Historical Events tagged with "1918"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Fanni Kaplan Attempts to Assassinate Lenin

August 30th, 1918 106 years ago

Fanni Kaplan, a radical Socialist, shot Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin in Moscow, critically injuring him. This act followed the assassination of Moisei Uritsky, a senior Bolshevik official, just days earlier. In response to these violent events, the Bolshevik government decreed the Red Terror, a campaign of political repression aimed at counter-revolutionaries and perceived enemies. Lenin's injury and Uritsky's death intensified the political climate of fear and repression prevalent during the Russian Civil War, illustrating the volatility of the revolutionary state.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Execution of Tsar Nicholas II and Family

July 17th, 1918 106 years ago

Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, along with his immediate family and retainers, were executed by Bolshevik Chekists in the Ipatiev House in Yekaterinburg. The execution was carried out in the early hours of the morning after the family had been held captive for several months. The Bolsheviks sought to eliminate the former royal family to prevent any attempts to restore the monarchy during the Russian Civil War. The event marked a significant turning point in Russian history, as it symbolized the definitive end to imperial rule in Russia.

Continue Reading
Transportation & Infrastructure

Launch of Canada's First Airmail Service

June 24th, 1918 106 years ago

The first airmail service in Canada began operations between Montreal and Toronto. This innovative service was initiated to expedite mail delivery across the growing nation. Pilots delivered letters by air, significantly reducing travel time compared to traditional ground transport. The event marked a critical moment in Canada's postal history, showcasing the potential of aviation in communication.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Hammond Circus Train Wreck Claims 86 Lives

June 22nd, 1918 106 years ago

A circus train, carrying the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus, derailed near Hammond, Indiana, leading to a tragic accident that killed 86 people and injured 127. The train was transporting performers, animals, and equipment to a scheduled performance when it collided with a freight train on a curve. The wreckage resulted in significant chaos and loss, becoming one of the deadliest train accidents in U.S. history.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Armenian Victory at the Battle of Sardarabad

May 29th, 1918 106 years ago

The Battle of Sardarabad saw Armenian forces successfully repel the advancing Ottoman army at a crucial point in the region. Fought over a few days, Armenian troops, motivated by national survival, faced a numerically superior force. The clash occurred near the town of Sardarabad, an area pivotal to the newly declared Republic of Armenia. The victory not only halted the Ottoman advance but also galvanized Armenian nationalism and unity, solidifying hopes for an independent Armenian state.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Sedition Act Limits Free Speech During Wartime

May 16th, 1918 106 years ago

The Sedition Act of 1918, enacted by the U.S. Congress, imposed severe restrictions on free speech, making it illegal to criticize the government, military, or the war effort during World War I. This law aimed to maintain public support for the war and suppress dissenting voices. As a result, a wave of arrests targeting anti-war activists, socialists, and others questioning the war led to significant debates about civil liberties. The Act's enforcement revealed tensions between national security concerns and individual rights in a democracy.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Whites Capture Fort Ino in Civil War

May 15th, 1918 106 years ago

The Finnish Civil War culminated in a significant victory for the Whites when they seized Fort Ino, a strategic Russian coastal artillery base located on the Karelian Isthmus. This pivotal confrontation saw the Whites, under the leadership of General Carl Gustav Emil Mannerheim, overpower the remaining Russian troops stationed there. Winning this stronghold not only symbolized a key military accomplishment for the Whites but also marked a decisive turning point in the Finnish Civil War, favoring the forces aspiring for a sovereignty independent from Russian influence.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Decisive Conclusion of the Battle of Tampere

April 6th, 1918 106 years ago

The Battle of Tampere concluded with the White forces' decisive victory over the Red guards, which led to significant territorial changes in Finland. The intense fighting lasted several weeks, culminating in the critical capture of the city by General Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim's troops. The battle was marked by fierce urban combat and heavy casualties on both sides, representing a pivotal moment in the Finnish Civil War. The fall of Tampere signaled the shift in control, with White forces gaining strategic advantage in the conflict.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Beginning of the Bloody March Events

March 30th, 1918 106 years ago

Tensions escalated in Baku and surrounding areas, leading to rampant violence and ethnic strife. Azerbaijani and Armenian communities became embroiled in conflict, with multiple reports of killings and property destruction. The chaos erupted due to political instability and competition for power in the region amidst the waning Russian Empire. Initial clashes quickly escalated into widespread violence, affecting thousands in Baku.

Continue Reading