Year in review
1889
6 recaps from this year - events, occasions, and cultural moments.
1889Johnstown Flood Disaster
A catastrophic dam failure killed over 2,000 people in western Pennsylvania, making it the deadliest disaster in U.S. history at the time and spurring dam safety reform.
1889Great Dock Strike of London
Tens of thousands of dock workers secured landmark victories for the nascent labour movement, proving mass working-class organization could challenge industrial capital.
1889Meiji Constitution Proclaimed
Japan adopted its first modern constitution, establishing a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary system that accelerated its emergence as a great power.
1889World's Fair at Paris
The Exposition Universelle introduced the Eiffel Tower and showcased industrial modernity to millions, defining international exhibition standards.
1889Brazilian Military Coup Abolishes Monarchy
The bloodless coup ousted Emperor Pedro II and installed a federal republic, transforming Brazil from empire to nation-state amid coffee wealth and coffee-planter dominance.
18891889 Paris Exposition Universelle
The 1889 Paris World's Fair debuted Gustave Eiffel's iron tower and celebrated the French Revolution's centennial, drawing 32 million visitors and redefining architectural possibility.