The first Nobel Prizes are awarded for work in physics (Wilhelm Rontgen), chemistry (Jacobus Hendricus van't Hoff), and physiology or medicine (Emil von Behring).

The Trans-Siberian railway is completed between Moscow and Port Arthur.

British annexation of Baluchistan, comprising parts of present-day Pakistan and Iran, is completed, effectively extending Britain's empire in India.

1 Jan.

The Commonwealth of Australia is officially founded, following an act of the British Parliament (9 July 1900). Edmund Barton will become its first prime minister.

22 Jan.

Queen Victoria of Great Britain, after a reign of sixty-four years, dies. Her son Edward VII ascends to the throne.

27 Jan.

Italian opera composer Giuseppe Verdi dies.

23 Mar.

Emilio Aguinaldo, leader of an insurrection in the Philippines against U.S. rule, is captured. On 19 April he issues a proclamation recognizing U.S. sovereignty. June The Cuban Congress adopts a new constitution, which grants certain powers to the United States under the terms...