Historical Events tagged with "convention"

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.

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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Politics & Government

Suez Canal Passage Guaranteed by Convention

October 29th, 1888 136 years ago

The Convention of Constantinople established a framework ensuring free maritime passage through the Suez Canal during both wartime and peacetime. The agreement was signed on October 29, 1888, by representatives of several nations, solidifying the significance of the canal as a vital trade route connecting Europe and Asia. The convention emphasized Egypt's regulatory authority over the canal, while obligating nations to respect its neutrality, fostering international cooperation for maritime security and trade continuity.

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Politics & Government

Twelve Nations Sign First Geneva Convention

August 22nd, 1864 160 years ago

Twelve nations convened to sign the First Geneva Convention, establishing protocols for the humanitarian treatment of individuals in wartime. The convention aimed to protect the wounded and sick soldiers, as well as those providing medical assistance. This landmark agreement was forged in Geneva, Switzerland, in response to the dire conditions observed in conflicts, influencing future humanitarian efforts globally.

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Politics & Government

Republican Party's First National Convention

February 22nd, 1856 169 years ago

The United States Republican Party held its inaugural national convention in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where delegates convened to establish the party's platform and select candidates for the upcoming presidential election. The convention aimed to unify various factions opposed to the expansion of slavery and was instrumental in shaping the party's identity and goals. Key figures from across the nation gathered to address pressing issues, marking a significant moment in American political history.

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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

Settlers Unite at San Felipe de Austin

April 1st, 1833 191 years ago

The Convention of 1833 convened in San Felipe de Austin, bringing together Anglo-American settlers in Mexican Texas to address their grievances. This political gathering aimed to draft a series of petitions requesting reforms from the Mexican government, primarily focusing on increased autonomy and improvements in local governance. Leaders like Stephen F. Austin played a significant role, advocating for the needs of the settlers against a backdrop of rising tensions between the communities and the Mexican administration.

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Politics & Government

Anti-Masonic Party's Historic Convention

September 11th, 1830 194 years ago

The Anti-Masonic Party convened in 1830 to address growing concerns about secret societies and the influence of Freemasonry. Held in Baltimore, Maryland, the gathering attracted various political figures united by their opposition to Masonic practices. The convention aimed to strategize and strengthen the party's platform in upcoming elections, marking a significant moment in American political history as it was one of the first formal political party conventions in the United States.

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Politics & Government

Robespierre's Arrest Marks a Turning Point

July 27th, 1794 230 years ago

Maximilien Robespierre was arrested in Paris, having led the charge for the execution of over 17,000 individuals branded as 'enemies of the Revolution'. His arrest came as a result of growing discontent among members of the National Convention and widespread fear of his dictatorial power. Following his arrest, an unprecedented political upheaval ensued, resulting in Robespierre's execution the very next day. This swift turn of events heralded the end of the Reign of Terror and the beginning of a new political phase in France.

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Politics & Government

Delaware Becomes First State to Ratify Constitution

December 7th, 1787 237 years ago

Delaware's ratification of the United States Constitution occurred on December 7, 1787, when a convention gathered in the state capital of Dover. Delegates, motivated by a desire for a stronger central government to address issues of interstate commerce, security, and the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, unanimously voted in favor of the proposed Constitution. This critical decision marked Delaware's position as the first state to ratify, igniting discussions and actions in other states toward ratification as well.

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