History's Best Selling Products of 1900

Make way for the hits of 1900! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the golden era of American industry and the march of first-rate items. Crowd-pleasers such as Zeppelin Airship shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Sister Carrie and Pajamas. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Ferdinand von Zeppelin and Theodore Dreiser, these trailblazing products swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Zeppelin Airship

   Released in 1900 by Ferdinand von Zeppelin

   On July 2, 1900, years of relentless dedication and engineering culminated in a pivotal moment for aviation history. Over the serene waters of Lake Constance in Germany, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin's creation, the Luftschiff Zeppelin 1 (LZ 1), embarked on its maiden flight. This was not just another balloon ascent; it was the first flight of a truly rigid, steerable airship. Watched by crowds on the shore, the colossal cigar-shaped craft lifted from its floating hangar, powered by two Daimler engines. Though the flight lasted only 18 minutes and ended with a forced landing, it was a profound proof of concept. This specific date marks the birth of the Zeppelin era, validating the Count's controversial vision and heralding a new age of majestic, long-distance air travel.

2. Sister Carrie

   Released in 1900 by Theodore Dreiser, Doubleday, Page & Co.

   Sister Carrie, published in 1900, stands as a monumental work in American literature, marking a pivotal shift towards naturalism and realism in depicting urban life. At the cusp of a new century, as America rapidly industrialized and urbanized, Dreiser's novel provided an unflinching mirror to the social and economic forces shaping individuals in burgeoning cities like Chicago and New York. Its controversial exploration of a young woman's ascent through material means challenged Victorian sensibilities, ultimately making it a touchstone for discussions on morality, consumerism, and the harsh realities faced by those navigating the complex landscape of modern American society. This novel’s initial suppression only amplified its eventual impact, solidifying its place as a historically significant literary event that captured the zeitgeist of a changing nation.

3. Pajamas

   Released in 1900 by Various manufacturers and tailors

   The humble pajama, an item synonymous with comfort and rest, began its journey from distant lands to become a global wardrobe essential. Introduced to the Western world by British colonials returning from India, pajamas were not an immediate sensation but gradually gained traction in the late 19th century. By the dawn of the 20th century, they had firmly established themselves as the preferred sleepwear for men, offering a liberating alternative to the restrictive nightshirts of previous eras. Their immediate popularity was rooted in their unparalleled comfort, practicality, and the freedom of movement they offered, marking a significant shift in domestic attire and laying the groundwork for future fashion innovations.