Historical Events tagged with "civil rights"

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

Lynching of Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith

August 7th, 1930 94 years ago

In Marion, Indiana, Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith were lynched by a mob following their alleged involvement in the murder of a white man. The incident garnered national attention and was one of the last confirmed lynchings of black individuals in the Northern United States. Approximately 5,000 witnesses observed the brutal killings, reflecting the racial tensions of the time and leaving a mark on the community.

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Politics & Government

Calvin Coolidge Signs Indian Citizenship Act

June 2nd, 1924 100 years ago

The Indian Citizenship Act was signed into law by U.S. President Calvin Coolidge, granting citizenship to all Native Americans born within the United States. This landmark legislation aimed to unify the citizenship status of Native Americans, previous laws treated them as non-citizens despite their residency on the land for centuries. The act represented a significant change in the relationship between the U.S. government and Native American populations, acknowledging their rights as citizens.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

End of 1923 Irish Hunger Strikes

November 23rd, 1923 101 years ago

The 1923 Irish hunger strikes concluded, resulting in the deaths of four Irish Republicans. These prisoners, advocating for their political rights, resorted to starvation as a form of protest in the wake of the Irish Civil War. Their plight drew attention to the treatment of political prisoners in Ireland. The strikes ended as international pressure mounted, but the toll was significant.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Irish Republican Prisoners Launch Hunger Strikes

October 14th, 1923 101 years ago

Thousands of Irish republican prisoners initiated hunger strikes to protest their internment without trial in 1923. This large-scale protest emerged after the Irish Civil War, highlighting the unresolved grievances among republicans against the new Free State government. The prisoners demanded recognition of their rights and an end to their detention without due process, drawing significant attention both nationally and internationally.

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Crime & Law

Sacco and Vanzetti's Second Boston Trial

October 29th, 1921 103 years ago

The second trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti began in Boston, Massachusetts, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding their previous convictions. The Italian immigrants, accused of robbery and murder, had gained significant international attention and support from labor and civil rights groups, arguing that the trial was riddled with prejudice against them. The trial's focus shifted to the evidential proceedings, showcasing entangled issues of immigration, class conflict, and the judicial system of the era.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bessie Coleman becomes first Black female pilot

June 15th, 1921 103 years ago

Bessie Coleman earned her pilot's license in June 1921, making history as the first female pilot of African-American descent. Born in Atlanta, Texas, in 1892, Coleman faced significant racial and gender barriers during her pursuit of aviation. Undeterred, she traveled to France to obtain her license after being denied entry to flight schools in the United States. Her achievement not only exemplified determination and courage but also served as an inspiration for future generations of aviators.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

The Tulsa Race Massacre Shocks the Nation

May 31st, 1921 103 years ago

In Greenwood, Tulsa, a violent conflict erupted, resulting in the destruction of a prosperous African American community known as 'Black Wall Street.' Tensions escalated when a young Black man was accused of assaulting a white woman, leading to a white mob attacking Greenwood residents. Over the course of 18 hours, thousands of white residents looted and burned homes and businesses, displacing thousands and killing a significant number of Black residents, as estimates of fatalities range widely.

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Politics & Government

Georgia's First Constitution Adopted by Assembly

February 21st, 1921 104 years ago

The Constituent Assembly of the Democratic Republic of Georgia adopted the country's first constitution, establishing a basis for governance and civil rights. The constitution expressed Georgia's aspirations for democracy following its independence from Russia after World War I. This important document was adopted in Tbilisi, marking a significant step in the formation of the Georgian state.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Certification of the 19th Amendment

August 26th, 1920 104 years ago

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was certified, granting women the right to vote. This momentous decision was the culmination of a long struggle for women's suffrage, driven by activists and reformers advocating for gender equality in voting rights. The amendment was officially certified by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby after being passed by Congress and ratified by the states, marking a pivotal shift in American democracy. This achievement not only empowered women but also symbolized the broader movement for social justice in the United States.

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