1900190119021903190419051906190719081909
1910next year

Major Events of May 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 May 1901 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

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

  • 01 May 1901 Pan-American Exposition Opens in Buffalo: The Pan-American Exposition commenced in Buffalo, New York, showcasing technological innovations, cultural exchanges, and international achievements at the turn of the 20th century.
  • 02 May 1901 First Pipeline Delivery of Refined Crude Oil in the United States: The Standard Oil Company's 'United States Pipe Line' successfully delivered refined crude oil to the Eastern seaboard for the first time, marking a significant milestone in petroleum transportation infrastructure.
  • 03 May 1901 The Great Jacksonville Fire of 1901: On May 3, 1901, a devastating fire erupted in Jacksonville, Florida, originating from a spark at the American Fiber Company. A small wood-burning cook stove ignited Spanish moss, which quickly spread due to strong westerly winds and extremely dry conditions. The catastrophic blaze consumed 2,358 buildings across 140 city blocks, leaving an unprecedented mark on Southern urban history. Nearly 10,000 residents were rendered homeless, and seven lives were tragically lost. This event remains the largest metropolitan fire in the Southern United States before or since the incident.
  • 04 May 1901 President McKinley's Historic Deep South Tour: President William McKinley made history by becoming the first sitting U.S. President to tour the Deep South. During this groundbreaking journey, he delivered a speech in Mississippi and spent the night in New Orleans, symbolizing a significant moment of national unity and presidential outreach in the post-Reconstruction era.
  • 05 May 1901 US Troops Withdraw from Beijing after Boxer Rebellion: The United States completed its withdrawal of military forces from Beijing, marking the end of a year-long occupation following the Boxer Rebellion. Major General Adna Chaffee dismissed the troops of the U.S. 9th Infantry's cavalry and artillery, who then marched out of the Chinese capital towards Tianjin, signaling a significant de-escalation of international tensions in China.
  • 06 May 1901 First Publication of Gorkhapatra Newspaper: On May 6, 1901, the Gorkhapatra was first published, marking a significant milestone in Nepali media history. As the oldest continuously running state-owned newspaper in Nepal, this publication represented an important step in the country's journalistic and communication landscape during the early 20th century. The newspaper would go on to play a crucial role in disseminating information, shaping public discourse, and documenting the nation's historical developments.
  • 07 May 1901 Ilya Repin Begins Monumental State Council Painting: Russian painter Ilya Repin commenced work on his massive historical painting 'The Ceremonial Meeting of the State Council, 7 May 1901'. This extraordinary artwork, measuring an impressive 400 cm x 877 cm (approximately 13'2" high by 28'9" wide), represents a significant moment in Russian political and artistic history. The painting is now preserved in the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, showcasing Repin's exceptional skill in capturing historical and political scenes.
  • 08 May 1901 First Automobile Race in Japan: On May 8, 1901, a historic milestone in Japanese automotive history occurred in Osaka: the country's first-ever automobile race. The event was notable for being won by a French Darracq car, driven by a Belgian chauffeur named Urbain. This race symbolized Japan's early engagement with modern transportation technology and its openness to international automotive innovations during the early 20th century.
  • 09 May 1901 Australia Opens First National Parliament: On May 9, 1901, Australia officially opened its first national parliament in Melbourne, marking a significant milestone in the nation's political development. This event symbolized the federation of the Australian colonies and the establishment of a unified national government.
  • 12 May 1901 First US Speed Limit Law Enacted: Connecticut became the first state to establish a legal speed limit for motor vehicles, setting a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour (19 km/h). This landmark legislation represented an early attempt to regulate emerging automotive technology and ensure public safety on roadways.
  • 13 May 1901 Winston Churchill Challenges Conservative Party Stance in Parliament: On May 13, 1901, a young Winston Churchill demonstrated his independent political spirit by boldly speaking out against a government proposal, despite opposition from his own Conservative Party colleagues in the British House of Commons. This early incident foreshadowed Churchill's future reputation as a maverick politician willing to challenge party orthodoxy and stand by his convictions, even when it meant risking political alienation.
  • 14 May 1901 Józef Piłsudski Released from Russian Imprisonment: On May 14, 1901, Józef Piłsudski, a prominent Polish nationalist and future leader who would play a pivotal role in Poland's independence, was released after spending fifteen months in prison. His arrest was due to his active political agitation against the Russian Empire's control over Polish territories. This event marked an important moment in Piłsudski's early political career, highlighting his resistance to foreign occupation and his commitment to Polish national liberation.
  • 15 May 1901 First Regular Airmail Service Established in the United States: On May 15, 1901, the United States inaugurated its first regular airmail service, establishing a daily round trip between Washington, D.C., and New York. This milestone represented a significant advancement in communication infrastructure and transportation technology, laying the groundwork for future postal and communication networks.
