1903

From ArticleWorld

1903 was an important year in politics in aviation, it also marked the latest occurring solstices and equinoxes for over 400 years due to the Gregorian calendar not having a leap year for 7 years and or a century leap year since 1600.

Important Events

July 1st marked the beginning of the first Tour De France bicycle race, which during it’s long history has become one of if not the most prestigious cycle races in the world. The first winner of the race was Frenchman Maurice Garin, the record holder and current champion of the race is American Lance Armstrong who won the competition 7 times.

On November 17th the Russian Socialist Democratic Labour Party split into two separate parties. The Bolsheviks (meaning ‘Majority’) who were lead by Vladimir Lenin and the Mensheviks (‘Minority) lead by Julius Martov. The infraction between the two party leaders led to a division in the party, in which the Menesheviks were ironically the larger section.

Orville Wright flew into aviation history at Kitty Hawk, Michigan on December 17th by piloting the first recorded heavier than air flight, in his petrol engine aircraft then called the Wright Flyer (although now it is often referred to affectionately as the Kitty Hawk.) Along with brother Wilbur, Orville Wright created the first flying machine after thousands of prototypes, starting with gliders in 1899. The controlled flight carrying Wilbur lasted for 59 seconds and took him 259 metres.

Births and Deaths

1903 was also the year of some notable births and deaths. People born in this year include English born comedian Bob Hope born May 29th (D. 2003), American actor/singer Bing Crosby May 3rd (D.1977), American film director Vincente Minnelli on February 28th (D. 1986), English aviator and pioneer Amy Johnson July 1st (D. 1941) and English author George Orwell born on June 25th (D. 1950). The art world lost two personalities in the year on May 9th French painter Paul Gauguin died as did American artist James McNeill Whistler on July 17th. Charismatic and the often eccentric Judge Roy Bean, made famous for his wild sense of justice also died in 1903 on March 16th.