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

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

01 Oct 1901 British Royal Navy Launches First Submarine: The British Royal Navy commissioned its first submarine, Holland 1, at the Vickers shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. This marked a significant milestone in naval technology, representing a major advancement in maritime warfare capabilities. The Holland-class submarines would become the prototype for future underwater vessels in the Royal Navy.
02 Oct 1901 Launch of HMS Holland 1: First Royal Navy Submarine: On October 2, 1901, the Royal Navy launched its first submarine, HMS Holland 1, at the Vickers-Armstrongs shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, England. Named after its designer John Philip Holland, this vessel marked a significant technological milestone in naval warfare, representing a new era of underwater maritime capabilities.
03 Oct 1901 Birth of Jean Grémillon: Jean Grémillon, a prominent French film director known for his poetic and socially conscious cinema, was born on October 3, 1901, in Bayeux, Normandy. Throughout his career, Grémillon became a significant figure in French cinema, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s, creating notable works that often explored complex social themes and human emotions.
04 Oct 1901 Royal Navy Launches First Submarine HMS Holland 1: The Royal Navy made a significant technological advancement with the launch of HMS Holland 1, its first submarine, from the Vickers-Armstrongs shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, England. This marked a pivotal moment in naval warfare technology, introducing underwater combat capabilities that would revolutionize maritime military strategy.
05 Oct 1901 New York Symphony Orchestra Performance at Carlisle Opera House: On October 5, 1901, the renowned New York Symphony Orchestra delivered a memorable musical performance at the historic Carlisle Opera House. This event highlighted the cultural significance of classical music during the early 20th century and showcased the orchestra's artistic excellence.
06 Oct 1901 Establishment of the American League as a Major League: On October 6, 1901, the American League was officially recognized as a Major League, marking a significant milestone in the history of professional baseball in the United States. This recognition established the league as a competitive and legitimate counterpart to the existing National League, setting the stage for future baseball competitions and the eventual creation of the World Series.
07 Oct 1901 Founding of Francis W. Parker School: Colonel Francis Wayland Parker, a pioneering educational reformer, established the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. The school was made possible through the generous support of philanthropist Anita McCormick Blaine, who donated the land for the campus. Parker, known for his progressive educational philosophy that emphasized student-centered learning and critical thinking, sought to create an innovative educational institution that would challenge traditional teaching methods of the time.
08 Oct 1901 Assassination of President McKinley: President William McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz in Buffalo, New York, in a tragic act of political violence. This event would lead to Vice President Theodore Roosevelt becoming president and mark a significant moment in American political history.
09 Oct 1901 British Martial Law Declared in Cape Colony: Lord Alfred Milner, the British High Commissioner for South Africa, declared martial law in the Cape Colony, effectively suspending the constitutional rights and governance across the entire colonial territory. This action was likely a response to ongoing tensions and conflicts, potentially related to the Second Boer War, which was taking place during this period.
10 Oct 1901 Henry Ford's Breakthrough Racing Victory: On October 10, 1901, Henry Ford achieved a pivotal moment in automotive history by winning the Sweepstakes Race at the Grosse Pointe Race Track. Competing against Henry Winton, who was considered the premier driver of the era, Ford's victory was more than just a sporting triumph. This win was strategically crucial, as it helped him secure critical financial backing for his nascent automobile manufacturing venture. The race demonstrated Ford's engineering prowess and entrepreneurial spirit, ultimately setting the stage for the Ford Motor Company's future dominance in the automotive industry.
11 Oct 1901 Uneventful Day in Early 20th Century: While no specific major historical events were recorded for October 11, 1901, this date falls during the early years of the 20th century, a period of significant global transformation. The United States was in the Progressive Era under President Theodore Roosevelt, who had recently assumed office following the assassination of President William McKinley. Globally, European powers were expanding their colonial territories, and technological innovations were rapidly changing society.
12 Oct 1901 White House Officially Named: On October 12, 1901, President Theodore Roosevelt officially renamed the presidential residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue from 'Executive Mansion' to 'White House', formalizing a name that had been informally used for decades. This symbolic change reflected Roosevelt's desire to create a more accessible and transparent image of the presidency.
13 Oct 1901 Launch of HMS Holland 1: Royal Navy's First Submarine: On October 13, 1901, the Royal Navy made a significant technological leap forward with the launch of HMS Holland 1, its first submarine, from the Vickers-Armstrongs shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness, England. This vessel represented a pivotal moment in naval warfare, marking the beginning of submarine capabilities for the British maritime forces and signaling a major transformation in naval strategy and combat technology.
14 Oct 1901 U.S. Soldiers Killed in Philippine Conflict: In a violent encounter on the Philippine island of Samar, ten U.S. soldiers were killed and six wounded in a confrontation with approximately 500 local fighters armed with bolo knives. This incident was part of the broader Philippine-American War, with American forces showing improved preparedness compared to a previous attack on September 28.
15 Oct 1901 Death of Carlos María Fitz-James Stuart, 16th Duke of Alba: Carlos María Fitz-James Stuart, a prominent Spanish nobleman from the illustrious House of Alba, passed away on October 15, 1901. As the 16th Duke of Alba, he was a significant figure in the Spanish aristocracy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Duke was part of a lineage known for its extensive political and cultural influence in Spain.
16 Oct 1901 Booker T. Washington Dines at the White House: On October 16, 1901, Booker T. Washington and his family were invited to dine with President Theodore Roosevelt and his wife, Edith, at the White House. This unprecedented social event was a significant moment in race relations during the early 20th century. The invitation sparked widespread controversy, particularly in the Southern states, where racial segregation and discrimination were deeply entrenched. Washington, a prominent African American educator and civil rights leader, became the first Black person to be formally invited to dinner at the presidential residence, symbolizing a small but meaningful step towards racial integration.
