Historical Events tagged with "chicago"

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

Al Capone's Conviction for Tax Evasion

October 17th, 1931 93 years ago

Al Capone, the notorious gangster, was convicted of income tax evasion in a trial that highlighted his criminal activities. The case against him was primarily built around financial records, showcasing how he earned and concealed his vast wealth. The conviction marked a significant moment in law enforcement's fight against organized crime, emphasizing the importance of financial accountability. Despite his reputation for violence and illicit operations, it was ultimately tax evasion that led to his downfall. Capone was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

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Crime & Law

Chicago Tribune Reporter Jake Lingle Murdered

June 9th, 1930 94 years ago

Jake Lingle, a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, was murdered at the Illinois Central train station during rush hour. His assassination is attributed to Leo Vincent Brothers, believed to be acting on behalf of notorious gangster Al Capone over a substantial gambling debt amounting to $100,000. The incident shocked the public and highlighted the dangerous ties between organized crime and the media.

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Religion & Philosophy

Chicago Hosts the 28th International Eucharistic Congress

June 20th, 1926 98 years ago

The 28th International Eucharistic Congress commenced in Chicago, drawing over 250,000 participants to witness the impressive opening procession. This significant event showcased the Catholic Church’s dedication to the Eucharist and blended faith with the celebration of community. The congress featured numerous religious ceremonies, assemblies, and addresses by prominent church leaders, emphasizing the importance of the Eucharistic devotion.

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Crime & Law

Loeb and Leopold Murder Bobby Franks

May 21st, 1924 100 years ago

University of Chicago students Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold, Jr. committed the murder of 14-year-old Bobby Franks in Chicago, Illinois. Described as a 'thrill killing,' the pair believed they could commit the perfect crime. They kidnapped Bobby and ultimately killed him, disposing of his body nearby. Their motives were later revealed to include a desire for intellectual superiority and a fascination with Nietzschean philosophy.

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Arts & Culture

Pablo Picasso's First U.S. Exhibition

March 20th, 1923 101 years ago

The Arts Club of Chicago hosted the inaugural exhibition of Pablo Picasso's work in the United States, showcasing Original Drawings by Pablo Picasso. This event featured a collection of 100 drawings that spanned Picasso's career, highlighting his innovative techniques and artistic evolution. Art collectors, critics, and enthusiasts gathered to witness the unveiling of modern art's pioneer in America, marking a significant moment in the exposure of European avant-garde movements in the U.S.

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Sports & Recreation

Kenesaw Mountain Landis Bans Black Sox Players

August 3rd, 1921 103 years ago

Major League Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis confirmed the ban of eight players from the Chicago White Sox, who had been acquitted of charges relating to game-fixing. This decision came after a trial where jurors found them not guilty. However, Landis maintained that the integrity of baseball must be protected, asserting that the players' actions were damaging. This unprecedented ban would lead to a significant shift in how baseball governance worked and enforced player conduct.

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Politics & Government

The Birth of the 'Smoke-Filled Room' Phrase

June 11th, 1920 104 years ago

During the Republican National Convention in Chicago, party leaders convened at the Blackstone Hotel to negotiate and eventually select their presidential candidate for the upcoming election. This gathering marked a significant moment in political discourse, as it introduced the term 'smoke-filled room' to describe behind-the-scenes political decision-making. The phrase captured the secretive nature of political negotiations at the time, transforming how future political strategies would be perceived and discussed.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Founding of the League of Women Voters

February 14th, 1920 105 years ago

The League of Women Voters was founded in Chicago to empower women voters following the passage of the 19th Amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Spearheaded by prominent suffragists, the organization aimed to promote informed participation in elections and civic engagement among women. This gathering marked a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for women's rights in the United States.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Chicago Race Riot Explosion at South Side Beach

July 27th, 1919 105 years ago

The Chicago Race Riot erupted following a racial incident at a South Side beach, escalating tensions between African American and white residents in the city. Over five days, violence spread, resulting in significant fatalities and injuries. The riot was ignited when a young African American man was attacked for allegedly crossing an informal segregation line while swimming. This incident showed deeper racial divisions and led to widespread unrest, as both communities clashed violently.

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