Tech & Science · 1919
1919: Einstein Proven Right and Skies Conquered
As the world emerged from the shadow of the Great War, 1919 became a watershed year for scientific breakthrough and aviation triumph. From proving Einstein's theory of general relativity to forging the first non-stop flights across the Atlantic, humanity reshaped its vision of the cosmos and the globe.
- May 29, 1919 • Astronomy
Confirmation of General Relativity
Arthur Eddington observed starlight bending around a total solar eclipse, delivering the first empirical proof of Albert Einstein's revolutionary theory.
- June 14–15, 1919 • Aviation
First Non-Stop Transatlantic Flight
British aviators John Alcock and Arthur Brown flew a modified Vickers Vimy bomber from Newfoundland to Ireland, conquering the Atlantic without stopping.
- June 1919 • Nuclear Physics
Rutherford Splits the Atom
Ernest Rutherford published results demonstrating the artificial transmutation of nitrogen into oxygen, discovering the proton in the process.
- June 25, 1919 • Aviation
Junkers F.13 First Flight
The German-built Junkers F.13 took to the skies as the world's first all-metal passenger aircraft, setting the standard for modern commercial airliners.
- July 2–13, 1919 • Aeronautics
R34 Airship Transatlantic Voyage
The British rigid airship R34 made history by completing the first two-way transatlantic flight between Scotland and Long Island, New York.
- August 25, 1919 • Commercial Aviation
First International Daily Air Service
Aircraft Transport and Travel launched the world's first regular daily international air service, flying passengers and cargo between London and Paris.
- October 17, 1919 • Telecommunications
Founding of RCA
General Electric created the Radio Corporation of America to commercialize wireless communication and build a global broadcasting powerhouse.
- December 1919 • Aerospace
Goddard's Rocket Physics Paper Published
Robert H. Goddard published his seminal treatise outlining the mathematical and physical foundations of modern liquid-fueled rocket propulsion.
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