1904

What Was Happening in 1904

A surprise war in the Far East shattered assumptions about European invincibility.

Born in

By the Numbers in 1904

World Population

UK Life Expectancy

47.8 years

US Life Expectancy

48.1 years

Gold Price (per oz)

$20.66

Dow Jones Index

78

US National Debt

Sovereign Nations

50

How Much Did Things Cost in 1904?

ItemUKUS
Average house price£160$3,000
Average salary£58$475
Pint of milk1½d
Loaf of bread2½d
Dozen eggs9d15¢

Technology and Inventions in 1904

The New York City subway opened its first line. The Trans-Siberian Railway was largely completed. The thermionic valve (vacuum tube) was patented, laying the groundwork for electronics. Tea bags were accidentally invented by Thomas Sullivan.

  • New York City subway opens its first line
  • John Ambrose Fleming patents the thermionic valve (vacuum tube)
  • Trans-Siberian Railway largely completed
  • Frederick Stanley Kipping begins work on silicones

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More About 1904

What Was Happening — A journey through the years