Albert Einstein History Timeline and Biographies

1879

Birth of Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, in the Kingdom of Württemberg in the German Empire. His early years were marked by a deep curiosity about the world around him, leading to a lifelong passion for science and mathematics.

1900

Graduation from Polytechnic Institute

In 1900, Albert Einstein graduated from the Polytechnic Institute in Zurich, Switzerland. His education laid the foundation for his future work in theoretical physics, although he struggled to find a teaching position immediately after graduation.

1905

Annus Mirabilis: Four Groundbreaking Papers

In 1905, known as Einstein's "Annus Mirabilis" or miraculous year, Albert Einstein published four groundbreaking papers in the Annalen der Physik journal. These papers addressed the photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, special relativity, and mass-energy equivalence, fundamentally changing the landscape of physics.

1915

In 1915, Albert Einstein completed his General Theory of Relativity, which expanded on his earlier work in special relativity. This theory proposed that gravity is not a force but a curvature of spacetime caused by mass, fundamentally altering our understanding of gravity.

1916

Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity was published in 1916, gaining attention for its revolutionary implications. It provided a new framework for understanding the universe and was later confirmed by observations of light bending during a solar eclipse in 1919.

1921

In 1921, Albert Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect, which demonstrated the particle nature of light. This recognition solidified his status as one of the foremost scientists of his time.

1933

In 1933, as the political climate in Germany deteriorated with the rise of the Nazi regime, Albert Einstein emigrated to the United States. He accepted a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, where he would continue his research.

1940

In 1940, Albert Einstein became a naturalized citizen of the United States. His new citizenship reflected his commitment to his adopted country, where he would spend the remainder of his life contributing to science and advocating for civil rights.

1945

In 1945, Albert Einstein signed a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt warning about the potential development of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type," which contributed to the initiation of the Manhattan Project. This letter highlighted Einstein's concern over nuclear weapons.

1955

Albert Einstein passed away on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, New Jersey. His death marked the end of an era in theoretical physics, but his contributions continue to influence science, technology, and philosophy to this day.

1965

In 1965, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Richard Feynman, Julian Schwinger, and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga for their work in quantum electrodynamics, building on principles established by Albert Einstein. This recognition emphasized Einstein's lasting impact on modern physics.

1979

In 1979, the world celebrated the centenary of Albert Einstein's birth with various events and exhibitions highlighting his contributions to science and humanity. This milestone reaffirmed his status as a cultural icon and a symbol of intellectual achievement.

2015

In 2015, scientists confirmed aspects of Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity through the detection of gravitational waves. This groundbreaking discovery provided further evidence of Einstein's theories and their relevance in contemporary physics.

2021

In 2021, the scientific community celebrated the centennial of Albert Einstein receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics. Events and discussions focused on his contributions to science and the continued relevance of his work in modern physics.

2024

As of 2024, Albert Einstein's theories continue to influence various fields, including cosmology, quantum mechanics, and technology. His legacy remains a cornerstone of scientific inquiry, inspiring new generations of physicists and thinkers worldwide.