the Philippines' independence from Spain in 1898 marked a watershed moment in the nation's history, setting it on the path to self-determination and nationhood.

1898 The Yukon Territory is officially established, with Dawson chosen as its capital, ushering in a new chapter in Canadian territorial history.

1898 The United States Navy Hospital Corps was established in 1898, playing a crucial role in providing medical care to sailors and Marines.

1898 In 1898, the United States captured Guam from Spain in a curious twist of history. The few warning shots fired by U.S. naval vessels were misinterpreted as salutes by the Spanish garrison, leading to a momentous change of hands.

1898 The outbreak of the Spanish-American War marked a critical juncture in history as Spain declared war on the United States, sparking a conflict that would have far-reaching consequences.

1898 On this day in 1898, Joshua Slocum completed a remarkable journey, becoming the first person to solo circumnavigate the globe, starting from Briar Island, Nova Scotia.

1898 The Battle of Santiago de Cuba in 1898 saw an American squadron, under William T. Sampson, defeating a Spanish squadron led by Pascual Cervera y Topete, marking a significant turning point in the Spanish-American War.

1898 Tragedy struck the seas as the SS La Bourgogne, en route from New York to Le Havre, collided with another ship and sank off the coast of Sable Island, claiming the lives of 549 souls.

1898 US President William McKinley signs the Newlands Resolution, formally annexing Hawaii as a United States territory and reshaping Pacific geopolitics.

1898 The year 1898 saw the end of an era in Skagway, Alaska, as the death of crime boss Soapy Smith, in the Shootout on Juneau Wharf, released the town from his iron grip, marking a turning point in its history.

1898 In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, the Battle of Santiago de Cuba concluded with the destruction of the Spanish fleet. This naval battle was a decisive moment in the conflict.

1898 The United States extends its reach by annexing Hawaii during the Spanish-American War, marking a pivotal moment in Pacific history.

1898 An elaborate annexation ceremony unfolds as the Hawaiian flag is lowered from ʻIolani Palace and replaced with the flag of the United States, symbolizing the transfer of sovereignty from the Republic of Hawaii to the United States.

1898 In 1898, Spain experienced a pivotal moment as events unfolded, though specific details of this day's significance are awaiting further historical context.

1898 On August 13, 1898, astronomer Carl Gustav Witt made a groundbreaking discovery by identifying 433 Eros, the first near-Earth asteroid ever observed.

1898 In 1898, the Southern Cross Expedition set sail from London, marking the first British venture of the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. This expedition contributed to the exploration of the frozen continent.

1898 Count Muravyov, the Foreign Minister of Russia, takes a diplomatic step forward by presenting a rescript that convenes the First Hague Peace Conference, promoting international cooperation and diplomacy.

1898 The tragic Heraklion massacre, where Turkish mobs kill Greek civilians, British guards, and the British Consul, leaves a dark stain on the history of Crete.

1898 A significant rebranding occurs as Caleb Bradham's beverage, previously known as "Brad's Drink," undergoes a name change and is rechristened "Pepsi-Cola."

1898 The founding of the Goodyear tire company in Akron, Ohio, sets in motion a legacy of innovation in the automotive industry.

1898 The Battle of Omdurman marked British dominance in Sudan as they defeated Sudanese tribesmen, solidifying their control in a significant colonial event.

1898 Empress Elisabeth of Austria met a fateful end in 1898 when she was assassinated by Luigi Lucheni, marking a somber chapter in European history.

1898 September 13, 1898, saw an innovation in photography as Hannibal Goodwin secured a patent for celluloid photographic film, a breakthrough that would revolutionize the world of visual documentation.

1898 The Fashoda Incident ignites tensions between Britain and France, ultimately leading to a war scare that ripples through European geopolitics.

1898 Empress Dowager Cixi seizes power, abruptly ending the Hundred Days' Reform in China.

1898 Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration is founded as "k.u.k. Exportakademie," contributing to Austrian education and fostering economic expertise in the nation.

1898 Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the largest American music fraternity, was founded at the New England Conservatory of Music, fostering a community of musical enthusiasts.

1898 Tragedy strikes in the waters off Cornwall as the steamship SS Mohegan meets a watery grave, claiming the lives of 106 souls and etching a somber note in maritime history.

1898 A pivotal moment in colonial history transpires as the United States formally acquires Puerto Rico from Spain. This transfer of sovereignty marks the start of a new era for the island and its people.

1898 France withdraws its troops from Fashoda (now in Sudan), ending the Fashoda Incident.

1898 A fervor for independence burned in the hearts of Negrese nationalists as they revolted against Spanish rule. Their actions led to the establishment of the short-lived Republic of Negros.

1898 The Wilmington insurrection of 1898 unfolds, an extraordinary event in American history where a municipal government is overthrown, leaving an indelible mark on the social and political landscape.

1898 The early days of football are enriched with history as the Duquesne Country and Athletic Club secures a memorable victory against a formidable assembly of football legends.

1898 In 1898, the signing of the Treaty of Paris marked the end of the Spanish-American War and resulted in the cession of several territories to the United States. A pivotal moment in American history.

1898 Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat etches his name in history by setting the very first officially recognized land speed record of 63.159 km/h (39.245 mph) in a revolutionary Jeantaud electric car.

1898 Marie and Pierre Curie's groundbreaking announcement of radium's isolation marked a pivotal moment in the history of science and radiation research.

1898 U.S. President William McKinley set in motion the Spanish-American War by signing a joint resolution for war against Spain, altering the course of history.

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