Decade - 1910s

In 1914, various currencies were in circulation around the world, depending on the country. For example, the United States used the U.S. dollar, while the United Kingdom used the British pound sterling. Other countries had their own currencies, such as the German mark, the French franc, and the Russian ruble. The gold standard was also prevalent at that time, influencing many nations' monetary policies.

Around 1923, the world was in the aftermath of World War I, which had ended in 1918. Many countries were grappling with the consequences of the war, including economic hardships and political instability. In Europe, the Treaty of Versailles had reshaped borders and imposed reparations on Germany, leading to social unrest. Meanwhile, the United States was experiencing the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic growth and cultural change characterized by jazz music, flapper culture, and technological advancements.

Before entering World War I, the U.S. maintained a policy of neutrality, aiming to avoid involvement in European conflicts. This stance was influenced by a desire to focus on domestic issues and the belief that the war did not directly threaten American interests. The U.S. government promoted isolationism, with President Woodrow Wilson advocating for peace and diplomacy over military engagement. However, factors like unrestricted submarine warfare and economic ties to the Allies gradually shifted public opinion towards supporting intervention.

A century ago, Borehamwood was primarily an agricultural village with a focus on farming and rural life. The area was characterized by open fields, small farms, and a close-knit community. It began to change with the arrival of the railway in the early 20th century, which facilitated growth and led to development in housing and industry, setting the stage for its later transformation into a suburban town.

During World War I, Belgium fought for the Allies, primarily alongside the United Kingdom, France, and Russia. After Germany invaded Belgium in August 1914, the country became a battleground, and its resistance against the invasion garnered international support for the Allied cause. Belgium’s involvement was crucial in delaying German advances and preserving the integrity of the Western Front.

In the Edwardian era (1901-1910), women's roles were largely defined by traditional expectations centered around family and domesticity. Many women were expected to fulfill the roles of wives and mothers, managing household duties and raising children. However, this period also saw the emergence of the women's suffrage movement and increased opportunities for education and employment, particularly for the middle and upper classes. As a result, some women began to challenge societal norms, advocating for greater rights and participation in public life.

One hundred years ago, plantations varied widely in size depending on the crop and region, but many were large-scale operations, often exceeding hundreds or even thousands of acres. In the United States, cotton and tobacco plantations in the South could be particularly expansive, relying on significant labor forces, including enslaved people and later sharecroppers. In other parts of the world, such as sugar plantations in the Caribbean or coffee plantations in Brazil, similar trends of large acreage and labor-intensive practices were common. Overall, the scale of plantations reflected the economic demands of the time and the agricultural practices in place.

The Petrograd Soviet exerted significant pressure on Russia's Provisional Government, demanding major reforms such as the immediate end to the war and the transfer of land to the peasantry. They also pushed for workers' rights, including an eight-hour workday and improved labor conditions. Additionally, the Soviet called for the formation of a Constituent Assembly to determine Russia's future governance, thereby challenging the Provisional Government's authority and legitimacy. These demands reflected the growing influence of revolutionary sentiments in the country.

In World War I, Belgium fought for the Allies, which included countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and later the United States. The conflict began when Germany invaded Belgium in August 1914 as part of their Schlieffen Plan to quickly defeat France. Belgium's resistance against the invasion garnered international support and sympathy, leading to its alignment with the Allied powers throughout the war. Despite suffering significant devastation, Belgium played a critical role in the broader Allied efforts against the Central Powers.

The starting point for both the Oregon Trail and the Santa Fe Trail was Independence, Missouri. This town served as a key launching point for westward expansion in the 19th century, facilitating migration to the Pacific Northwest and trade with Mexico. Independence was strategically located along the Missouri River, making it an ideal hub for pioneers and traders.

Simón Bolívar tirelessly worked to accomplish the dream of a united and independent Latin America, free from Spanish colonial rule. He envisioned a federation of republics, often referred to as "Gran Colombia," which would include present-day Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama. His efforts aimed to foster political unity and social justice across the region, inspired by Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality. Despite his successes in liberating several countries, the dream of lasting unity ultimately proved elusive.

One hundred years ago, in 1923, the President of the United States was Warren G. Harding. He served from 1921 until his death in 1923. Harding's presidency was marked by significant economic growth but also by scandals, such as the Teapot Dome scandal, which emerged after his death. He was succeeded by Vice President Calvin Coolidge.

A century ago, in the 1920s, fashion was characterized by a shift towards more relaxed styles. Women often wore flapper dresses, which were knee-length and featured loose fits, with dropped waists and embellishments like sequins and fringe. Men commonly donned tailored suits with wide lapels, along with fedoras and ties, reflecting a more formal yet stylish aesthetic. Overall, the era marked a significant departure from the restrictive clothing of the previous decades, emphasizing freedom and self-expression.

