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What Was Happening in 1900
The dawn of a new century brought optimism, imperial ambition, and the first stirrings of modern life.
Born in
By the Numbers in 1900
World Population
1.6B
UK Life Expectancy
47.3 years
US Life Expectancy
47.3 years
Gold Price (per oz)
$20.67
Dow Jones Index
70
US National Debt
1.2B
Sovereign Nations
50
How Much Did Things Cost in 1900?
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £150 | $2,800 |
| Average salary | £55 | $450 |
| Pint of milk | 1½d | 3¢ |
| Loaf of bread | 2½d | 5¢ |
| Dozen eggs | 8d | 14¢ |
Technology and Inventions in 1900
The telephone was spreading but still a luxury. Electric lighting was replacing gas in wealthier homes. The first Zeppelin airship took flight. Automobiles were rare curiosities for the rich, and most transport was horse-drawn.
- ● First Zeppelin airship flight (LZ 1) over Lake Constance
- ● Browning automatic pistol introduced
- ● Escalator debuts at the Paris Exposition
- ● Max Planck publishes quantum theory
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