History of Black in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 20, 2025

Black is an achromatic color representing the absence of light, akin to white and grey. Symbolically, it's associated with darkness and contrasts with white in representing opposites like good/evil and night/day. Since the Middle Ages, black has been linked to solemnity and authority, which explains its use in judicial attire.

1914: Ford Model T only available in black

From 1914 to 1926, the Ford Model T, the first mass-produced car, was available only in black.

1915: Black Square painting created

In 1915, Russian painter Kasimir Malevich created the Black Square, considered the first purely abstract painting.

1918: Flag of the German Empire

From 1870 to 1918, the flag of the German Empire consisted of the colors red, white, and black.

1922: Mussolini comes to power

In 1922, Benito Mussolini came to power through his March on Rome with the Fascist Blackshirts.

1926: Ford Model T only available in black

From 1914 to 1926, the Ford Model T, the first mass-produced car, was available only in black.

1926: Invention of the simple black dress

In 1926, Coco Chanel invented the simple black dress, marking a defining moment for women's fashion.

1926: Coco Chanel publishes drawing of simple black dress

In 1926, Coco Chanel revolutionized women's fashion by publishing a drawing of a simple black dress in Vogue magazine.

October 1929: Wall Street crash

The Wall Street crash on 29 October 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, marked the start of the Great Depression.

1929: Jean Patou creates a black collection

In 1929, French designer Jean Patou followed Coco Chanel's lead by creating a black collection.

1932: Black uniform of the SS

In 1932, black became the color of the uniform of the SS (Schutzstaffel), the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party.

1945: Matisse appreciates Black

In 1945, Henri Matisse expressed his appreciation for black, considering it a force and using it for simplification and orchestration in his work.

1949: Flag of Germany returned to original colours

In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany returned to the original flag and colors of the students and professors of 1815.

1960: Kennedy last president to wear formal dress

In 1960, John F. Kennedy was the last American President to be inaugurated wearing formal dress, marking a shift towards business suits for such occasions.