Historical Events tagged with "anti-slavery"

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.

Military & Warfare

Quantrill's Raiders Attack Lawrence, Kansas

August 21st, 1863 161 years ago

Pro-Confederate guerrillas led by William Quantrill attacked Lawrence, Kansas, devastating the town. This notorious raid resulted in the deaths of around 150 men and boys. Many buildings were looted and set ablaze, causing widespread destruction. The raid was motivated by a combination of revenge against Union sympathizers and disruption of Northern activities during the Civil War. The rebels targeted Lawrence due to its status as a stronghold for anti-slavery sentiment.

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Politics & Government

Britain's Lagos Treaty to Combat Slavery

August 6th, 1861 163 years ago

The Lagos Treaty of Cession was signed in 1861, enabling Britain to establish a protectorate in Lagos, Nigeria. This treaty was part of Britain's broader campaign against the transatlantic slave trade. The British sought to suppress slavery in the region by exerting control over the local leaders, thereby facilitating trade and governance aligned with their anti-slavery objectives. The treaty not only signaled British imperial interests but also marked a significant shift in the local political landscape.

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Politics & Government

First Republican Party Convention Held

July 6th, 1854 170 years ago

In July 1854, the Republican Party held its inaugural convention in Jackson, Michigan. This major political assembly convened amidst the growing tensions over slavery and its expansion into newly acquired territories. Delegates gathered to establish the party platform, emphasizing opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act and advocating for free soil and free labor. This convention marked a pivotal moment in American political history, aligning diverse factions into a cohesive organization aimed at contesting the dominance of the Democratic Party.

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Politics & Government

Formation of the Republican Party in Wisconsin

March 20th, 1854 171 years ago

In Ripon, Wisconsin, a coalition of anti-slavery activists convened to form the Republican Party, marking a significant shift in American political alignment. The party was established in response to growing concerns over the expansion of slavery into the western territories. This gathering, attended by notable figures such as Alvan E. Bovay, brought together former Whigs, Free Soilers, and anti-slavery Democrats. The creation of the Republican Party aimed to unite diverse groups against the spread of slavery, setting the stage for major political battles in the following years.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Nat Turner Executed After Slave Rebellion

November 11th, 1831 193 years ago

Nat Turner, an enslaved African American, was executed in Jerusalem, Virginia, after leading a violent revolt against slavery. The uprising, which took place in August, resulted in the deaths of several white plantation owners and their families. Turner's resistance was fueled by his religious beliefs and visions, which led him to believe he was chosen to lead his people to freedom. Following the suppression of the rebellion, Turner was captured, tried, and sentenced to death. His hanging marked a significant moment in the struggle against slavery in America.

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Military & Warfare

HMS Pickle Captures Slave Ship Voladora

June 5th, 1829 195 years ago

HMS Pickle, a British Royal Navy brig, successfully captured the armed slave ship Voladora off the coast of Cuba. The encounter marked a significant effort in the Royal Navy's anti-slavery operations, showcasing the ongoing conflict against the transatlantic slave trade. The capture involved an intense naval engagement, with HMS Pickle intercepting Voladora while it was attempting to evade British patrols in the Caribbean. This action not only underscored the Royal Navy's commitment to suppressing slavery but also highlighted the perilous conditions of maritime law enforcement during this period.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Start of the Haitian Slave Revolution

August 22nd, 1791 233 years ago

The Haitian slave revolution commenced with a pivotal uprising led by enslaved Africans in Saint-Domingue. Initially driven by grievances over brutal conditions and a desire for freedom, the insurrection began on a fateful night in August 1791, with significant leaders, including Boukman Dutty, leading rituals and proclaiming a fight against oppression. The plantation owners were caught off guard, and the rebellion rapidly spread across the colony, altering the course of its history and the institution of slavery in the region.

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