Historical Events tagged with "crime"

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

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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Crime & Law

Fritz Haarmann Sentenced for Serial Murders

December 19th, 1924 100 years ago

Fritz Haarmann, known as the 'Butcher of Hanover', was sentenced to death for a series of brutal murders that took place in Germany during the early 1920s. Convicted of killing at least 24 young men and boys, Haarmann earned notoriety due to his method of luring victims and the gruesome nature of his crimes. His trial highlighted the failures of the police and judicial system at the time, leading to widespread media coverage and public outcry over safety measures in society.

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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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Crime & Law

Formation of INTERPOL: Global Police Cooperation

September 7th, 1923 101 years ago

The International Criminal Police Organization, widely known as INTERPOL, was established to promote international police cooperation. The founding took place in Vienna, Austria, during a conference attended by 20 different nations. This moment was crucial for fostering collaboration among police forces worldwide, as crime increasingly transcended national borders. Its primary aim was to facilitate the sharing of criminal intelligence and information between member countries. The chosen name, INTERPOL, is derived from 'International Criminal Police Organization,' signifying its commitment to a unified response to international crime.

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Crime & Law

Arson Attack at Nihon Shōgakkō School

April 15th, 1923 102 years ago

A devastating fire at Nihon Shōgakkō, a Japanese school in Sacramento, California, claimed the lives of ten children. The blaze was set by a serial arsonist, motivated by racial hatred against the Japanese community. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions in a period marked by growing anti-Asian sentiment in the U.S., leading to a greater awareness of the need for community solidarity and protection.

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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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Crime & Law

Murder of Guards Sparks Controversial Trial

April 15th, 1920 105 years ago

Two security guards were shot and killed during a robbery in South Braintree, Massachusetts, leading to the arrest of Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. The pair was accused of the crime based primarily on their political beliefs and immigrant status, rather than solid evidence. Their trial garnered nationwide attention and sparked debates about justice, prejudice, and the legal system in America, culminating in their eventual conviction and execution.

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Crime & Law

Alcohol Prohibition Begins in the United States

January 17th, 1920 105 years ago

The Volstead Act came into effect, enforcing alcohol prohibition across the United States. This legislation aimed to eliminate the production, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages. Supported by groups such as the Women's Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League, it signified a massive social and political shift in American values and laws regarding temperance. The nationwide ban led to significant changes in social behavior and the rise of illegal activities such as bootlegging and speakeasies.

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Crime & Law

Gun Battle Claims Two Lives in London

January 3rd, 1911 114 years ago

A violent confrontation in the East End of London saw two individuals killed, leading to a significant political controversy involving then-Home Secretary Winston Churchill. The incident raised harsh questions about police methods and political accountability amid rising crime rates. Public and police responses to the shooting became a focal point for ongoing debates around law enforcement's efficiency during this tumultuous period.

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