Historical Events tagged with "general motors"

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.

Economics & Industry

General Motors Declares Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

June 1st, 2009 15 years ago

General Motors, one of the largest automotive manufacturers, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a strategic move to reorganize its business. The filing came after several years of financial struggle and mounting losses, marking a significant moment in the auto industry's evolution. The action was designed to secure the company’s future while allowing for government intervention and restructuring plans aimed at restoring profitability and competitiveness in the global market.

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Economics & Industry

End of Production for Oldsmobile Brand

April 29th, 2004 21 years ago

The final Oldsmobile vehicle rolled off the assembly line in Lansing, Michigan, marking the end of the brand's 107-year history. Established in 1897, Oldsmobile was one of the longest-running automotive brands in the United States. The last car built was an Oldsmobile Alero, produced amid a backdrop of economic challenges for General Motors. This momentous occasion was significant not only for the workers involved but also for car enthusiasts and historians, as it represented the culmination of over a century of automotive innovation.

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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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Economics & Industry

General Motors Achieves Billion-Dollar Profit

December 31st, 1955 69 years ago

General Motors reported its first annual profit exceeding $1 billion. This milestone reflected the company's strength within the automobile industry and marked a significant achievement in corporate financial history. GM's success was largely attributed to its innovative production techniques and expanded model offerings during a booming post-war economy.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

UAW Strike Demands Wage Increase at GM

November 21st, 1945 79 years ago

The United Auto Workers launched a strike involving 92 General Motors plants across 50 cities, propelled by demands for a significant 30-percent raise. This was a pivotal moment during the post-war period, as workers sought better compensation reflective of rising living costs. The strike drew attention to labor rights, labor relations, and the evolving landscape of American industry amidst the economic shifts following World War II.

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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

GM Acquires Interest in Oakland Motor Car Company

January 20th, 1909 116 years ago

General Motors invested in the Oakland Motor Car Company to expand its influence in the automotive market. This acquisition marked the beginning of what would later evolve into GM's enduring Pontiac division. The partnership aimed to create a stronger competitive presence amidst the rapidly growing auto industry of the early 20th century.

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