Historical Events tagged with "United States"

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

Calvin Coolidge Establishes Federal Radio Commission

February 23rd, 1927 98 years ago

Calvin Coolidge signed a bill establishing the Federal Radio Commission, which was created to regulate radio frequencies in the United States. This legislation came in response to the chaos in the radio broadcasting industry, marked by frequency interference and unregulated stations competing for airwaves. The Federal Radio Commission aimed to provide order and fairness in radio usage, thereby benefiting both broadcasters and listeners. This commission ultimately laid the groundwork for future regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

1919 Steel Strike Across the United States

September 22nd, 1919 105 years ago

A massive steel strike began in Pennsylvania, initiated by the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers. The strike quickly spread across the nation as frustrated workers sought better pay, improved working conditions, and recognition of their union. The discontent stemmed from inflation and labor exploitation, following World War I, as steel workers demanded fair treatment and working rights. This labor action engulfed multiple steel mills throughout the industrial heartland, revealing the deep tensions between labor and management in the post-war economy.

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Politics & Government

Congress Passes the Eighteenth Amendment Resolution

December 18th, 1917 107 years ago

The United States Congress passed a resolution proposing the Eighteenth Amendment, which would establish Prohibition across the nation. This resolution aimed to ban the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors, reflecting the increased influence of the temperance movement in America. The push for Prohibition gained momentum during the early 20th century, driven by social reformers and religious groups advocating for a sober society.

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Politics & Government

Federal Employees Granted Compensation Rights

September 7th, 1916 108 years ago

Federal employees gained the right to compensation under the Federal Employers Liability Act. This legislation provided a legal framework for workers who were injured on the job to seek financial recompense. It marked a significant change in how workplace injuries were managed within the federal government, ensuring employees were protected and compensated fairly for their injuries sustained while performing their duties.

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Religion & Philosophy

Assassination Attempt on Bishop Patrick Heffron

August 27th, 1915 109 years ago

Rev. Louis M. Lesches attempted to assassinate Bishop Patrick Heffron of the Diocese of Winona in Minnesota, driven by personal grievances against the church hierarchy. The attack took place during a meeting at the bishop's residence, where Lesches confronted Heffron and presented a firearm. Quick action from attendees prevented a tragedy, leading to Lesches' arrest. The motives behind the attempted assassination revolved around unresolved conflicts between Lesches and church authorities.

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Politics & Government

United States Occupies Haiti for 19 Years

July 28th, 1915 109 years ago

The United States initiated an occupation of Haiti in 1915 following a period of political instability and violence in the Caribbean nation. This intervention was largely motivated by concerns over American investments in the region and the desire to restore order after the assassination of Haitian President Vilbrun Guillaume Sam. U.S. Marines landed in Port-au-Prince, marking the beginning of a military presence that would last nearly two decades, fundamentally affecting Haitian political life and governance.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Supreme Court Strikes Down Oklahoma's Grandfather Clause

June 21st, 1915 109 years ago

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Oklahoma's grandfather clause, which effectively disenfranchised black voters. This decision stemmed from the case of Guinn v. United States, where the court found that the clause violated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The ruling invalidated the law that allowed only certain voters to register based on ancestry, affirming that such discriminatory practices were unconstitutional. The unanimous decision represented a significant step toward voting equality.

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Politics & Government

Taft's Saxbe Fix Appoints Knox as Secretary of State

March 4th, 1909 116 years ago

William H. Taft used a legal mechanism, known as the Saxbe fix, to navigate around the constitutional restrictions of the Ineligibility Clause. This allowed him to appoint Philander C. Knox as U.S. Secretary of State despite previous service in the Senate. Taft's strategy involved legislating an exception for Knox during his first day in office, facilitating a smooth transition in the cabinet. This moment marked the first significant use of the Saxbe fix in American politics.

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Politics & Government

Dedication of McKinley National Memorial

September 30th, 1907 117 years ago

The McKinley National Memorial, dedicated to President William McKinley and his family, was officially opened in Canton, Ohio. This notable structure symbolizes the nation's remembrance of McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. The ceremony drew significant public attention and was attended by local officials, veterans, and citizens who revered his memory. The dome-shaped mausoleum houses the remains of McKinley and his wife, Ida, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, representing a serene tribute to the late president.

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