Introduction

Originally published in 1968, this illustrated survey of the year 1900 recaptures the major events of the last Victorian year, the end of a century and the passing of a way of life.

1900 marked the close of a period of astonishing discovery and achievement, and when the Queen died in 1901, people felt that nothing would ever be the same again.

Historical Significance

It was a year of international importance. In South Africa the Boer War was raging. In the USA, President McKinley was leading an expansionist policy and in Germany the first Zeppelin rose to the skies.

The first cars were chugging along the dusty roads of Europe and the Wright brothers were experimenting with flight. The cinematograph and the bioscope were influencing the lives of the public but there were still great contrasts between rich and poor in the UK.

Audience

This fascinating and well-illustrated book will be of interest to social historians and those interested in the politics and economics of the early 20th Century.