Decade - 1910s

The radical left was unhappy with the republic primarily due to its perceived failure to address social and economic inequalities. They criticized the government for maintaining the status quo, which they believed favored the bourgeoisie over the working class. Additionally, they were frustrated by the lack of significant reforms and the continued repression of revolutionary movements, leading to calls for more radical changes to achieve true social justice and equality.

A hundred years ago, around the 1920s, men's fashion was characterized by tailored suits, often featuring wide lapels and high-waisted trousers. Accessories like fedoras and pocket watches were popular, and men typically wore dress shoes. For formal occasions, they would don bow ties or neckties, while casual wear included knitted sweaters and trousers. Women's fashion of the time embraced flapper styles with shorter hemlines, dropped waists, and cloche hats, reflecting a shift toward more liberated styles.

The Great Fleet Theory posits that the Norse, specifically the Vikings, undertook extensive maritime expeditions to North America long before Columbus, with a focus on their settlement in Newfoundland around 1000 AD. It suggests that these voyages were part of a broader pattern of exploration, driven by a combination of trade, resource acquisition, and land settlement. The theory is supported by archaeological evidence, including the site at L'Anse aux Meadows, which indicates Norse presence in North America. However, the extent and impact of these voyages remain subjects of scholarly debate.

A century ago, teachers' salaries varied widely based on factors such as location, school type, and experience. In many rural areas, teachers were often paid in cash but might also receive additional compensation in the form of housing or food from the community. Salaries were generally low compared to other professions, and many teachers supplemented their income through tutoring or second jobs. Additionally, the pay structure often reflected gender disparities, with female teachers earning less than their male counterparts.

The quote "If there is no struggle, there is no progress" is attributed to Frederick Douglass, an influential African American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, and writer. Douglass emphasized the importance of struggle in the pursuit of freedom and equality, highlighting that progress often requires overcoming challenges and adversity. This quote encapsulates the idea that meaningful change is often born from hardship and perseverance.

In 1915, the average price of milk in the United States was about 13 cents per quart. Prices could vary by region and specific location, but this figure reflects the general cost at that time. Economic factors such as supply, demand, and local conditions influenced these prices.

In 1914, Britain was one of the world's foremost global powers, boasting the largest empire in history, which included vast territories across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Its naval supremacy was unmatched, allowing it to control key trade routes and project military power worldwide. The British economy was robust, supported by industrial strength and extensive trade networks. However, the rise of other powers, particularly Germany, was beginning to challenge Britain's dominance, setting the stage for the geopolitical tensions that would lead to World War I.

Washington Irving was an American author, essayist, and biographer, best known for his works like "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle." His journey through Oklahoma in 1832 was significant as it was part of a broader exploration of the American West, during which he documented the landscapes, cultures, and challenges of the region. Irving's writings helped shape American literature and fostered interest in the West, contributing to the national conversation about expansion and identity. His observations provided valuable insights into the early 19th-century American frontier experience.

Yes, Tonga was involved in World War I, albeit in a limited capacity. The Tongan government declared war on Germany in 1914 and sent a small contingent of troops to support the Allied forces. Though Tonga's military contribution was not large, it was significant for the nation, marking its participation in international affairs during that period.

World War I significantly altered political landscapes across the globe, leading to the collapse of empires such as the Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman, German, and Russian empires. The war fostered revolutionary movements, most notably the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, which established a communist state and inspired leftist movements worldwide. Additionally, the Treaty of Versailles and subsequent treaties redrew national borders and imposed reparations, sowing discontent and instability that contributed to the rise of totalitarian regimes in the interwar period. These shifts laid the groundwork for future geopolitical conflicts and the emergence of new political ideologies.

The years following World War I saw the emergence of new problems largely due to the harsh terms of the Treaty of Versailles, which created economic hardship and resentment in Germany. The resulting political instability contributed to the rise of extremist movements, including fascism and communism, across Europe. Additionally, the redrawing of national borders and the creation of new states led to ethnic tensions and conflicts, as various groups struggled for self-determination. The economic turmoil of the 1920s, including the Great Depression, further exacerbated these issues, setting the stage for future global conflict.

In 1918, the United States was governed by President Woodrow Wilson, who served from 1913 to 1921. During this time, the country was involved in World War I, which significantly influenced domestic and foreign policy. Wilson was a member of the Democratic Party and is known for his progressive reforms and the Fourteen Points, a proposal for post-war peace. The federal government also had a strong role in mobilizing resources and managing wartime efforts.

Humans 100 years ago survived through a combination of agriculture, industrialization, and community support. Many relied on farming for food, while others worked in factories or service industries. Healthcare was less advanced, so communities often depended on traditional remedies and local practitioners. Social networks and family ties were crucial for providing support during economic hardships and crises.

