10 Defining Moments in the Life of Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science.
1900-07-01
1900-07-01
Graduates from Swiss Federal Polytechnic School
Einstein graduated from the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School in Zurich with a diploma in mathematics and physics.
21
Education
1905-03-17
1905-03-17
Annus Mirabilis Papers
During his 'miracle year,' Einstein published four groundbreaking papers on the photoelectric effect, Brownian motion, special relativity, and mass-energy equivalence.
26
Publication
1915-11-25
1915-11-25
Develops Theory of General Relativity
Einstein completed his theory of general relativity, which describes gravity as a curvature of spacetime.
36
Discovery
1921-11-09
1921-11-09
Awarded Nobel Prize in Physics
Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his explanation of the photoelectric effect.
42
Award
1933-10-17
1933-10-17
Moves to the United States
Concerned about the rise of Nazism, Einstein immigrated to the United States and became a professor at Princeton University.
54
Relocation
1939-08-02
1939-08-02
Writes letter to President Roosevelt
Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, warning him of the possibility of Nazi Germany developing an atomic bomb.
60
Political Action
1940-10-01
1940-10-01
Becomes a U.S. citizen
Einstein became a naturalized citizen of the United States, while retaining his Swiss citizenship.
61
Citizenship
1945-09-30
1945-09-30
Retires from Institute for Advanced Study
Einstein officially retired from his position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
66
Retirement
1946-01-01
1946-01-01
Supports creation of a world government
Following World War II, Einstein became a prominent advocate for nuclear disarmament and the establishment of a world government.
66
Advocacy
1950-01-01
1950-01-01
Publishes 'Out of My Later Years'
Einstein's collection of essays, 'Out of My Later Years,' which covers topics from science and peace to politics and ethics, was published.
70
Publication