1900190119021903190419051906190719081909
1910next year

Major Events of February 1901: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from February 1901 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of February 1901: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Feb 1901 Queen Victoria's Final Journey: The body of Queen Victoria was solemnly transported from the Isle of Wight to Portsmouth aboard her personal royal yacht, HMY Alberta. This marked a poignant moment in British royal history, symbolizing the end of an era that had defined the 19th century.
  • 02 Feb 1901 Funeral of Queen Victoria: The state funeral of Queen Victoria took place, marking the end of an era for the British Empire. Her 63-year reign, known as the Victorian era, was characterized by significant industrial, cultural, political, scientific, and military change.
  • 03 Feb 1901 Formation of the Black Dragon Society: The Japanese ultra-nationalist Black Dragon Society (Kokuryukai) was established by Ryōhei Uchida. This influential organization advocated for aggressive expansionist policies, including the conquest of Korea, potential war with Russia, and broader Japanese imperial control across Asia.
  • 04 Feb 1901 Tosca's American Debut at Metropolitan Opera House: Giacomo Puccini's renowned opera 'Tosca' made its groundbreaking American premiere at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. This performance marked a significant moment in the cultural exchange between European and American classical music scenes, introducing American audiences to one of Puccini's most dramatic and emotionally charged works.
  • 05 Feb 1901 Formation of U.S. Steel Corporation: J.P. Morgan incorporates U.S. Steel in New Jersey, marking a significant milestone in American industrial consolidation. The company was formally established on February 25, with assets from Carnegie Steel Company, Federal Steel Company, and National Steel Company being fully acquired by April 1st. This merger created the world's first billion-dollar corporation and represented a pivotal moment in the development of modern corporate America.
  • 06 Feb 1901 Eight-Nation Alliance Publishes List of Former Chinese Government Officials: In a significant diplomatic move, ministers from the Eight-Nation Alliance publicly released a list of 12 former Chinese government officials, marking a notable moment in the complex geopolitical landscape of early 20th-century China.
  • 07 Feb 1901 Royal Wedding of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands: On February 7, 1901, Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands married Prince Heinrich von Mecklenburg-Schwerin in a grand royal ceremony. The wedding united two royal houses and was a significant event in Dutch royal history, symbolizing the diplomatic and familial connections between European monarchies at the turn of the 20th century.
  • 08 Feb 1901 Intelligence Break in Philippine-American War: On February 8, 1901, a critical intelligence breakthrough occurred during the Philippine-American War. At his headquarters in San Isidro, Colonel Frederick Funston received information about the surrender of a small rebel group, which ultimately led to the eventual capture of Filipino revolutionary leader Emilio Aguinaldo, a pivotal moment in the conflict.
  • 09 Feb 1901 US Secretary of War Instructs Cuban Governor-General: United States Secretary of War Elihu Root sent a detailed communication to Leonard Wood, the American Governor-General of Cuba, outlining five critical administrative points requiring immediate attention. This communication was part of the ongoing American oversight and governance of Cuba following the Spanish-American War, reflecting the complex post-colonial relationship between the United States and the newly independent Cuba.
  • 10 Feb 1901 Death of Ana Betancourt, Cuban National Heroine: Ana Betancourt, a prominent Cuban revolutionary and feminist leader, died on February 10, 1901. She was a key figure in Cuba's struggle for independence, known for her passionate advocacy for women's rights and national liberation during the Cuban War of Independence against Spanish colonial rule.
  • 11 Feb 1901 Death of Milan I, King of Serbia: Milan I Obrenović, a significant monarch in Serbian history, passed away at the age of 56. As a key figure in the late 19th-century Serbian political landscape, his death marked an important transition in the Serbian royal lineage. Milan I ruled Serbia during a complex period of national development, navigating challenging diplomatic relations with neighboring empires and working to establish Serbia's independence.
  • 12 Feb 1901 Creation of North-West Frontier Province: Viceroy of India Lord Curzon establishes the North-West Frontier Province, strategically carving out a new administrative region in the Punjab area bordering Afghanistan, reflecting British colonial administrative reorganization.
  • 13 Feb 1901 First Documented Medical Outbreak at Mengo Hospital, Uganda: British missionary doctors J. Howard Cook and Albert Cook identified and documented an unspecified illness outbreak at Mengo Hospital in Uganda. This event marks an important moment in early 20th-century medical observation in East Africa, highlighting the challenges of healthcare and disease management during the colonial period.
  • 14 Feb 1901 Early 20th Century - Uneventful Day: While no specific historical events were documented for February 14, 1901, this date falls during a period of significant global transitions. The turn of the 20th century marked the end of the Victorian era in Britain and the beginning of the Edwardian period. Worldwide, this era was characterized by technological advancements, imperial expansions, and emerging social changes that would soon reshape global politics and society.
