International Conference Held at Washington for the Purpose of Fixing a Prime Meridian and a Universal Day. ebook

International Conference Held at Washington for the Purpose of Fixing a Prime Meridian and a Universal Day. October, 1884. Protocols of the Proceedings is a comprehensive historical record documenting the landmark international gathering convened in Washington, D.C., in October 1884. This pivotal conference brought together delegates from over 25 nations with the ambitious goal of establishing a single, universally recognized Prime Meridian and a standardized system for universal timekeeping. The protocols meticulously detail the discussions, debates, and resolutions that shaped the modern world's approach to global navigation, time zones, and the measurement of longitude. The book provides a fascinating window into the diplomatic negotiations and scientific considerations that led to the selection of the Greenwich Meridian as the world's Prime Meridian, replacing a patchwork of national standards and facilitating international cooperation in navigation, commerce, and communication. Readers are given access to the official proceedings, including speeches, proposals, voting records, and the final agreements reached by the assembled representatives. The protocols also capture the diverse perspectives and interests of the participating countries, highlighting the challenges of achieving consensus on issues of global significance. Beyond its immediate historical context, the book serves as a vital resource for understanding the origins of the global time system and the international collaboration that underpins it. It is an essential reference for historians, geographers, scientists, and anyone interested in the development of global standards and the history of international diplomacy. The detailed documentation of the conference proceedings offers invaluable insights into the processes by which nations negotiate and resolve complex technical and political questions, making this volume a cornerstone in the study of world history and the evolution of global cooperation.