Historical Events tagged with "Washington D.C."

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

Chester A. Arthur Becomes U.S. President

September 20th, 1881 143 years ago

Chester A. Arthur was sworn in as the 21st President of the United States following the assassination of his predecessor, James A. Garfield. Garfield succumbed to injuries from a gunshot wound, which he received earlier that summer. Arthur, who was the sitting Vice President, assumed office in Washington, D.C., marking a significant shift in the leadership of the nation. This transition occurred amid national mourning for Garfield, as Arthur began his new role in the wake of a laborious political climate and the push for civil service reform.

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Science & Technology

Elias Howe Patents the Sewing Machine

September 10th, 1846 178 years ago

Elias Howe was awarded a patent for his revolutionary sewing machine, which significantly advanced modern textile manufacturing. The patent detailed an innovative design featuring a lock stitch mechanism, allowing for faster and more efficient garment production. Howe's invention addressed limitations of earlier sewing methods and was a turning point in the fashion and fabric industries. The patent was issued in Washington, D.C., effectively enabling Howe to protect his invention and lay the groundwork for future developments in sewing technology, eventually transforming the way clothing was produced.

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Politics & Government

Election Decision by House of Representatives

December 1st, 1824 200 years ago

In 1824, the United States presidential election did not produce a majority winner in the Electoral College. John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William H. Crawford, and Henry Clay were the main candidates. The election concluded with no candidate securing the necessary 131 electoral votes, leading to a unique scenario where the House of Representatives was required to determine the winner according to the Twelfth Amendment. This event sparked significant controversies and debates surrounding the electoral process and the power of the House of Representatives.

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Politics & Government

Impeachment Articles Adopted Against Samuel Chase

December 4th, 1804 220 years ago

The United States House of Representatives adopted articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase, a Federalist. This occurred due to a perceived bias in his judicial conduct and decisions, raising concerns about his impartiality. The impeachment reflected the intense political climate of the time, as the Democratic-Republicans sought to reduce Federalist influence in the judiciary, particularly after the contentious election of 1800.

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