Historical Events tagged with "flint"

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.

Health & Medicine

Flint Water Supply Switch Causes Contamination

April 25th, 2014 10 years ago

In Flint, Michigan, city officials switched the water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River to save costs. This decision led to severe lead contamination and an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. Residents began reporting strange odors and tastes, as well as health problems, prompting investigations into the safety of the water supply. Initial reassurances from officials about water quality contributed to public distrust.

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Health & Medicine

Flint switches water source to Flint River

April 21st, 2014 10 years ago

Flint, Michigan, switched its water supply from Lake Huron to the Flint River to save money, which led to major public health issues, including lead poisoning in thousands of people and at least a dozen deaths from Legionnaires' disease. The switch was a cost-saving measure during a financial emergency for the city, but it exposed the population to hazardous water conditions.

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Crime & Law

Internet-Influenced Murder of Bruce Miller

November 8th, 1999 25 years ago

Bruce Miller was murdered at his junkyard in Flint, Michigan, following a plot orchestrated by his wife, Sharee Miller. She convinced her online lover, Jerry Cassaday, to carry out the killing. This gruesome act became notorious, as it was highlighted as the world's first murder facilitated through Internet communication, marking a significant intersection between technology and criminal behavior.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

GM Parts Factory Strike in Flint, Michigan

June 5th, 1998 26 years ago

Workers at the General Motors parts factory in Flint, Michigan, initiated a strike that escalated swiftly, affecting five additional assembly plants. The strike drew attention as workers claimed unfair labor practices and demanded better wages and working conditions. Lasting for seven weeks, it signified a notable moment in labor relations and impacted GM’s production capabilities.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Chevrolet Corvette's Assembly Line Debut

June 30th, 1953 71 years ago

The first Chevrolet Corvette was produced at General Motors' Flint assembly plant, marking a significant entry into the sports car market for American automotive manufacturers. This model featured a fiberglass body and was designed to stand out with its unique styling and speed potential. The Corvette quickly became a symbol of American engineering and innovation, appealing to a new generation of car enthusiasts. Its production initiated a legacy that would lead to many successful iterations of the Corvette in the decades to follow.

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Natural Disasters

Flint–Worcester Tornado Outbreak Sequence

June 9th, 1953 71 years ago

A series of tornadoes, primarily affecting Massachusetts, resulted in significant devastation and loss of life. In total, 94 people were killed across the affected areas, with hundreds injured and numerous homes destroyed. The storm system moved rapidly, striking cities like Worcester and leaving a path of destruction. Emergency responses were initiated immediately, as communities rallied to aid those impacted by this catastrophic weather event.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

General Motors Recognizes United Auto Workers

February 11th, 1937 88 years ago

The Flint sit-down strike culminated in General Motors officially recognizing the United Auto Workers (UAW) as the bargaining representative for its workers. Initiated in late 1936, this labor action involved thousands of workers occupying the GM plant in Flint, Michigan, demanding better wages and working conditions. The strike was pivotal in the labor movement and changed labor relations in the automotive industry, as GM's recognition of UAW marked a significant victory for organized labor.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Flint Sit-Down Strike Occupies GM

December 30th, 1936 88 years ago

In a bold move, workers at General Motors in Flint, Michigan, began a sit-down strike, occupying the Fisher Body Plant. The strike aimed to demand better wages and working conditions while preventing the company from operating. It marked a pivotal moment in labor relations as the United Auto Workers union mobilized and garnered public support for workers' rights. The strike sparked broader movements for labor reform and union recognition.

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Economics & Industry

Founding of General Motors Corporation

September 16th, 1908 116 years ago

The General Motors Corporation was founded in Flint, Michigan, as a holding company for Buick, established by William C. Durant. Durant envisioned a new automotive company that would promote not only Buick but also other automobile brands, leading to significant growth in the automotive sector. Through his leadership, GM would eventually acquire several other manufacturers, becoming a dominant player in the industry.

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