General Motors was formed in New Jersey on Sept. 16, 1908. At the time, automobiles were still considered to be a novelty and the industry was extremely fragmented, with more than 250 automakers in the United States.
While Billy Durant was busy founding the company that would soon become the largest automaker in the world and the backbone of the U.S. economy, other momentous events were occurring elsewhere. Here’s a brief glimpse at some headlines from the world of business, science, politics, consumer products, sports and entertainment: