Apr 29
Today In History

Historical Events in 1908

1908 Grand Canyon National Monument: The Grand Canyon National Monument is established, preserving one of nature's wonders.

1908 Tragic blaze engulfs Rhoads Opera House, claiming 171 lives in Boyertown, Pennsylvania - a somber day etched in local history.

1908 A pioneering moment as the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority becomes the first Greek-letter organization founded and established by African-American college women.

1908 In an unusual twist of history, New York City attempted to ban women from smoking in public through the Sullivan Ordinance, a measure that was later vetoed by the mayor.

1908 A pivotal moment in youth empowerment occurs as the first Boy Scout troop is organized in England by Robert Baden-Powell.

1908 Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi's release from prison in 1908 by Jan C. Smuts, following his earlier trial and sentencing, marked a pivotal moment in the journey toward India's independence.

1908 A devastating tragedy unfolds as the Collinwood school fire in Collinwood, Ohio, claims the lives of 174 people, primarily children.

1908 The foundations of Inter Milan, known as Football Club Internazionale, were laid as it separated from A.C. Milan, setting the stage for a storied football rivalry.

1908 The Territorial Force, later known as the Territorial Army, takes form as a volunteer reserve component within the British Army, adding a crucial layer to the nation's defense.

1908 Harvard University's decision to establish the Harvard Business School in 1908 laid the foundation for modern business education and leadership.

1908 The Imperial German Navy launches SMS Blücher, the last armored cruiser to be built by the fleet. This marks a technological advancement in naval warfare during the early 20th century.

1908 Natural Bridges National Monument in Utah was established on this day, preserving the captivating geological formations that continue to inspire and educate visitors to this day.

1908 The inaugural celebration of Mother's Day takes place in Grafton, West Virginia, in the United States, a heartfelt tribute to maternal love and devotion.

1908 A historic day for the Middle East as the first major commercial oil strike is made at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia. The rights to this invaluable resource are quickly secured by the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, shaping the region's destiny.

1908 The arrival of 781 Japanese immigrants in Santos aboard the Kasato-Maru marked the beginning of Japanese immigration to Brazil, contributing to the country's cultural diversity.

1908 The establishment of the University of the Philippines laid the foundation for higher education in the Philippines, impacting generations of students.

1908 The Tunguska Event, a cataclysmic impact event, occurred in 1908 over Eastern Siberia, resulting in a massive explosion and leaving an enduring mark on Earth's geological record.

1908 The adoption of SOS as the international distress signal occurred in 1908, providing a standardized means for ships and aircraft to call for help in times of emergency. This signal has saved countless lives since its implementation.

1908 The Ottomans embrace a new era as the Second Constitution is accepted, marking a transformative moment in their political landscape.

1908 The founding of Ajinomoto in 1908 marked a culinary milestone as Kikunae Ikeda discovered the key ingredient in kombu soup stock, monosodium glutamate (MSG), revolutionizing the world of flavor.

1908 The United States takes a significant step towards establishing federal law enforcement as Attorney General Charles Joseph Bonaparte orders the staffing of the Office of the Chief Examiner, later renamed the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

1908 The Wright Brothers' dream takes flight as Wilbur Wright completes his first public flight at a racecourse in Le Mans, France, marking the birth of modern aviation.

1908 The Qing dynasty ushers in a new era by promulgating the Qinding Xianfa Dagang, China's first constitutional document, transforming the empire into a constitutional monarchy.

1908 The wheels of industry turn as the General Motors Corporation emerges, a transformative moment in the automotive world.

1908 Tragedy struck on September 17, 1908, when the Wright Flyer, piloted by Orville Wright with Lieutenant Thomas Selfridge as a passenger, crashed. This event marked the first airplane fatality and a milestone in aviation history.

1908 Production of the Model T automobile began on September 27, 1908, at the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant in Detroit. This iconic vehicle revolutionized transportation and played a pivotal role in shaping the automotive industry.

1908 Ford Model T cars become available for $825, revolutionizing the automotive industry and making automobiles more accessible to a broader segment of the population.

1908 The Bosnian crisis intensified as Austria-Hungary formally annexed Bosnia and Herzegovina, setting the stage for future conflicts.

1908 Margaret Travers Symons makes history by becoming the first woman to address the UK parliament, setting a precedent for gender equality.

1908 The Chicago Cubs and the Detroit Tigers engage in a thrilling showdown, leaving baseball enthusiasts on the edge of their seats as they witness a contest of skill and determination.

1908 William Howard Taft is elected the 27th President of the United States.

1908 The year 1908 witnessed a pivotal moment in linguistic history. The Congress of Manastir convened and made a historic decision to establish the Albanian alphabet, a significant step in preserving and promoting the Albanian language and culture.

1908 Tragedy strikes as the SS Sardinia, departing from Malta's Grand Harbour, is engulfed in flames, ultimately grounding the ship and claiming the lives of at least 118 individuals.

1908 A tragic mine explosion in Marianna, Pennsylvania, claims the lives of 154 miners, leaving only one fortunate survivor, highlighting the dangers faced by coal miners in this period.

1908 Puyi's coronation as Emperor of China at age two marked the end of a dynasty and the beginning of a tumultuous period in China's history.

1908 The devastating 7.1 Mw  Messina earthquake rocks Southern Italy, causing widespread destruction and claiming tens of thousands of lives.

1908 An attempted coup d'état by the Portuguese Republican Party against Prime Minister João Franco ends in failure.

1908 The Lisbon Regicide in 1908 witnessed the tragic assassination of King Carlos I of Portugal and Infante Luis Filipe in the heart of Lisbon.

1908 The tranquility of Montana's Missouri River is shattered as the Hauser Dam, a towering steel structure, fails catastrophically, sending a torrential surge downstream.

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Oct 14,1890 - Mar 28,1969

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May 08,1884 - Dec 26,1972

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Sep 15,1857 - Mar 08,1930

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