  • 15 Feb 1901 Boxer Rebellion Leaders Executed in Beijing: Chi-hsui and Hsu-cheng-yu, prominent leaders of the Boxer Rebellion, were publicly executed by beheading in Beijing. The execution took place in front of a large crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators, serving as a dramatic demonstration of imperial power during the tumultuous period of anti-foreign resistance in China.
  • 16 Feb 1901 Diplomatic Treaty Proposal in Saint Petersburg: Russian Foreign Minister Vladimir Lamsdorf formally presented a revised diplomatic treaty proposal to China's Ambassador to the Imperial Court in Saint Petersburg. This diplomatic interaction occurred during a critical period of international relations between the Russian Empire and Qing Dynasty China, likely involving territorial or trade negotiations.
  • 17 Feb 1901 William Knapp Thorn's Pioneering Mercedes Race: On February 17, 1901, William Knapp Thorn made automotive history by becoming the first person to drive a Mercedes automobile in a competitive racing event. Thorn, an early automotive enthusiast, entered the race with a recently purchased Daimler vehicle, marking a significant moment in the emerging world of motorsports and automotive innovation.
  • 18 Feb 1901 Invention of the First Vacuum Cleaner: H. Cecil Booth revolutionized household cleaning by patenting the first modern suction-based dust removal device. His innovative design marked a significant breakthrough in home sanitation technology, creating a mechanism that could efficiently remove dust and debris from floors and surfaces using suction power.
  • 19 Feb 1901 Early 20th Century - Uneventful Day: While no specific major historical events were recorded for February 19, 1901, this date falls during a significant transitional period in world history. Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom had recently passed away on January 22, 1901, marking the end of the Victorian era and the beginning of the Edwardian period under King Edward VII. The world was on the cusp of dramatic technological, social, and political transformations that would define the 20th century.
  • 20 Feb 1901 Hawaii's First Territorial Legislature: On February 20, 1901, the first territorial legislature of Hawaii convened, marking a significant moment in the territory's political development following its annexation by the United States in 1898.
  • 21 Feb 1901 Uneventful Day in Early 20th Century: February 21, 1901, appears to be a relatively unremarkable day in world history. At the turn of the century, this period marked the transition from the Victorian era to the Edwardian era, with significant global changes brewing in politics, technology, and society. While no specific events are documented for this exact date, it was a time of emerging industrialization, colonial expansions, and technological innovations.
  • 22 Feb 1901 City of Rio de Janeiro Shipwreck: The passenger steamship City of Rio de Janeiro tragically sank in San Francisco Bay on February 22, 1901, resulting in a significant maritime disaster. The ship was carrying numerous immigrants when it encountered catastrophic conditions that led to its sinking. This event highlighted the dangerous maritime travel conditions of the early 20th century and the risks faced by immigrant populations seeking new opportunities.
  • 23 Feb 1901 Battle of Disselfontein During Second Boer War: On February 23, 1901, during the Second Boer War, British forces successfully intercepted and engaged Boer troops led by the renowned Boer commander General Christiaan de Wet at Disselfontein in South Africa. This battle was part of the British military campaign to suppress Boer resistance and establish colonial control over the region.
  • 24 Feb 1901 Uneventful Day in Early 20th Century: While no major global events were recorded on February 24, 1901, this day represents a typical moment in the early years of the 20th century. Such seemingly unremarkable dates are important in understanding the continuity and everyday life of historical periods.
  • 25 Feb 1901 Formation of US Steel Corporation: J.P. Morgan successfully organizes the United States Steel Corporation, a landmark moment in American industrial consolidation. This merger brings together major steel companies including Carnegie Steel, Federal Steel, and National Steel, creating the world's first billion-dollar corporation and fundamentally reshaping the American industrial landscape.
  • 26 Feb 1901 Public Execution of Boxer Rebellion Leaders: During the tumultuous period of the Boxer Rebellion, two prominent leaders, Chi-hsui and Hsu-cheng-yu, were publicly executed by beheading in Beijing. The execution took place in front of a massive crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators, symbolizing the Qing Dynasty's harsh suppression of the anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising. This event marked a significant moment in the complex power struggle between Chinese nationalist movements and foreign imperial powers.
  • 27 Feb 1901 Assassination of Russian Minister of Public Instruction: Nikolay Bogolepov, the Russian Minister of Public Instruction, was fatally shot by a student who had been previously expelled from the university. This politically motivated assassination reflects the social tensions and revolutionary sentiments prevalent in late Imperial Russia.
  • 28 Feb 1901 Birth of Linus Pauling, Renowned Scientist: Linus Pauling was born, a groundbreaking American chemist who would later become one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. He is the only person to have won two unshared Nobel Prizes - the Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1954) and the Nobel Peace Prize (1962). His work in quantum chemistry, molecular biology, and his advocacy for nuclear disarmament would profoundly impact scientific understanding and global peace efforts.