1900 — L. Frank Baum, writer and dramatist, publishes The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which is adapted for the stage in 1901.

Elsewhere that year:

• Congress enacts the Gold Standard Act, making other forms of money redeemable in gold.
• Hawaii is made a territory of the United States.
• The first direct primary election is held in Minneapolis.
• Work begins on the New York City subway system.
• Olds Co. of Detroit begins the first mass production of automobiles, turning out 400 cars in the first year.