Historical Events tagged with "feminism"

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.

Arts & Culture

Sarah Bernhardt Talks Tour at Savoy Hotel

November 20th, 1900 124 years ago

Sarah Bernhardt, renowned French actress, met the press at the Savoy Hotel in New York, revealing her plans for an extensive tour with over 50 performers. This visit marked her first since 1896. During the conference, she expressed excitement about portraying the title role in 'Hamlet,' a significant performance opportunity that highlighted her theatrical ambitions and artistic versatility. With her vibrant personality and captivating stage presence, Bernhardt was poised to reignite American interest in theatrical arts.

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Arts & Culture

World Premiere of Ibsen's A Doll's House

December 21st, 1879 145 years ago

Henrik Ibsen's play, 'A Doll's House', made its world premiere at the Royal Theatre in Copenhagen, Denmark. This groundbreaking play starred actress Anne Trelstad as Nora Helmer and quickly gained notoriety for its exploration of gender roles and societal norms. With its compelling narrative, Ibsen challenged traditional views on marriage and women's independence, resonating deeply with contemporary audiences.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sojourner Truth's Powerful Speech in Akron

May 29th, 1851 173 years ago

Sojourner Truth delivered her iconic "Ain't I a Woman?" speech at the Woman's Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. This speech emphasized the intersection of gender and race, highlighting the struggles faced by black women. With passionate rhetoric, she argued for women's rights and equality, challenging prevailing notions of femininity and vulnerability. Truth's words resonated strongly with the audience, amplifying the voices of women, especially African American women, during a pivotal time for the women's rights movement.

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Arts & Culture

Publication of Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre

October 19th, 1847 177 years ago

The novel Jane Eyre, authored by Charlotte Brontë, was published in London, marking its entry into the literary world. The book, which tells the story of an orphaned girl who becomes a governess, received both acclaim and criticism for its strong themes of individuality and morality. It was a significant moment in Victorian literature and was published under the pseudonym 'Currer Bell' to ensure a level of anonymity for Brontë, who wanted her work to be evaluated on content rather than gender. The novel also explored complex social issues, making it resonate with readers in ways that were unprecedented at the time.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Olympe de Gouges is Guillotined for Activism

November 3rd, 1793 231 years ago

Olympe de Gouges, a prominent playwright and feminist, was executed by guillotine in Paris for her outspoken views and advocacy for women's rights. Known for her Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen, de Gouges faced accusations of counter-revolutionary activities amidst the turbulent times of the French Revolution. Her execution marks a significant moment in the struggle for gender equality and free expression during a period that emphasized radical social change.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Olympe de Gouges' Feminist Manifesto

September 5th, 1791 233 years ago

Olympe de Gouges authored the Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen as a response to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. This document was written to advocate for women's rights and equality in the new French Republic. It challenged the exclusion of women from the revolutionary principles that promoted liberty and equality for all citizens. The declaration was published in Paris, making a bold statement that women's rights were integral to the revolutionary cause, calling for their inclusion in civic life and legal recognition.

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Politics & Government

Jadwiga Crowned King of Poland

October 16th, 1384 640 years ago

Jadwiga, a young Polish princess, is crowned King of Poland, receiving the title despite being female. This unprecedented event marks a significant moment where gender roles in leadership are challenged. The ceremony takes place in Kraków, where Jadwiga, daughter of Louis I of Anjou, assumes the throne with the expectation of uniting the Polish kingdoms and strengthening royal authority. The coronation is accompanied by hopes of securing a political alliance through her future marriage.

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