  • 16 May 1901 Sherlock Holmes: The Adventure of the Priory School: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle published 'The Adventure of the Priory School', a classic Sherlock Holmes detective story featuring the famous detective solving a mysterious case involving a missing student from a prestigious boarding school. This short story is part of the renowned collection 'The Return of Sherlock Holmes', showcasing Holmes' exceptional deductive reasoning and investigative skills.
  • 18 May 1901 Birth of Vincent du Vigneaud, Pioneering American Biochemist: Vincent du Vigneaud was born on May 18, 1901, in Illinois, United States. He would go on to become a groundbreaking biochemist who made significant contributions to understanding protein and hormone structures. In 1955, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on biochemically important sulfur compounds, particularly his research on the structure and synthesis of peptide hormones like oxytocin. His scientific achievements were crucial in advancing our understanding of biochemical processes and molecular biology.
  • 19 May 1901 End of Philippine-American War: U.S. Army Brigadier General Loyd Wheaton officially proclaimed the termination of the state of war in the Philippines, marking a significant moment in the conclusion of the Philippine-American War and the establishment of American colonial control in the region.
  • 20 May 1901 Lindbergh's Transatlantic Flight: Charles Lindbergh completed his historic first solo nonstop transatlantic flight in the Spirit of St. Louis, traveling between May 20-21. This groundbreaking aviation achievement marked a pivotal moment in early 20th-century transportation and technological innovation.
  • 21 May 1901 Uneventful Day in Global History: While no specific major historical events were recorded on May 21, 1901, this day represents a typical moment during the early 20th century. The world was in a period of significant transition, with industrialization, colonial expansions, and technological innovations rapidly changing global dynamics. Though no singular event stands out, the day was part of the broader historical tapestry of the Progressive Era.
  • 22 May 1901 Unremarkable Day in Early 20th Century: While no specific significant historical events were recorded for May 22, 1901, this date falls during the early years of the 20th century, a period of significant global transformation marked by industrialization, colonial expansion, and emerging technological innovations.
  • 23 May 1901 US Captures Emilio Aguinaldo in Philippine Rebellion: The United States military captured Emilio Aguinaldo, a key leader of the Philippine rebels, during the Philippine-American War, a pivotal moment in colonial history.
  • 24 May 1901 Anglo-Boer War Conclusion Negotiations: The Anglo-Boer War's final stages and negotiations towards its conclusion were taking place, with the war officially ending on May 31, 1902. This conflict between the British Empire and the Boer Republics in South Africa was a significant colonial war that had profound implications for the region.
  • 25 May 1901 Norway Grants Women's Voting Rights: On May 25, 1901, Norway made a significant stride in women's suffrage by granting voting rights to women, though initially restricted to female taxpayers. This landmark decision represented an early progressive step towards gender equality in political participation, predating many other European nations in recognizing women's electoral rights.
  • 26 May 1901 Uneventful Day in Global History: While no major documented historical events are recorded for May 26, 1901, this date falls during the early 20th century, a period of significant global transformation. The world was experiencing rapid industrialization, colonial expansions, and technological advancements. At this time, countries like the United States, European powers, and emerging nations were undergoing substantial social, economic, and political changes.
  • 27 May 1901 First Insular Cases Decided by Supreme Court: The United States Supreme Court heard the first of the 'Insular Cases', which addressed critical legal questions regarding the constitutional status and rights of territories acquired by the United States following the Spanish-American War. These landmark decisions would significantly shape U.S. territorial policy and constitutional interpretation in the early 20th century.
  • 28 May 1901 British Petroleum Lease Agreement with Iran: A significant oil lease agreement was signed between British interests and Iran, establishing a 60-year contract for petroleum exploration and extraction. The lease was valued at 40,000 British pounds, with Iran receiving a 16% royalty on profits.
  • 29 May 1901 Uneventful Day in Early 20th Century: While no significant documented historical events occurred on May 29, 1901, this date represents a typical day during the early years of the 20th century. The world was in a period of gradual technological and social transformation, with industrialization spreading across Europe and North America, and global powers establishing complex diplomatic and economic relationships.
  • 30 May 1901 First Memorial Day Observance in the United States: On May 30, 1901, the United States observed its first official Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who have died while serving in the U.S. military. This commemoration would later become an important national holiday of remembrance and reflection.
  • 31 May 1901 Death of Ernest de Sarzec, French Archaeologist: Ernest de Sarzec, a pioneering French archaeologist known for his groundbreaking excavations in Mesopotamia, particularly at the ancient Sumerian site of Telloh (modern-day Tell Lagas in Iraq), passed away on May 31, 1901. De Sarzec was instrumental in uncovering significant artifacts and architectural remains that greatly enhanced understanding of early Mesopotamian civilizations, including the first known statues of Sumerian rulers.