World Events in 1907
Panic of 1907
A severe financial crisis hit the United States when a failed attempt to corner the stock of United Copper Company triggered a cascade of bank runs and stock market crashes. J.P. Morgan personally organised a group of bankers to stabilise the system, highlighting the need for a central bank.
First Scouting camp on Brownsea Island
Robert Baden-Powell held an experimental camp for 20 boys on Brownsea Island in Dorset, which became the founding event of the worldwide Scout movement. His book Scouting for Boys, published the following year, became one of the best-selling books of the 20th century.
Suffragettes arrested at Parliament
Emmeline Pankhurst and 74 other suffragettes were arrested during a protest outside the Houses of Parliament. The Women's Social and Political Union adopted increasingly militant tactics as their demands for the vote continued to be ignored.
Triple Entente formed
The Anglo-Russian Convention of 1907 resolved colonial disputes in Persia, Afghanistan, and Tibet, completing the Triple Entente between Britain, France, and Russia. This diplomatic alignment directly opposed the Triple Alliance of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy.
New Zealand becomes a Dominion
New Zealand was elevated from colony to Dominion status within the British Empire on 26 September. This gave the country greater autonomy in domestic affairs while maintaining ties to the Crown.
Music in 1907
"The Boy I Love Is Up in the Gallery"
Marie Lloyd
Marie Lloyd was the undisputed queen of the music halls. While the song was first performed earlier, her performances throughout the decade made it iconic. Music hall remained Britain's dominant popular entertainment.
"School Days (When We Were a Couple of Kids)"
Byron G. Harlan (recorded)
Written by Will D. Cobb and Gus Edwards, this nostalgic song about childhood sweethearts was one of the biggest sheet music sellers of 1907.
#1 Film of 1907
Ben Hur
Box Office: N/A
This 15-minute Kalem Company adaptation of the novel Ben-Hur was notable for being an unauthorised production that led to a landmark copyright lawsuit. Early cinema was still dominated by short films shown in nickelodeons.
Born in 1907
Frida Kahlo
Mexican painter known for vivid self-portraits and folk art influences
John Wayne
Iconic American actor, star of classic Westerns
Laurence Olivier
British actor regarded as one of the greatest of the 20th century
Rachel Carson
American marine biologist and author of Silent Spring
Hergé
Belgian cartoonist, creator of The Adventures of Tintin
Lost in 1907
Lord Kelvin (William Thomson)
Physicist who established the absolute temperature scale
Age 83
Edvard Grieg
Norwegian composer of Peer Gynt and Piano Concerto in A minor
Age 64
Dmitri Mendeleev
Russian chemist who created the periodic table of elements
Age 72
Technology in 1907
The first helicopter flight was achieved by Paul Cornu. Bakelite, the first fully synthetic plastic, was invented. Colour photography was demonstrated by the Lumière brothers with their Autochrome process. Washing machines were becoming commercially available.
- ● Leo Baekeland invents Bakelite, the first synthetic plastic
- ● Lumière brothers launch Autochrome colour photography
- ● Paul Cornu achieves first free helicopter flight
- ● First commercial washing machines produced by Hurley Machine Company
Cost of Living in 1907
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £170 | $3,100 |
| Average salary | £60 | $490 |
| Pint of milk | 1½d | 4¢ |
| Loaf of bread | 2½d | 5¢ |
| Dozen eggs | 9d | 17¢ |
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The Zeitgeist of 1907
The Edwardian age was increasingly marked by contrasts between leisured elegance and industrial unrest. Music halls and vaudeville remained hugely popular. The Suffragettes intensified their campaign with demonstrations and arrests. In America, the 'Gentlemen's Agreement' with Japan reflected growing anti-immigrant sentiment. Outdoor recreation and the ideals of physical fitness were in vogue.
In the News in 1907
The Panic of 1907 caused a severe financial crisis in the United States, eventually leading to the creation of the Federal Reserve. Suffragettes were arrested outside Parliament. The first purpose-built cinema opened in Britain. The second Hague Peace Conference attempted to limit armaments but largely failed.