1900–1945
A world transformed, for better and worse.
History doesn’t stand still.
Meet the moments.
Famous peopleGabriela Mistral receives the 1945 Nobel Prize in Literature
Gabriela Mistral accepted the Nobel Prize in Literature on 10 December 1945. The presentation recognized a Chilean poet, educator and diplomat whose work made her the first Latin American recipient of the literature prize.
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Famous peopleRabindranath Tagore’s Nobel announcement and English Gitanjali
The literature Nobel announced on 13 November 1913 brought worldwide attention to Tagore, whose own English translations had helped his Bengali poetry travel.
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Famous peopleAnnie Edson Taylor survives Niagara Falls in a barrel
On 24 October 1901, schoolteacher Annie Edson Taylor became the first documented person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She was 63 and hoped the feat would provide an income through publicity.
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Famous peopleUmeko Tsuda opens Joshi Eigaku Juku in Tokyo
On 14 September 1900, Umeko Tsuda opened the women's school that became Tsuda University. Her opening address connected rigorous English study with professional opportunity, individual attention and a broad education.
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