This Year in History

1912

1912

 

1958

Photo courtesy of Spreckels Theater/San Diego History Center

This Year in History - 1912

  • Spreckels Theater, the first modern commercial playhouse west of the Mississippi, opens with more than 1,900 seats.
  • In the closest presidential election in California history, the Bull Moose Party ticket of Theodore Roosevelt for president and Californian Hiram Johnson for vice president defeats Woodrow Wilson and running-mate Thomas by a scant 174 votes. Wilson won the presidency.
  • A violent confrontation between the Industrial Workers of the World and San Diego city authorities result in several deaths after the city bans public speaking in parts of the downtown area.
  • The California Legislature begins to implement numerous constitutional amendments that voters approved in 1911 — including elements of direct democracy (initiative, recall, referendum), railroad regulation, and expanded protection for workers.