World Events in 1903
First powered flight
On 17 December, Orville and Wilbur Wright achieved the first sustained, controlled, powered heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The longest flight lasted 59 seconds and covered 852 feet, forever changing transportation and warfare.
Women's Social and Political Union founded
Emmeline Pankhurst founded the WSPU in Manchester on 10 October to campaign for women's suffrage in Britain. The organisation would become famous for its militant tactics including window-smashing, arson, and hunger strikes.
First Tour de France
The inaugural Tour de France bicycle race was held over six stages covering 2,428 kilometres. Maurice Garin won the race, which was organised by the newspaper L'Auto to boost circulation.
Panama declares independence from Colombia
With US backing, Panama declared independence from Colombia on 3 November. The United States immediately recognised the new nation and quickly negotiated a treaty to build the Panama Canal, paying $10 million for control of the Canal Zone.
May Coup in Serbia
King Alexander I and Queen Draga of Serbia were assassinated by a group of army officers who stormed the royal palace in Belgrade. Their bodies were mutilated and thrown from a window, and the Karadjordjevic dynasty was restored to the throne.
Kishinev Pogrom
A devastating pogrom against the Jewish community in Kishinev, Russian Empire (now Moldova) killed 49 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. The massacre provoked international outrage and accelerated Jewish emigration to America and Palestine.
Music in 1903
"The Honeysuckle and the Bee"
Elise Stevenson (recorded)
A charming parlour song composed by Albert Fitz and William Penn that was one of the most popular recordings and sheet music sellers of 1903.
"Sweet Adeline"
Haydn Quartet (recorded)
Originally titled 'You're the Flower of My Heart, Sweet Rosalie', it was renamed after opera singer Adelina Patti. It became the quintessential barbershop quartet song.
#1 Film of 1903
The Great Train Robbery
Box Office: N/A
Directed by Edwin S. Porter for Edison Studios, this 12-minute Western is widely considered one of the first narrative films and a milestone in cinema history. Its final shot of a bandit firing at the camera thrilled audiences.
Born in 1903
George Orwell
British author of Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm
Bob Hope
Legendary British-American comedian and entertainer
Bing Crosby
American singer and actor, best-selling recording artist of the 20th century
Evelyn Waugh
British novelist, author of Brideshead Revisited
Lost in 1903
Paul Gauguin
French Post-Impressionist painter known for Tahitian works
Age 54
Camille Pissarro
French Impressionist and Neo-Impressionist painter
Age 73
Herbert Spencer
English philosopher who coined 'survival of the fittest'
Age 83
Pope Leo XIII
Pope for 25 years, oldest pope in history at the time
Age 93
Technology in 1903
The Wright brothers achieved powered flight at Kitty Hawk. The Ford Motor Company was founded. Crayola crayons were introduced. The first electrocardiograph was developed by Willem Einthoven, and the first transatlantic radio broadcast of a human voice was attempted.
- ● Wright brothers achieve first powered, heavier-than-air flight at Kitty Hawk
- ● Ford Motor Company founded by Henry Ford in Detroit
- ● Willem Einthoven develops the first practical electrocardiograph
- ● Crayola crayons introduced by Binney & Smith
Cost of Living in 1903
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £160 | $2,950 |
| Average salary | £58 | $470 |
| Pint of milk | 1½d | 3¢ |
| Loaf of bread | 2½d | 5¢ |
| Dozen eggs | 9d | 15¢ |
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The Zeitgeist of 1903
The Edwardian golden age was in full swing for the wealthy, with country house weekends, elaborate dinners, and the first motorcar races. The suffragette movement was gaining urgency in Britain as Emmeline Pankhurst founded the WSPU. In America, the 'muckraker' journalists were exposing corruption and inequality. Ragtime and Tin Pan Alley dominated popular music.
In the News in 1903
The Wright brothers' flight at Kitty Hawk initially received little press attention. The first Tour de France captivated the French public. King Alexander of Serbia was brutally assassinated in a military coup. Teddy Roosevelt recognised Panama's independence to secure the Canal Zone.