Historical Events tagged with "assassination"

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

Capture and Death of John Wilkes Booth

April 26th, 1865 159 years ago

In Virginia, Union cavalry troopers tracked down and confronted John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of President Abraham Lincoln. After a tense standoff in a barn, Booth was shot dead by Union soldiers. The operation was executed following a manhunt for Booth, who had fled after the assassination. It marked the dramatic end of the search for Lincoln's killer.

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Politics & Government

Abraham Lincoln's Death and Johnson's Swearing In

April 15th, 1865 159 years ago

Abraham Lincoln died in Washington, D.C. after being shot by John Wilkes Booth in Ford's Theatre the previous evening. Following Lincoln's death, Vice President Andrew Johnson was sworn in as the 17th President of the United States. The events unfolded dramatically in the midst of the American Civil War, as the nation grappled with the sudden loss of its leader and the uncertain future ahead.

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Politics & Government

Abraham Lincoln Assassinated at Ford's Theatre

April 14th, 1865 159 years ago

President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., while attending a play entitled 'Our American Cousin.' Booth, a famous actor and Confederate sympathizer, shot Lincoln in the back of the head and fled the scene. He then took an escape route out of the city, but the nation was plunged into mourning. Lincoln died the following day in a nearby boarding house, leaving his legacy deeply affected by the violence of his assassination.

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Crime & Law

Attack on Seward Family by Lewis Powell

April 14th, 1865 159 years ago

Lewis Powell, a conspirator of John Wilkes Booth, attacked William H. Seward, the U.S. Secretary of State, in his home during a coordinated series of attacks against key government officials. Powell entered the Seward residence in Washington D.C., believing that Secretary Seward was responsible for the oppression of the South. He inflicted severe stab wounds on Seward, who was recovering from an accident, and also attacked family members before fleeing the scene amidst the chaos of a wider assassination plot that targeted President Abraham Lincoln that same night.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Barbu Catargiu

June 20th, 1862 162 years ago

Barbu Catargiu, the Prime Minister of Romania, was assassinated in Bucharest while he was returning home. A group led by a rival political faction attacked him, motivated by political disagreements and the desire to eliminate his influence. Catargiu suffered fatal wounds in the ambush, marking a significant moment in Romanian politics. His death caused an uproar in the country, raising concerns over political stability and security.

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Politics & Government

Lincoln's Secret Arrival in Washington, D.C.

February 23rd, 1861 164 years ago

President-elect Abraham Lincoln arrived secretly in Washington, D.C., after an alleged assassination attempt was thwarted in Baltimore, Maryland. This covert journey took place amid rising tensions and fears for Lincoln's safety, as he navigated the threats posed by a divided nation and potential violence from opponents. This clandestine move was intended to ensure his safe arrival for the inauguration. The event highlighted the political instability and the urgent need for Lincoln's leadership in the face of imminent civil strife.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Ii Naosuke at Sakuradamon

March 24th, 1860 164 years ago

Ii Naosuke, the chief minister of Japan, was assassinated by rōnin samurai outside the Sakurada Gate of Edo Castle. This was a politically charged event, as Naosuke's governance had been controversial, particularly due to his pro-Western policies. The attack was carried out by a group of samurai who opposed his leadership and sought to restore the power of the shogunate. The incident underscored the growing discontent among traditional forces against modernization efforts.

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Politics & Government

Napoleon III Survives Assassination Attempt

January 14th, 1858 167 years ago

Felice Orsini attempted to assassinate Napoleon III in Paris using a bomb. Orsini and two accomplices targeted the Emperor's carriage during a public event. The attack took place as Napoleon was traveling along the Boulevard de l’Opéra. Although the attempt caused injuries and chaos, Napoleon escaped unharmed, which led to a heightened sense of security and scrutiny in France.

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Military & Warfare

Assassination of João Maria Ferreira do Amaral

August 22nd, 1849 175 years ago

João Maria Ferreira do Amaral, the governor of Portuguese Macau, was assassinated by a group of Chinese locals, which escalated into a military conflict between China and Portugal known as the Battle of Passaleão, taking place shortly thereafter. The incident highlighted growing tensions in the region and was fueled by local frustrations over colonial governance and conflicts regarding trade and local autonomy.

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