1903

A lot changed in 1903. Let’s start with the progress made by nearly half of the world’s population: women. In this year, Aida De Acosta, became the first woman to operate a powered-aircraft without assistance; she piloted a dirigible from Paris to the Château De Bagatelle. In addition to the first woman pilot, this year also saw Madame Curie win the Nobel Prize for Physics; she later became the first woman to win two. In addition, this was the year Norway voted unanimously to grant women the right to vote. However, ladies were not the only people to benefit from these 365 days. Children gained a new best friend: the Teddy Bear. On February 15th of this year, Rose and Morris Michtom completed stitching together the first of these cuddly little guys. The classic Call of the Wild and the thought provoking The Soul of Black Folk by W.E.B DuBois were published. People, books, and toys were not the only things that changed. In the world of sports, the first Tour De France was hosted. Henry Ford changed automobiles forever and incorporated his automobile company. The first western, The Great Train Robbery, also saw its debut in 1903. In addition, Australia saw the first sitting and decision of its highest court. Additionally, this year also set the foundations for airports and airplanes worldwide. On December 17th of 1903, the Wright Brothers made their first sustained flight at Kitty Hawk. So, whether you want to cuddle up with your Teddy Ruxpin, watch a Clint Eastwood marathon, or take a two-hour flight to Orlando, you can thank 1903 for that.