1918

Daylight Saving Time goes into effect (March).

New York's worst subway accident kills 92 and injures 100 after a train jumps a track in Brooklyn at 30 mph (five times the speed limit) (Nov. 2).

ØAbout three-quarters of the Boston police force goes on strike (Sept. 9). Massachusetts Governor (John) Calvin Coolidge acts quickly to dismiss the strikers, saying that no one has the right to strike against the public safety.

ØRace riots erupt in 26 U.S. cities during the course of the year, including Washington, D.C., and Chicago in July.

ØThe 18th amendment to the Constitution, prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages anywhere in the U.S., is ratified (Jan. 16).