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.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Massive Women's March Advocates for Suffrage Rights

March 3rd, 1913 112 years ago

Thousands of women marched in Washington, D.C., advocating for women's right to vote, marking a pivotal moment in the women's suffrage movement. Coordinated by Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, the Woman Suffrage Procession featured diverse participants, including suffragists from various backgrounds and states. Marchers carried banners and wore white dresses, symbolizing purity and determination. The procession attracted attention from the media and was a bold statement for gender equality, highlighting the suffragists' desire for political inclusion and empowerment.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Suffragettes March to Parliament on Black Friday

November 18th, 1910 114 years ago

Hundreds of suffragettes marched to the British Parliament, advocating for women's voting rights. The protest turned violent as several women were beaten by police, and the harsh treatment drew significant media attention, embarrassing the authorities. This event later became known as Black Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the suffrage movement in the United Kingdom.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Formation of the National Negro Committee

May 31st, 1909 115 years ago

A group of leaders and activists met in New York City to address racial injustices. The gathering focused on preserving African American rights in the face of growing discrimination and violence. Key figures included W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells, who emphasized the need for organized action. This marked the beginning of a movement that would evolve into the NAACP, aiming for systemic change in civil rights.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Founding of the NAACP

February 12th, 1909 116 years ago

The NAACP was founded in response to racial violence and injustice. A group of activists, including W.E.B. Du Bois and Ida B. Wells, convened in New York City to address the systemic discrimination faced by African Americans. Their goal was to advocate for equal rights and combat racial prejudice through legal challenges and public protest. This marked a significant step towards civil rights activism in the United States.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Gandhi Released from Prison by Jan C. Smuts

January 30th, 1908 117 years ago

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was released from prison on January 30, 1908, after being sentenced to two months earlier in the month due to his involvement in the Indian community's struggle against injustices in South Africa. Jan C. Smuts, a prominent Boer leader and politician, ordered Gandhi's release as part of a broader negotiation with the Indian community, which had demanded rights and fair treatment. Gandhi's incarceration garnered attention and support, further strengthening his role as a leader in the civil rights movement.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Founding of the Women's Social and Political Union

October 10th, 1903 121 years ago

The Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) was established in Manchester, England to fight for women's suffrage. Founded by Emmeline Pankhurst, her daughters Christabel and Sylvia, along with their allies, the WSPU aimed to confront political injustice through more radical means than previous women's movements. The organization quickly gained notoriety for its militant tactics, challenging the societal norms of the time. Their motto, 'Deeds, not words,' exemplified their commitment to achieving voting rights for women in the UK.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Birsa Munda Dies in British Custody

June 9th, 1900 124 years ago

Birsa Munda, an influential Indian tribal leader, died from cholera while imprisoned by the British in 1900. He was a key figure in the Ulgulan movement, which sought to establish the rights of tribal communities in India. His leadership inspired many against colonial exploitation in the Jharkhand region during British rule.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Carrie Nation Vandalizes Saloon in Kansas

June 7th, 1899 125 years ago

Carrie Nation, a prominent temperance advocate, notoriously wielded a hatchet to destroy alcoholic beverages in a saloon located in Kiowa, Kansas. Armed with her weapon and accompanied by supporters, she initiated her campaign against establishments serving alcohol, expressing her fervent belief that alcohol was a destructive force in society. Nation's actions brought significant attention to the temperance movement and sparked discussions on the role of women in social reform.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Formation of the Natal Indian Congress

August 22nd, 1894 130 years ago

Mahatma Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress to address the discriminatory laws affecting Indian traders in Natal. The organization aimed to unite the Indian community and advocate for their rights against systemic injustice from the colonial government. It laid the groundwork for future civil rights movements in South Africa and established Gandhi’s leadership in socio-political activism.

Continue Reading