Peace after World War I was primarily achieved through the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, which imposed heavy reparations and territorial losses on Germany. The treaty aimed to prevent future conflicts by establishing the League of Nations, an international organization designed to promote diplomacy and cooperation among nations. Additionally, various treaties with other Central Powers reshaped borders and established new countries, but the harsh terms of the treaties ultimately sowed the seeds for future unrest. The peace achieved was fragile and marked by economic hardship and political instability in many regions.

The end of World War I led to a rapid demobilization of U.S. troops and a shift from wartime production to peacetime, causing widespread unemployment and economic disruption. Additionally, the abrupt end of government contracts for military supplies created a surplus of goods and a decline in industrial output. This transition, coupled with inflation and a speculative stock market, contributed to economic instability, ultimately leading to the recession of 1920-1921.

Around 100 years ago, in the 1920s, women's fashion underwent significant changes with the advent of the "flapper" style. Women often wore knee-length dresses with dropped waists, loose silhouettes, and intricate embellishments like beads and sequins, reflecting a more liberated and modern attitude. Fabrics like silk and chiffon were popular, and accessories included cloche hats and long strands of pearls. This era marked a departure from the more restrictive clothing of the previous decades, symbolizing women's growing independence.

During the time of the Titanic in the early 1910s, fashion was characterized by the Edwardian style, featuring long, flowing silhouettes and an emphasis on feminine curves. Women often wore corsets, elaborate dresses with high necklines, and wide-brimmed hats adorned with flowers or feathers. Men typically donned tailored suits with high collars, bowler hats, and canes, reflecting a sense of elegance and formality. Additionally, accessories such as gloves and parasols were common, highlighting the social norms and class distinctions of the era.

Since 100 years ago, numerous groundbreaking inventions have transformed daily life, including the internet, smartphones, and personal computers, which have revolutionized communication and information access. Advances in medical technology, such as MRI machines and minimally invasive surgery techniques, have significantly improved healthcare. Additionally, innovations in renewable energy technologies, like solar panels and wind turbines, have emerged to address environmental challenges. These advancements reflect the rapid pace of technological progress over the past century.

After the Gallipoli campaign, which ended in January 1916, the Allies faced significant losses and strategic setbacks, ultimately withdrawing without achieving their objectives. The campaign's failure led to a reassessment of Allied strategies in World War I and increased criticism of military leadership. The Ottoman Empire, bolstered by its victory, continued to resist Allied advances in the region. Meanwhile, the campaign's impact resonated in Australia and New Zealand, fostering a sense of national identity and commemorating ANZAC Day as a significant historical event.

A century ago, around the 1920s, the environment was markedly different from today. Industrialization was rapidly expanding, leading to increased pollution in urban areas, while rural regions were often characterized by less intense human impact. Deforestation and habitat destruction were common as agriculture expanded, but awareness of environmental issues was minimal. Overall, the balance between nature and human activity was beginning to shift, setting the stage for future environmental challenges.

In 1900, Europe was marked by intense imperial competition and the growing tensions among major powers, particularly in Africa and Asia, as countries sought to expand their empires. By 1910, these tensions had escalated, leading to a rise in nationalism and militarism, particularly in the Balkans, setting the stage for the outbreak of World War I. Additionally, significant social and political changes were occurring, including labor movements and suffrage campaigns, reflecting broader societal shifts. The period was characterized by both optimism and underlying conflicts that would soon erupt into global warfare.

A century ago, people primarily traveled to the beach by train or horse-drawn carriages, as automobiles were just becoming popular. Coastal towns often had railway lines that facilitated easy access for vacationers. For those living closer to the coast, walking or biking were common methods of travel. In some cases, ferries were also used to reach beach destinations, especially in areas separated by bodies of water.

Health screenings on the Titanic involved medical examinations conducted by ship's doctors upon boarding. Passengers were assessed for any visible signs of illness or contagious diseases, particularly those deemed unfit for travel. This included checking for symptoms like fever or cough, and those who appeared unwell could be denied passage. The screenings aimed to ensure the health and safety of all passengers on the voyage.

On April 14, 1912, the RMS Titanic struck an iceberg and sank in the early hours of April 15. Of the approximately 2,224 passengers and crew aboard, more than 1,500 lost their lives in the disaster. The exact number of fatalities is often cited as about 1,503. This tragedy remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.

Brooklands Race Track, the world's first purpose-built motor racing circuit, saw several fatalities during its operation from 1907 to 1939. While exact numbers can vary, it is estimated that around 30 deaths occurred due to racing accidents and related incidents at the track. This included both drivers and spectators, highlighting the dangers of early motorsport. The track's legacy remains significant in the history of racing despite these tragic events.