1919 Economy & Business Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1919 Economy & Business Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 07 Jan Founding of South African Workers' Union: On January 7, 1919, the South African Workers' Union was established. This organization aimed to represent the interests of workers in South Africa, advocating for better working conditions, fair wages, and labor rights. The union played a significant role in the labor movement, contributing to the development of labor laws and the improvement of workers' rights in the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jan Bentley Motors Founded: Bentley Motors is established in England, marking the beginning of one of the most prestigious luxury automobile manufacturers in the world. Founded by W.O. Bentley, the company would go on to become synonymous with high-performance and luxury vehicles.
- 18 Jan Founding of Bentley Motors Limited: On January 18, 1919, Bentley Motors Limited was founded by Walter Owen Bentley in England, specializing in the production of luxury automobiles known for their performance and craftsmanship. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Jan Seattle Shipyard Workers Strike: On January 21, 1919, shipyard workers in Seattle, Washington, initiated a general strike, demanding higher wages and better working conditions. This strike was part of a broader wave of labor unrest in the United States during that period.
- 21 Feb Barcelona general strike begins: On February 21, 1919, workers from all electrical companies in Barcelona initiated a general strike, leading to widespread power outages and paralyzing much of Catalonia's industry. This action, known as the La Canadenca strike, was sparked by layoffs at the Ebro Irrigation and Power Company Limited, a subsidiary of Barcelona Traction, commonly known as La Canadenca. The strike lasted over 44 days and resulted in the Spanish government issuing the Decreto de la jornada de ocho horas de trabajo, establishing the eight-hour workday. source: barcelona.cat
- 25 Feb Oregon introduces first state gasoline tax: On February 25, 1919, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to introduce a gasoline tax. This legislation aimed to fund road construction and maintenance, setting a precedent for future transportation funding. source: oregon.gov
- 16 Mar IND Culver Line Extension in New York City: On March 16, 1919, the first section of the IND Culver Line in Brooklyn, New York City, opened at 3:00 a.m. This extension connected Ninth Avenue to Kings Highway, enhancing transportation options in the area. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Apr Ruhr Miners' Strike: A massive labor action in Germany's industrial Ruhr region, involving approximately 160,000 miners demanding better working conditions and wages, highlighting the post-World War I social tensions.
- 21 Apr US Victory Liberty Loan Bond Offering: On April 21, 1919, the U.S. Treasury Department initiated the Victory Liberty Loan, offering $4.5 billion in gold notes at 4.75% interest. These bonds matured after four years but could be redeemed by the government after three. They were exempt from all income taxes and were referred to as "the last of the series of five Liberty Loans." source: theodora.com
- 07 May Establishment of Victorias Milling Company: The Victorias Milling Company was founded in Victorias, Philippines, marking a significant milestone in the country's agricultural and industrial development. As one of the largest sugar manufacturers in Asia, the company would play a crucial role in the region's economic landscape.
- 01 Jun Edsel Ford becomes president of Ford Motor Company: On June 1, 1919, Edsel Ford succeeded his father, Henry Ford, as president of Ford Motor Company. This leadership transition marked a new era for the company, with Edsel focusing on aesthetic automotive design and global expansion. source: corporate.ford.com
- 03 Jun Liberty Life Insurance Company founded by African Americans: On June 3, 1919, the Liberty Life Insurance Company was founded by African American entrepreneurs, providing insurance services to the Black community and promoting economic empowerment. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Jun Canadian Currency Act Amendment: The Canadian Parliament receives royal assent to amend the Currency Act of 1910, likely aimed at stabilizing and modernizing the country's monetary system in the post-World War I era.
- 09 Jun General Steel Strike in France: On June 9, 1919, a general steel strike occurred in France, involving workers demanding better working conditions and wages in the steel industry. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jun First A&W Root Beer Stand Opens: On June 20, 1919, the first A&W Root Beer stand opened, marking the beginning of the A&W restaurant chain. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Jul Netherlands establishes 8-hour workday and Sunday rest: On July 11, 1919, the Netherlands enacted legislation granting workers an eight-hour workday and mandatory rest on Sundays, marking a significant advancement in labor rights. source: isitaholidaytoday.com
- 06 Aug Los Angeles Streetcar Workers Strike Ends: A five-day streetcar workers strike against Pacific Electric in Los Angeles concluded after intense clashes between strikers and city police, highlighting labor tensions in early 20th-century urban America.
- 10 Aug Hakubi Line Expansion in Japan: On August 10, 1919, the Hakubi Line railway was extended to provide transportation services to the mountainous Chūgoku region in western Japan, representing ongoing infrastructure development during the early 20th century.
- 13 Aug Waitt & Bond Cigar Company Relocation: Cigar manufacturer Waitt & Bond announced the relocation of its operations from Boston to Newark, New Jersey, due to an ongoing cigar makers' strike. This move represented the industrial shifts and labor challenges of the early 20th century.
- 15 Aug British Pre-War Practices Act Protects Veterans' Employment: The Restoration of Pre-War Practices Act 1919, passed on August 15, 1919, in the United Kingdom, mandated the reinstatement of soldiers returning from World War I to their pre-war employment positions, ensuring their right to return to previous jobs. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Oct Founding of Olympus Corporation: Olympus Corporation was founded on October 12, 1919, in Japan, initially focusing on the manufacturing of microscopes and thermometers. The company has since evolved into a major player in the imaging and optical equipment industry. source: britannica.com
- 01 Nov United Mine Workers Coal Strike of 1919: The United Mine Workers initiated a coal strike on November 1, 1919, demanding better wages and working conditions. This strike was part of a larger labor movement during the post-war period. source: history.com
- 20 Nov United Mine Workers Strike: On November 1, 1919, the United Mine Workers initiated a nationwide strike of over 400,000 coal miners, demanding better wages and a 30-hour workweek. The strike continued until December 10, 1919, resulting in a 14% wage increase for miners. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Dec Boll Weevil Monument Dedication in Enterprise, Alabama: A monument dedicated to the boll weevil was unveiled in Enterprise, Alabama, in 1919, recognizing its impact on the local economy. source: al.com
- 25 Dec Keynes Publishes Influential Economic Analysis: John Maynard Keynes published "The Economic Consequences of the Peace" in 1919, analyzing the economic impact of the Treaty of Versailles. source: en.wikipedia.org
What happened in 1919?
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