The world in
What happened in 1909?
15 events across 6 world regions, each with its sources.
Europe
- Development of the Haber–Bosch ammonia synthesis process
The Haber process for synthesizing ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen was developed in the early 20th century. German chemist Fritz Haber achieved the laboratory-scale process in 1909, and a BASF team led by Carl Bosch completed its industrialization in 1913. It has since become the main industrial method for producing ammonia.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Tragic WeekDuring July 26–August 2, 1909, Barcelona and other Catalan cities witnessed the “Tragic Week,” a series of violent clashes between the Spanish army and anarchists, socialists, and republicans. The immediate trigger was the government’s call-up of reserve troops to reinforce Spain’s renewed military campaign in Morocco during the Second Rif War.
Establishment of Stora Sjöfallet National ParkIn 1909, Stora Sjöfallet National Park was established in Norrbotten County, Sweden. Covering 1,278 km², it is Sweden's third largest national park, located about 20 km north of the Arctic Circle. It is part of the Laponian Area World Heritage Site.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: User Zielke de on de.wikipedia / Public domain ↗
Establishment of Sarek National ParkSarek National Park was established in 1909 in the Lapland region of northern Sweden. It is among the oldest national parks in Europe, adjacent to two other national parks, and features Sweden's second highest mountain.
Completion of the Quinta da Regaleira estateBetween 1904 and 1910, the Quinta da Regaleira estate was constructed near Sintra, Portugal, and later became part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Magdalena Palace GroundbreakingConstruction of the Magdalena Palace began in 1909 on the Magdalena Peninsula in Santander, Spain. Financed by popular subscription, the palace was designed by architects Javier González Riancho and Gonzalo Bringas Vega as a summer residence for the Spanish royal family.
West Asia
Iranian Constitutional Revolution (1905–1911)A political movement from 1905 to 1911 in Persia that sought to replace the absolute rule of the Qajar shahs with a constitutional monarchy. The revolution was short-lived but resulted in the creation of a constitution and a parliament, driven by widespread discontent among various social groups.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: Unknown author Unknown author / Public domain ↗
- Persian Constitutional Revolution
The Persian Constitutional Revolution was a revolution that took place between 1905 and 1911 in Persia under the Qajar dynasty, leading to the establishment of a parliament. It has been described as an epoch-making episode in the modern history of Persia.
SourcesWikipedia ↗
Central & South America
Banana WarsBetween 1898 and 1934, the United States carried out a series of military occupations, police actions, and interventions in Central America and the Caribbean. These operations were primarily conducted by the United States Marine Corps, which compiled the Small Wars Manual (1921) based on its experiences.
SourcesWikipedia ↗Image: A. R. Harrison, United States Marine Corps / Public domain ↗
Federal University of Technology – ParanáThis is a federal university located in the state of Paraná, Brazil, with campuses in multiple cities.
North Africa
Founding of the University of AlgiersIn 1909, the French colonial authorities in Algeria merged several educational institutions in the capital Algiers to establish the country's first modern university, marking the beginning of higher education in Algeria.
Outbreak of the French conquest of MoroccoIn 1907, France began its conquest of the Sultanate of Morocco by occupying Oujda on 29 March. Subsequent military campaigns led to the Treaty of Fes in 1912, establishing the French protectorate, while pacification operations continued until 1934.
North America
Indianapolis Motor Speedway OpensThe Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in the early 20th century in Speedway, Indiana, becoming a premier motorsport venue. It hosts the annual Indianapolis 500 and other major races.
Completion of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company TowerIn 1909, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company Tower was completed in Manhattan, New York, standing 700 feet (213 m) tall. It served as the headquarters of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and held the record as the tallest skyscraper in the United States from 1909 to 1913.
South Asia
Jamek Mosque builtIn 1909, the Jamek Mosque, designed by British architect Arthur Benison Hubback, was completed at the confluence of the Klang and Gombak rivers in Kuala Lumpur, becoming the city's oldest mosque and serving as its principal mosque for decades.
Around 1909
These are known only to the century, not to the year. They are listed separately so a rough date is never mistaken for an exact one.
- Completion of the Taipei Grand Mosque
- Establishment of Women's Suffrage Worldwide
- Establishment of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park
- Construction of Grimeton Longwave Radio Station
- Construction of the Trans-Iranian Railway begins
- Construction of the 20th-Century Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright Begins
- Construction of the Historic Monuments of Dengfeng in 'The Centre of Heaven and Earth'
- Establishment of the Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains