Roaring ’22: Centennial Celebrations of 1922’s Impact

The year 1922 may seem like a distant echo, but its impact resonates even today. It was a time of innovation, creativity, and significant cultural shifts. Join us as we explore ten remarkable centennial celebrations that highlight the enduring legacy of 1922.

Deaths

Even in passing, some individuals leave legacies that deserve commemoration. In 1922, the world mourned the loss of visionary figures like Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach, known for his inkblot test, and chocolate magnate George Cadbury. They each had a profound impact, and their contributions continue to be recognized today.

Sir Ernest Shackleton, the intrepid Irish-born Antarctic explorer, passed away on January 5, just shy of his 48th birthday, during his fourth attempt to reach the South Pole. Alexander Graham Bell, the Scottish inventor credited with the invention of the telephone, died on August 2 due to diabetes-related complications. His invention revolutionized communication and continues to shape our world today.

Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, a lexicographer crucial in reviving the Hebrew language, died in Jerusalem on April 23 at the age of 64 due to tuberculosis. Marcel Proust, the Parisian novelist famous for his lengthy sentences, died of pneumonia on November 18 at the age of 51.

Births

While the world mourned certain losses, 1922 also heralded new beginnings with the birth of remarkable individuals who would shape the future. Although she passed away just before her 100th birthday, everyone’s favorite Golden Girl, Betty White, was born in 1922. Iconic actor Christopher Lee, known for his extensive filmography, was also born this year.

Born this year was Professor Christiaan Barnard (November 8), the South African cardiac surgeon responsible for the world’s first heart transplant in December 1967. Yitzhak Rabin, army general and later the 5th Prime Minister of Israel, born on March 1 and Tanzanian anti-colonial activist and politician Julius Nyerere was born on April 13.

Inventions

The year 1922 witnessed the creation of inventions that continue to simplify and enrich our lives. C.G. Johnson created the “upward-acting” garage door, while Stephen J. Poplawski is credited with inventing the electric blender.

Raymond DeWalt invented the radial arm saw, and Christian Kent Nelson received a patent for the Eskimo Pie.

Ralph Samuelson created the waterskiing in mid-1922.

Discoveries of Different Kinds

Significant scientific discoveries marked 1922, expanding our understanding of health and nutrition. Herbert McLean Evans and Katharine Scott Bishop discovered Vitamin E. Also in 1922, Vitamin D was discovered by Elmer McCollum and other researchers

Insulin was intravenously injected on January 11, 1922

On November 4, British archaeologist Howard Carter and his team discovered the entrance to King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

World Events

The global landscape underwent significant changes in 1922, reshaping political boundaries and international relations. Egypt gained its independency in 1922 from the British Empire. In 1956, the USA convinced the latter to surrender its control of the Suez Canal.

The U.S.S.R (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was established on December 30, 1922. On July 24, 1922, the then League of Nations approved the British Mandate of Palestine.

The Japanese aircraft carrier, Hōshō (meaning: phoenix flying), became the first purpose-designed aircraft carrier to be commissioned.

Movies Released

The silver screen came alive with captivating stories that have stood the test of time. Films from that year that are still popular today include Robin Hood, Oliver Twist, Sherlock Holmes.

Books Published

Literary masterpieces emerged in 1922, enriching the world of literature with timeless narratives and profound insights. Albert Einstein’s The Meaning of Relativity: Four Lectures Delivered at Princeton University, May 1921, was published by Princeton University Press. On February 2, James Joyce’s novel, Ulysses was published in Paris.

F. Scott Fitzgerald novel The Beautiful and Damned was published on March 4, while his short story “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” was run in Collier’s Weekly magazine on May 27.

Other well-known publications celebrating its centenary this year include The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot, England My England by D. H. Lawrence, and Doctor Doolittle by Hugh Lofting.

Automotive Firsts

The automotive industry reached new heights in 1922, introducing groundbreaking innovations that transformed transportation. Launched in 1922, the Lancia Lambda introduced many world’s firsts—the first monocoque chassis, the first independent (front) suspension, the first V4 engine, the first production aluminum engine block, and the first four-wheel brakes.

This year also saw dramatic increases in automobile production.

The convertible made its appearance in the early 1920s, with the first practical retractable hardtop prototype, created by American Ben P. Ellerbeck, being introduced in ‘22.

Fashionable Trends

Fashion underwent a radical transformation in 1922, reflecting the changing social norms and cultural landscape. The pre-war extravagance and war modesty were slowly being replaced by more androgynous trends.

1922 was also the year Coco Chanel’s iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume was launched.

Sporty Moments

The world of sports witnessed remarkable achievements and memorable moments in 1922. Mickey “Toy Bulldog” Walker defeated Jack Britton for the welterweight boxing title in 1922.

Slalom skiing celebrated competing with official rules in place for a century this year. Olympic swimmer, Johnny Weissmuller, broke the one-minute barrier in the 100-meter freestyle with a time of 58.6 seconds.

1922 was a big year for the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. It moved from its first home on Worple Road to where it is today on Church Street, London. Australian Gerald Patterson and Suzanne Lenglen from France won the first singles titles on this famous piece of lawn.

The year 1922 was a pivotal moment in history, leaving an indelible mark on society, culture, and innovation. As we celebrate these centennial milestones, let’s reflect on the remarkable achievements and enduring legacies of this transformative year. From groundbreaking inventions to literary masterpieces, the impact of 1922 continues to shape our world today.

What are your thoughts on these centennial celebrations? Leave your comments below!