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Birth of a Genius
Albert Einstein was born in Ulm, Germany on π day (March 14th), 1879. He was the first child of parents Hermann and Pauline Einstein. His father was an electrical engineer/businessman, and his mother was a housewife. This event is important because young Einstein would grow up to be one of the most influential physicists of all time. He would eventually prove multiple theories, and unintentionally spark the birth of Quantum Mechanics. Source: (Dank 1) -
Spark of Curiosity
In 1884, when he was only 5 years old, Einstein's father Hermann shows him a compass. The young boy was fascinated by the fact that an invisible force was causing the needle to move. This sparks his curiosity and interests in science. This event is important because Einstein's curiosity in physics was fueled by this event. It is also an event that he looks back on when he was considering the wave-particle duality theory of light while investigating the "luminiferous ether". Source: (Dank 5) -
Karl Benz Invents Automobile
In 1885, mechanical engineer Karl Benz invents the "Motorwagen", which is the first automobile. It was a 3 wheeled carriage powered by an internal combustion engine. Benz used his previously successful 2 stroke engine design on the vehicle. This event is important because it revolutionized travel since there was no more need for animals to transport us. It revolutionized travel because we did not have to worry about the health of our transport- it was a machine. Source: (MacRae) -
Interest in Math and Science - The School Days
In 1889, Einstein is introduced to Family Friend Max Talmud, who introduces the boy to math and science, which he takes great interest in. He also enrolls during this year at the Luitpold Gymnasium in Munich. He frequently sees future fellow physicist Max Planck throughout the school. These events are important because math and science are core to physics. Without interest in these skills, Einstein might not have become a great physicist. (Isaacson 40-45) -
New Country, New School
Facing financial obstacles, the Einsteins are forced to move to Italy due to the collapse of Hermann Einstein's business. The Einstein family moves to Milan, Italy, but Einstein remains in Munich to complete his education at the Gymnasium. Losing his interest in school later in the month, he moves to Milan to his family, where he continues his schooling at Aarau, Switzerland. This event is important because Einstein's new school helped him regain interest in education. Source: (Neffe 47) -
Rebirth of the Olympic Games
The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, on April 6th, 1896. 14 countries participated in the events. This event is important because it sparked a series of friendly competitions between the nations, which are appreciated by all. Source: ("Athens 1896") -
College Graduation
Einstein graduates from the ETH (The Federal Polytechnic) in Zurich, Switzerland. Einstein was accepted into this school early because of his outstanding scores on the applied sciences and mathematics section of the entrance exam. He graduates with a degree in Physics, though he continues into life as a mathematics teacher. He also meets future wife Mileva Maric. This event is important because ETH provided him with the skills to become a physicist. Source (Isaacson 71) -
Dream Job
Einstein takes a job as a Patent Clerk at a patent office. This is his "dream job" because it allows him to do what he loves most: he can examine different contraptions, find out how they work, and check the physics and math of them. Many of the patents he looked over had to do with electrics and the electromechanical sync of time, two thought experiments that interested him. This event is important because these thought experiments would be his basis for this future theories.
(Nobel Prize 1921) -
Photoelectric Effect, Special Relativity, and E=mc^2
On September 28, 1905, Einstein publishes 3 of the most important physics ideas. He publishes his ideas on the photoelectric effect, special relativity, and he states the connection between the inertia of an object compared to its energy, which raised to the famous equation E=mc^2. His ideas were supported by famous physicist Max Planck. This event is important because these theories are arguably the most important theories in physics and the basis for Quantum Electrodynamics.
(Nobel Prize 1921) -
General Relativity
Einstein publishes his theory of General Relativity in on November 25th, 1915. His general theory can be applied to more larger, non-quantum objects. It explains that what we perceive as the force of gravity, in fact, arises from the curvature of space and time. This event is important because it's one of the most fundamental theories in physics. It also explains many gravitational anomalies, and recently, his theory was proved by LIGO and gravitational waves. (Lightman, 1) -
The October Revolution
In the October of 1917, the Bolsheviks of Russia revolted against the Czar. The Bolsheviks and people of Russia rose to an armed uprising against the czarist regime. The final blow landed when the Bolsheviks bloodlessly took the Winter Palace. This event is important because it led to the creation of the Soviet Union, at the time one of the most powerful countries. It would also lead to the Red Scare, which was partly responsible for the cold war. (Llewellyn) -
End of WW1
WW1 ended on what is known infamously as Armistice Day, "on the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month". It was the day that, although not a surrender, the Germans were agreeing to the terms set by POTUS Woodrow Wilson. This signified a victory for the allies. This event is important because the Armistice officially ended the fighting of WW1, effectively ending one of the largest wars of all time. Source: (Mason) -
The Beginning of Quantum Unified Field Theory
In 1927, Einstein partners up with fellow physicist Neils Bohr to begin the basis of what would be known to be Quantum Unified Field Theory. The two physicists began to put together theories of quantum forces to create a Standard Model. This event is important because Einstein and Bohr associated multiple theories together which were once thought to be incompatible, physically. In fact, physicists are still putting together the standard model. Einstein gave them a headstart. Source: (Chodos 11) -
Hitler Becomes Fuhrer
On August 2nd, 1934, Hitler becomes Fuhrer, or Supreme Dictator, of Germany. He was chosen due to his amazing public speaking skills. Although the majority favored Hitler, many were concerned about antisemitic views and his ruling that he should be Supreme Dictator, not Chancellor. This event is important because Hitler's unpredictable behavior as Fuhrer eventually leads to World War II. (Elson 50) -
WW2 Ends
Following the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Germans surrender to the Soviet Union after the suicide of Hitler and the Invasion of Germany. German units are ordered to cease fire by German High Command. The last group to cease fire ceased fire on September 4, 1945. This event is important because it was the end of the bloodiest conflict in world history. (Elson 113) -
Death of a Genius
Albert Einstein died in Princeton, New Jersey, after refusing surgery from his doctor. He died of internal bleeding. Einstein said, "I want to go when I want. It is tasteless to prolong life artificially. I have done my share, it is time to go. I will do it elegantly." His brain was removed for examination. This event is important because it was the death of one of physics' brightest minds. It was the death of the most influential and iconic minds of science. Source: (Cosgrove)
