Historical Events tagged with "dc"
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.
Creation of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation creating the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) to address the widespread poverty caused by the Great Depression. FERA aimed to provide immediate relief for the unemployed and fund direct assistance programs. The agency distributed federal funds to state and local governments for unemployment relief efforts. Roosevelt's goal was to alleviate suffering while paving the way for longer-term recovery efforts.
Continue ReadingTroops Disperse Bonus Army Protesters
In Washington, D.C., U.S. Army troops violently dispersed the Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans demanding early payment of their service bonuses. Using tanks, tear gas, and other forceful measures, the government aimed to clear the veterans who had gathered in the capital. The dispersal marked a significant confrontation between the military and protesting citizens, illustrating the tensions during the Great Depression and the government’s response to civil unrest.
Continue ReadingBonus Army Protests at U.S. Capitol
Around a thousand World War I veterans, known as the Bonus Army, gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest for economic relief and to demand immediate payment of their war bonuses as the Senate considered a bill for benefits. The veterans, facing hardship during the Great Depression, sought support from the government for their service.
Continue ReadingBonus Army Assembles for Cash Bonuses
World War I veterans began gathering in Washington, D.C., to demand cash bonuses for their service. The Bonus Army, composed of thousands of veterans and their families, sought early payment of bonuses promised for 1945, driven by economic hardship during the Great Depression. The assembly symbolized their struggle for recognition and financial support from the government, which they believed had failed to honor its commitments.
Continue ReadingFour Alarm Fire Erupts in White House West Wing
A four-alarm fire broke out in the West Wing of the White House, prompting a swift response from firefighters. The blaze reportedly started just before midnight, causing significant damage to the area. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the occupants. An investigation into the cause revealed that the fire originated from faulty wiring, highlighting the need for improvements in building safety standards. The incident took place shortly before the Christmas celebrations, creating a stir among the public and officials alike.
Continue ReadingDedication of the Lincoln Memorial Ceremony
The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1922, in Washington, D.C., honoring President Abraham Lincoln. The ceremony featured numerous notable speakers, including Chief Justice William Howard Taft and President Warren G. Harding. Thousands attended to celebrate Lincoln's legacy as a champion of unity and freedom. The memorial features a grand seated statue of Lincoln and inscriptions of two of his most famous speeches, emphasizing his beliefs in democracy and equality.
Continue ReadingKnickerbocker Theatre Roof Collapse
A massive snowfall led to the collapse of the Knickerbocker Theatre in Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of over 100 patrons. The snowstorm, known as the Knickerbocker Storm, dumped over 28 inches of snow in the region, causing significant structural failures. The theatre was packed with moviegoers watching a silent film when the roof buckled under the weight of the snow. Emergency rescue teams arrived swiftly, but the aftermath revealed the frailness of the building's construction and raised questions about safety regulations.
Continue ReadingWoodrow Wilson suffers catastrophic stroke
U.S. President Woodrow Wilson experienced a catastrophic stroke at the White House, which left him physically and mentally incapacitated. This incident occurred a mere seven days after he had delivered a speech in Pueblo, Colorado, where he had shown signs of physical distress. The stroke led to a significant decline in his health and effectively ended his active participation in the presidency, raising concerns about the future of his administration amidst ongoing post-war challenges.
Continue ReadingThe U.S. Declares War on Austria-Hungary
The United States declared war on Austria-Hungary following its entry into World War I in 1917. This action was a continuation of the U.S. response to increasing conflicts involving the Central Powers. President Woodrow Wilson sought to eliminate threats to U.S. interests and promote global democracy. The declaration was made after Austria-Hungary's aggressive actions in the war and its ties to Germany, which had already been at war with the U.S.
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