Major Events of October 1900: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from October 1900 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of October 1900: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 04 Oct 1900 Sherlock Holmes Adventure: Problem of Thor Bridge published: The Sherlock Holmes story 'The Problem of Thor Bridge' was published in 1900, featuring the famous detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle. This tale is part of the collection 'The Case-Book of Sherlock Holmes'. source: britannica.com
- 05 Oct 1900 Venezuela restricts navigation on Orinoco River: On October 5, 1900, Venezuela implemented restrictions on navigation along the Orinoco River, impacting trade and transportation. This decision was part of broader efforts to control river traffic and resources. source: bbc.com
- 06 Oct 1900 British annexation of the Orange Free State: On October 6, 1900, during the Second Boer War, the British government officially annexed the Orange Free State, declaring it the Orange River Colony. This followed the occupation of Bloemfontein, the capital, on March 13, 1900. Despite the annexation, Boer forces continued to resist until the Treaty of Vereeniging in 1902. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Oct 1900 Birth of Heinrich Himmler: Heinrich Himmler, a leading member of the Nazi Party and head of the SS, was born on October 7, 1900, in Munich, Germany. He played a central role in the implementation of the Holocaust during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 Oct 1900 Li Hongzhang negotiates peace after Boxer Rebellion: On October 11, 1900, Chinese diplomat Li Hongzhang signed the Boxer Protocol, ending the Boxer Rebellion and establishing terms for foreign intervention in China. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Oct 1900 USS Holland commissioned as first modern submarine: On October 12, 1900, the USS Holland (SS-1) was commissioned by the U.S. Navy, marking the first modern submarine in service. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 Oct 1900 Mervyn LeRoy, notable movie producer, born: Mervyn LeRoy, an influential American film producer and director, was born on October 15, 1900. He is known for his work in Hollywood during the early to mid-20th century. source: britannica.com
- 16 Oct 1900 Founding of L'Auto-Velo: On October 16, 1900, the French daily sports newspaper L'Auto-Vélo was established. Founded by Henri Desgrange, the publication aimed to rival Le Vélo and played a pivotal role in promoting cycling and other sports in France. In 1903, it was renamed L'Auto and became the organizer of the Tour de France. source: fr.wikipedia.org
- 17 Oct 1900 Bernhard von Bülow appointed German Chancellor: On October 17, 1900, Bernhard von Bülow was appointed Chancellor of the German Empire and Prime Minister of Prussia by Emperor Wilhelm II. He succeeded Chlodwig, Prince of Hohenlohe-Schillingsfürst, and served in these roles until 1909. source: britannica.com
- 18 Oct 1900 Wright Brothers' untethered glider flights: On October 18, 1900, the Wright brothers conducted their first untethered glider flights at Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. These flights marked a significant advancement in their pursuit of powered flight. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Oct 1900 Max Planck presents revolutionary radiation law: On October 19, 1900, German physicist Max Planck presented his groundbreaking work on black-body radiation, introducing Planck's law, which laid the foundation for quantum theory. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 Oct 1900 American military engagement in Philippine-American War: On October 21, 1900, during the Philippine-American War, American forces engaged in combat operations against Filipino insurgents, continuing the U.S. military's efforts to suppress the Philippine independence movement. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Oct 1900 Death of John Sherman, Prominent Statesman: John Sherman, a prominent American politician who served as the 35th United States Secretary of State, died in Washington, D.C., on October 22, 1900. He was known for his significant contributions to U.S. legislation, including the Sherman Antitrust Act. source: presidency.ucsb.edu
- 23 Oct 1900 Wright Brothers' First Untethered Glider Flights: On October 23, 1900, the Wright brothers conducted their first untethered glider flights at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the history of aviation. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Oct 1900 Winston Churchill Enters Parliament: On October 24, 1900, Winston Churchill, a British statesman and future Prime Minister, was elected to the House of Commons, marking his entry into British parliamentary politics. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Oct 1900 British Annexation of Transvaal: On October 25, 1900, the British government formally annexed the Transvaal region in South Africa, following the conclusion of the Second Anglo-Boer War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 Oct 1900 Scottish Presbyterian Churches merge to form United Free Church of Scotland: On October 31, 1900, the Free Church of Scotland and the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland united to form the United Free Church of Scotland. This union combined 1,068 Free Church congregations and 593 United Presbyterian congregations, resulting in a membership of approximately half a million Scots. source: en.wikipedia.org