17 Oct 1901 First Transatlantic Wireless Transmission Milestone: Guglielmo Marconi achieved a groundbreaking moment in telecommunications history by successfully transmitting wireless signals across the Atlantic Ocean. This pioneering achievement demonstrated the potential of long-distance wireless communication, marking a revolutionary step in global communication technology. Marconi's work laid the foundation for modern radio and telecommunications systems, connecting continents through electromagnetic waves.
18 Oct 1901 First Performance of 'Pomp and Circumstance' March: On October 18, 1901, the iconic 'Pomp and Circumstance' military march was performed publicly for the first time. Composed by Sir Edward Elgar, this musical piece would later become synonymous with graduation ceremonies across North America. The march's majestic and triumphant tone has since become a traditional soundtrack for academic achievements, symbolizing the dignity and pride of educational milestones.
19 Oct 1901 Santos-Dumont Circles Eiffel Tower with Airship: On October 19, 1901, Brazilian aviation pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont made aviation history by successfully maneuvering his airship No. 6 around the Eiffel Tower in Paris. This groundbreaking achievement demonstrated the potential of controlled, powered flight and proved that airships could be precisely navigated. By completing this challenging feat, Santos-Dumont won the prestigious Deutsch Prize and a substantial reward of 100,000 francs, marking a significant milestone in the early development of aviation technology.
20 Oct 1901 Uneventful Day in History: On October 20, 1901, no significant historical events were recorded. While this might seem unremarkable, such days are a reminder that history is not always marked by dramatic moments, but also by the quiet continuity of daily life.
21 Oct 1901 First Professional Irish Language Play Premieres: On October 21, 1901, a significant milestone in Irish cultural history occurred with the premiere of 'Casadh an tSúgáin' ('Twisting of the Rope') at the Gaiety Theatre. This groundbreaking play represented an important moment in the revival of Irish language and theatrical arts, showcasing the cultural renaissance happening in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century. The production marked a pivotal point in preserving and celebrating the Irish language through professional theatrical performance.
22 Oct 1901 Execution of Leon Czolgosz for McKinley's Assassination: Leon Czolgosz was executed by electric chair at Auburn Prison in New York for the assassination of President William McKinley. The execution marked a significant moment in American political history, demonstrating the legal consequences for presidential assassination. Czolgosz, an anarchist, had shot President McKinley on September 6, 1901, at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York, with the president dying eight days later from his wounds.
23 Oct 1901 Balangiga Massacre during Philippine-American War: On October 23, 1901, U.S. Army Major General Jacob H. Smith issued controversial orders to his troops in Samar, Philippines, instructing them to kill all males over 10 years old capable of bearing arms. This directive was a brutal reprisal for the earlier Balangiga massacre, where Filipino insurgents had killed dozens of American soldiers. Smith's orders effectively transformed the military operation into a campaign of indiscriminate violence against civilian populations, resulting in widespread death and destruction. The incident became a notorious example of military atrocities during the Philippine-American War.
24 Oct 1901 First Person to Survive Niagara Falls Barrel Descent: On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor, a courageous 63-year-old schoolteacher, made history by becoming the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a specially designed barrel. After being launched from a small boat, she successfully navigated the treacherous descent and reached the shore approximately 20 minutes later, emerging alive and marking a remarkable feat of daring and survival.
25 Oct 1901 Destruction of the Helen Miller Gould Schooner: The Helen Miller Gould, notable as one of the early engine-powered schooners of its era, met an unfortunate end when it was destroyed on October 25, 1901, after a brief service period of just 19 months. This early maritime technological experiment highlights the challenges and risks associated with innovative ship designs at the turn of the 20th century.
26 Oct 1901 Russia-China Manchuria Concessions Agreement: On October 26, 1901, Russia and China signed a diplomatic agreement concerning territorial and economic concessions in Manchuria. This agreement was part of the complex geopolitical maneuvering in East Asia during the early 20th century, reflecting the imperial powers' strategic interests in the region and setting the stage for future tensions.
27 Oct 1901 Debussy's 'Nocturnes' Premiere in Paris: On October 27, 1901, the Lamoureux Orchestra, conducted by Camille Chevillard, gave the first complete performance of Claude Debussy's groundbreaking orchestral composition 'Nocturnes' in Paris, France. This performance was a significant moment in musical history, showcasing Debussy's innovative impressionist style that would profoundly influence classical music in the early 20th century.
28 Oct 1901 Uneventful Day in History: On October 28, 1901, no significant historical events were documented. While this might seem unremarkable, such days are a reminder that not every moment in history is marked by dramatic occurrences. Daily life continued its steady pace across the world, with people going about their routines, unaware that this particular day would be remembered for its lack of notable events.
29 Oct 1901 Execution of Presidential Assassin Leon Czolgosz: Leon Czolgosz, who assassinated US President William McKinley on September 6, 1901, was executed by electrocution at Auburn Prison in New York. His execution marked a significant moment in American legal history, demonstrating the consequences for political violence against a head of state.
30 Oct 1901 First Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine Awarded: Dr. Emil von Behring was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. His groundbreaking work in immunology, particularly in developing serum therapy against diphtheria, was recognized by the Nobel Committee, marking a significant milestone in medical science.
31 Oct 1901 Uneventful Day in Global History: October 31, 1901, appears to be a relatively quiet day in global historical records. While no specific significant events were documented for this precise date, it falls during an interesting period of early 20th-century transitions, including the Progressive Era in the United States and the later years of Queen Victoria's reign in the British Empire.