Overview
1899 was a pivotal year in U.S. history, marked by political changes, major conflicts abroad, technological progress, and significant social and cultural developments.
Major Events and Politics
- President William McKinley led the nation; Vice President Garret Hobart died in November.
- The 55th and 56th Congresses convened; David B. Henderson became Speaker in December.
- The Battle of Manila initiated major U.S. involvement in the Philippine-American War.
- The Treaty of Paris was ratified, giving the U.S. control over the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
- Open Door Policy set the stage for U.S. influence in China.
- Voting machines were approved for federal elections.
Social and Cultural Developments
- African-American Representative George Henry White advocated against voter disenfranchisement.
- The Frederick Douglass Monument, the first to honor a specific African American, was unveiled.
- The first juvenile court in the U.S. was established in Chicago.
- Bronco Zoo opened in New York City.
- First Broadway Sherlock Holmes play and other arts advances occurred.
Technological and Scientific Progress
- U.S. takes possession of Wake Island; first motor vehicle speeding arrest.
- First use of voting machines in federal elections.
- First mile-a-minute bicycle ride by Mile-a-Minute Murphy.
- First luxury Packard automobile produced.
Disasters and Notable Incidents
- The Great Blizzard of 1899 severely impacted the country, particularly Florida.
- New Richmond, Wisconsin, was destroyed by a tornado.
- Several deadly hurricanes and earthquakes struck the U.S., including Alaska and California.
- High-profile lynchings and racial violence occurred in several states.
Sports and Recreation
- Kansas University’s basketball team played its first game, coached by game's inventor James Naismith.
- Major Taylor became the first African American world champion in any sport.
- Manuel won the Kentucky Derby; cycling and motorcycle racing milestones.
Key Figures Born and Died in 1899
- Births: Al Capone (gangster), Fred Astaire (dancer), Ernest Hemingway (author), Duke Ellington (musician), Humphrey Bogart (actor).
- Deaths: Garret Hobart (Vice President), Richard J. Oglesby (senator), Dwight L. Moody (preacher).
Key Terms & Definitions
- Philippine-American War — Conflict between the U.S. and Filipino revolutionaries (1899-1902).
- Open Door Policy — U.S. foreign policy promoting equal trade in China.
- Treaty of Paris (1898) — Ended the Spanish-American War; ceded territories to the U.S.
- Lochner Era — Period of U.S. legal history focused on limiting regulation of the economy.
- Seventeenth Amendment — Mandated the direct election of U.S. Senators by voters.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the timeline of 1899 events for deeper context.
- Study the Philippine-American War and the Open Door Policy’s impacts.
- Note influential people born in 1899 for further research.