1903 History Events: What Happened in 1903

1903 was a year of several firsts, set under the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt. As a side note, the world was much smaller back then. Experts believe that the world’s population was just over 1.6 billion people at the time. Many items we currently take for granted were established over these 365 days, including women’s rights, vehicles, modern toys, books, notable races, and modern airport congestion. It gave birth to Bing Crosby and Bob Hope, as well as ending the career of western singer Calamity Jane. Mary and John were the most popular names this year. In summary, this year, like all others, is one to remember.

In 1903, a lot had changed. Let’s start with women, who account for over half of the world’s population. Aida De Acosta became the first woman to fly a powered aircraft solo when she flew a dirigible from Paris to the Château de Bagatelle in this year. In addition to becoming the first woman pilot, Madame Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in this year; she went on to become the first woman to earn two Nobel Prizes. In addition, Norway decided overwhelmingly to allow women the right to vote in this year. The ladies, however, were not the only ones who benefited from these 365 days. The Teddy Bear became a new best buddy for children. Rose and Morris Michtom finished stitching the first of these cuddly little guys on February 15th of this year. W.E.B DuBois published the classic Call of the Wild and the thought-provoking The Soul of Black Folk.

The only things that changed were people, books, and toys. The inaugural Tour De France was held in the realm of sports. Henry Ford incorporated his vehicle firm and forever revolutionised the automobile industry. The Great Train Robbery, the first western, was released in 1903. In addition, Australia’s top court held its inaugural sitting and issued its first ruling. This year also laid the groundwork for airports and aeroplanes all across the world. The Wright Brothers accomplished their first prolonged flight at Kitty Hawk on December 17th, 1903. So you can thank 1903 for cuddling up with your Teddy Ruxpin, watching a Clint Eastwood marathon, or taking a two-hour flight to Orlando.

Continue reading to learn more about the events that took place in 1903.

Event
(May 02, 1903) Benjamin Spock, an American paediatrician who produced a number of seminal publications on child rearing, including the best-selling Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care (1946), sold over 50 million copies worldwide, was born.
Advertisements (May 03, 1903) Bing Crosby, an American singer, actor, and songwriter, was born in Tacoma, Washington. His laid-back stage demeanour and mellow, relaxed singing style made him the most successful entertainer of his day.
(June 11, 1903) King Alexander I of Serbia and his wife, Queen Draga, are assassinated by a gang of Serbian officers who assault the royal house.
(July 01, 1903) The first Tour de France bicycle race begins.
(July 19, 1903) The inaugural Tour de France is won by Maurice Garin.
Advertisements (July 23, 1903) The Ford Motor Company sells its first car, the Ford Model A.1903 Ford Model A. photo source: wikimedia.org
(December 16, 1903) The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower hotel in Bombay first welcomes visitors. photo source: wikimedia.org
(December 17, 1903) Brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright flew an aeroplane for the first time on this date in 1903 near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville flew 120 feet (36.6 metres) in 12 seconds. photo source: wikimedia.org