1904

1904 (MCMIV) was a leap year notable for a mix of geopolitical shifts, global exhibitions, and significant infrastructure developments.

In international affairs, the Russo-Japanese War began after Japan attacked the Russian port of Port Arthur on February 8, 1904, soon elevating tensions in East Asia and shaping the balance of power for the region. In Europe, the United Kingdom and France signed the Entente Cordiale on April 8, 1904, a diplomatic accord that improved relations between the two powers and laid groundwork for later alliances in the early 20th century.

Cultural and scientific milestones also marked the year. The United States hosted the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, known as the St. Louis World's Fair, where the 1904 Summer Olympics were held as part of the event. The fair is associated with early food innovations and technological showcases, including the popular anecdote concerning the ice cream cone. In parallel, construction of the Panama Canal began in 1904 after the United States established control over the project in the former French zone, signaling a major shift in global trade routes.

In urban transportation, New York City's first rapid-transit line of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company opened on October 27, 1904, signaling a new era of electric rail transit in major cities.

In science and culture, the Nobel Prizes were awarded in several categories for work carried out in preceding years, reflecting ongoing advances across physics, chemistry, and physiology.

Overall, 1904 contributed to shifting international relations, expanding global commerce, and rapid urban and scientific development that helped shape the early 20th century.