Historical Events tagged with "activism"

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.

Crime & Law

Mitsubishi Headquarters Bombing in Tokyo

August 30th, 1974 50 years ago

A powerful bomb detonated at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries headquarters in Marunouchi, Tokyo, resulting in eight fatalities and 378 injuries. The attack was part of a larger wave of political violence in Japan, primarily attributed to left-wing activist groups. As a consequence of the bombing, authorities swiftly arrested eight individuals suspected of being involved. This incident drew significant attention to the ongoing ideological struggles in Japan during the 1970s, reflecting tensions between right-wing and left-wing factions.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Founding of SETA in Helsinki

May 29th, 1974 50 years ago

SETA, the Finnish LGBT rights organisation, was established in Helsinki to advocate for the rights and recognition of sexual minorities in Finland. A group of activists, driven by the desire for equal treatment and societal acceptance, came together to form this organisation amidst a backdrop of limited legal rights for LGBT individuals in the country. SETA aimed to address discrimination and promote awareness of LGBT issues, marking a significant step in the movement for civil rights in Finland.

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Health & Medicine

APA Votes to Remove Homosexuality as Disorder

December 15th, 1973 51 years ago

The American Psychiatric Association's Board of Trustees voted unanimously to remove homosexuality from the DSM as a mental disorder. This landmark decision reflected evolving societal attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals. The vote was a culmination of years of advocacy by gay rights activists and mental health professionals. The decision was also influenced by new research indicating that homosexuality is not inherently linked to mental illness. The resolution was celebrated by many as a significant step towards equality and respect for LGBTQ+ rights.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

AIM Occupies Wounded Knee in Protest

February 27th, 1973 52 years ago

In a significant act of protest, members of the American Indian Movement (AIM) seized control of the Pine Ridge Reservation town of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, demanding the federal government address broken treaties and issues of civil rights for Native Americans. The occupation commenced on February 27 and involved a standoff with federal authorities, drawing national attention to the plight of Indigenous peoples and their struggles against systemic injustices. The occupation lasted nearly 71 days, ending in May of the same year, making it one of the most important actions taken by AIM.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Ghassan Kanafani by Mossad

July 8th, 1972 52 years ago

Ghassan Kanafani, a notable Palestinian writer and activist, was assassinated in Beirut by the Israeli Mossad. The operation involved a bomb placed in his car, which killed him along with his 17-year-old niece. Kanafani was a prominent figure in Palestinian literature and politics, advocating for the Palestinian cause through his works. His assassination was intended to silence his voice and discourage further support for the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

First Gay Pride March in England Celebrated

July 1st, 1972 52 years ago

The first Gay Pride march in England took place in 1972, aiming to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and equality. Organized by a group of activists, including members of the Gay Liberation Front, the march congregated at Trafalgar Square before processing through the streets of London. This event marked a significant moment for the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the UK, as it called for decriminalization of homosexuality and an end to discrimination. Participants carried banners and chanted slogans advocating for equality.

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Crime & Law

Ulrike Meinhof Captured by Police

June 15th, 1972 52 years ago

Ulrike Meinhof, co-founder of the Red Army Faction, was captured by police in Langenhagen, Germany. This occurred during a period of intense operations by the faction, which was engaged in a series of violent acts aimed at challenging the West German state. Meinhof’s arrest was significant as she was a prominent figure within the group, known for her radical ideology and militant activities. Her capture marked a turning point in the fight between the state and leftist militants, as it showcased the government's efforts to suppress the faction’s operations.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Don't Make A Wave Committee Becomes Greenpeace

May 4th, 1972 52 years ago

The Don't Make A Wave Committee officially transformed into the Greenpeace Foundation in Canada, marking a significant shift for the environmental organization. Founded in 1971, the committee aimed to promote non-violent activism against nuclear testing, particularly after the U.S. nuclear tests in the Pacific. The name change was part of a broader vision to address global environmental issues and action against ecological destruction. This new identity would help foster international campaigns and mobilize support for environmental causes.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Greenpeace's First Protest Voyage Begins

September 15th, 1971 53 years ago

In September 1971, the first Greenpeace ship, a former fishing vessel named the 'Phyllis Cormack', set sail from Vancouver. The mission was to protest against the Cannikin nuclear test planned by the United States in Alaska. Activists aimed to rally public awareness and opposition to nuclear testing, highlighting environmental concerns and the potential devastation from nuclear fallout. Led by a small crew of passionate environmentalists, the voyage symbolized the birth of Greenpeace as an international environmental organization and marked a significant moment in anti-nuclear activism.

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