-
2nd January
American Statesman and diplomat John Hay announces the Open-Door Policy to promote trade with
China. -
5th February
The United States and the United Kingdom sign a treaty for the Panama Canal. -
7th March
The Germany German liner SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse becomes the first ship to send Wireless telegraphy
wireless signals to shore. -
15th April
Philippine–American War: Filipinos Filipino guerrillas launch a surprise attack on U.S. infantry and begin a
Siege of Catubig four-day siege of Catubig, Northern Samar Catubig, Philippines. -
24th May
Second Boer War: The United Kingdom annexes the Orange Free State. -
14th June
The Reichstag (German Empire) called Reichstag approves a second law that allows the expansion of the
German navy. -
20th June:
Boxer Rebellion: The Imperial Chinese Army begins a Siege of the International Legations called 55-day siege
of the Beijing Legation Quarter or Legation Quarter in Beijing, China. -
29th July
In Italy, King Umberto I of Italy is assassinated by the Anarchism or anarchist Gaetano Bresci. -
17th September
Philippine–American War: Filipino people Filipinos under Juan Cailles defeat United States Americans
under Colonel (United States) Colonel Benjamin F. Cheatham at Mabitac. -
7th November
Battle of Leliefontein, a battle during which the Royal Canadian Dragoons win three Victoria Crosses. -
January 1
The Australian colonies federate. -
January 22
Edward VII becomes King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions and Emperor of India upon the
death of Queen Victoria. -
March 2
Platt Amendment limits the autonomy of Cuba in exchange for withdrawal of American troops. -
March 2
Platt Amendment limits the autonomy of Cuba in exchange for withdrawal of American troops. -
September 6
Assassination of William McKinley. Vice President Theodore Roosevelt assumes office as President of the
United States following McKinley's death on September 14. -
September 7
Boxer Rebellion defeated by international coalition. They impose heavy financial sanctions on China. -
December 12
Guglielmo Marconi receives the first trans-Atlantic radio signal. -
January 13
Unification of Saudi Arabia begins. -
May 20
Cuba given independence by the United States. -
May 31
Second Boer War ends in British victory. -
July 12
Arthur Balfour becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. -
July 17
17: Willis Carrier invents the first modern electrical air conditioning unit. -
January 22
The Revolution of 1905 in Russia erupts. -
February 15
The first teddy bear is invented. -
June 11
King Alexander I of Serbia and his wife Queen Draga are assassinated in a military coup. -
July 1
The first Tour de France is held. -
August 4
Pius X becomes Pope. -
November 18
Independence of Panama, the Hay–Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed by the United States and Panama. -
December 17
First controlled heavier-than-air flight of the Wright Brothers. -
February 8
A Japanese surprise attack on Port Arthur (Lushun) starts the Russo-Japanese War. -
April 8
Entente cordiale signed between Britain and France. -
June 21
Trans-Siberian railway is completed. -
July 24
Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907. -
June 7
The Norwegian Parliament declares the union with Sweden dissolved, and Norway achieves full independence. -
September 5
The Russo-Japanese War ends in Japanese victory. -
September 26
Albert Einsteins formulation of special relativity. -
October 16
The British Indian Province of Bengal, partitioned by the Viceroy of India, Lord Curzon, despite strong opposition. -
December 5
Liberal Henry Campbell-Bannerman becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. -
April 18
An earthquake in San Francisco, California, magnitude 7.9, kills 3,000. -
July 13
Alfred Dreyfus is exonerated and reinstated as a major in the French Army; the Dreyfus Affair ends. -
August 16
An earthquake in Valparaíso, Chile, magnitude 8.2, kills 20,000. -
September 28
The US begins the Second Occupation of Cuba. -
October 23
Brazilian inventor Alberto Santos-Dumont takes off and flies his 14-bis to a crowd in Paris. -
December 30
The Muslim League is formed by Nawab Salimullah Khan of Dacca. -
March 15 – 16
Elections to the new Parliament of Finland are the first in the world with woman candidates, as well as
the first elections in Europe where universal suffrage is applied. -
April 8
Liberal H. H. Asquith becomes Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. -
May 26
First commercial Middle-Eastern oilfield established, at Masjed Soleyman in southwest Persia. -
June 30
The Tunguska impact devastates thousands of square kilometres of Siberia. -
July
Young Turk Revolution in the Ottoman Empire. -
July 26
Founding of the Bureau of Investigation (BOI) -
October 1
The Ford Motor Company invents the Model T. -
October 5
Independence of Bulgaria. -
December 2
Pu Yi, the last Emperor of China, assumes the throne. -
December 28
The 1908 Messina earthquake in southern Italy, magnitude 7.1, kills 70,000 people. -
March 4
William Howard Taft is inaugurated as President of the United States; deep divisions in his Republican Party
over tariffs. -
March 10
Anglo-Siamese Treaty of 1909 signed (effective on July 9).