No, George Stephenson was not an only child. He had several siblings, including a brother named Robert and a sister named Mary. Stephenson's family faced financial challenges, which influenced his early life and education. These circumstances led him to work at a young age, eventually becoming a prominent engineer known as the "Father of Railways."

Trench warfare was a defining characteristic of World War I, significantly impacting the nature of combat and the war's overall duration. It led to a stalemate on the Western Front, where both sides dug extensive networks of trenches that provided protection but also resulted in horrific living conditions and high casualties. This strategy marked a shift in military tactics, emphasizing defensive positions and attritional warfare, as attacks often resulted in minimal territorial gains. Ultimately, trench warfare highlighted the brutal realities of modern warfare and influenced military strategies in subsequent conflicts.

A century ago, in the 1920s, many humorous events took place, such as the rise of slapstick comedy in silent films featuring stars like Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, whose antics often led to laugh-out-loud moments. Additionally, the Great Gatsby parties became infamous for their opulence and absurdity, leading to humorous social mishaps. Prohibition also sparked comedic scenarios, as people devised increasingly ridiculous ways to smuggle alcohol, often resulting in farcical situations. Overall, the Roaring Twenties were filled with tales of eccentric fashion choices, wild dances, and unexpected social faux pas that still bring a smile today.

At the onset of World War I in 1914, Britain's army consisted of about 250,000 regular soldiers. However, as the war progressed, the British Army expanded significantly through conscription and enlistment, reaching a peak strength of around 5 million personnel by the war's end in 1918. This massive increase was driven by the need to replace heavy casualties and maintain the fight on multiple fronts.

Houses built 100 years ago, around the early 20th century, typically featured a combination of wood framing and masonry materials, with a focus on craftsmanship and local resources. Structures often included basements and attics, with designs reflecting regional styles such as Colonial, Craftsman, or Victorian. Construction techniques relied heavily on manual labor and traditional methods, with features like hardwood floors, built-in cabinetry, and large porches. Additionally, homes were often designed for functionality, emphasizing family living and community interaction.

World War I is considered a war of attrition because it involved prolonged conflict where each side aimed to wear down the other through continuous losses and sustained military engagement rather than seeking decisive victories. This strategy led to massive casualties and stalemates, particularly on the Western Front, where trench warfare dominated. The goal was to exhaust the enemy's resources and manpower, ultimately leading to their collapse. The resulting battles, such as those at Verdun and the Somme, exemplified the brutal and relentless nature of attrition warfare.

Germany began sinking American ships during World War I primarily due to its policy of unrestricted submarine warfare. This strategy aimed to blockade Britain and weaken its supply lines, as Germany sought to cut off resources to its enemy. The sinking of American vessels, including the Lusitania in 1915, heightened tensions between the U.S. and Germany, ultimately contributing to the U.S. decision to enter the war in 1917. Germany hoped to defeat the Allies before American troops could significantly impact the conflict.

A century ago, in the early 1920s, the world was recovering from the aftermath of World War I, which had profound social and political effects. The Roaring Twenties began, characterized by economic prosperity, cultural dynamism, and the rise of jazz music and flapper culture in the United States. This period also saw significant advancements in technology and changes in social norms, including women's suffrage movements gaining momentum. Globally, many nations were grappling with the impacts of war and the onset of political changes that would shape the century to come.

A century ago, beaches were often less developed and more natural than they are today. Many coastal areas were primarily used for fishing or as local recreational spots, lacking the extensive infrastructure of resorts and amenities found now. Pollution was generally lower, but access was limited, and fewer people engaged in beach tourism. Social norms around beach attire and activities were also quite different, reflecting the cultural values of the time.

During World War I, tensions between Italy and France were primarily rooted in territorial disputes and differing alliances. Italy initially sided with the Triple Alliance alongside Germany and Austria-Hungary but later switched to the Allies in 1915, seeking promises of territorial gains, particularly from Austria-Hungary. This shift caused friction with France, as both countries had competing interests in the post-war settlement, particularly in regions like the Adriatic Sea and parts of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Additionally, Italy's aspirations for expansion and France's established influence in the region created further strains in their relationship.

Volunteering and conscription during World War I significantly impacted Britain by mobilizing millions of men for military service, reshaping the workforce and society. Voluntary enlistment initially saw enthusiastic participation, but as casualties mounted, conscription was introduced in 1916, leading to widespread social and political debates. This shift highlighted class disparities and challenged traditional gender roles, as women increasingly took on roles in factories and other sectors. Ultimately, these changes contributed to a transformation in British society and laid the groundwork for future social reforms.

The value of money today is significantly lower than it was 100 years ago due to inflation. For example, $1 in 1923 would be equivalent to roughly $15-20 today, depending on the specific inflation rate considered. This means that purchasing power has diminished, and the cost of goods and services has increased over the century. Therefore, today's money reflects a much different economic landscape than that of a century ago.