Historical Events tagged with "labor rights"

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.

Politics & Government

Juan Perón Elected President of Argentina

February 24th, 1946 79 years ago

Juan Perón was elected as President of Argentina following a decisive victory in the elections. Supported by his wife Eva Perón and a coalition of labor unions and grassroots movements, his platform promised labor rights and social welfare reforms. His election marked the consolidation of the political movement that would later be known as Peronism. The election results reflected a shift toward populist policies, addressing the needs of the working class and poor, setting the stage for significant political and social changes within Argentina.

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Politics & Government

Juan Perón Marries Eva Duarte

October 18th, 1945 79 years ago

Juan Perón, an Argentine military officer and politician, married Eva Duarte, a popular actress and singer. Their union symbolized a partnership that would significantly influence Argentine politics and society. The wedding took place in Buenos Aires in front of a small group of family and friends, marking the beginning of a powerful political alliance that would shape the course of the nation.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Benxihu Colliery Disaster Claims Lives of Miners

April 26th, 1942 83 years ago

The Benxihu Colliery accident was a catastrophic event that resulted in the deaths of 1,549 Chinese miners. Located in Manchukuo, which was a puppet state in Northeast China under Japanese control, the incident occurred during a time when safety regulations were often overlooked. The explosion was exacerbated by poor ventilation and inadequate emergency protocols, showcasing the dangerous working conditions faced by laborers in the coal mining industry. This tragic accident highlighted significant issues within labor safety and worker rights amidst wartime economies.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Chicago Police Kill Labor Protesters

May 30th, 1937 87 years ago

On May 30, 1937, ten labor demonstrators were shot and killed by Chicago police during a sit-down strike at the Republic Steel plant. The protesters were advocating for better working conditions and union recognition. The police were called to disperse the crowd, which had swelled significantly. The violent clash, characterized by a brutal display of force, resulted in numerous injuries and sparked widespread outrage across the nation.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Jarrow March Begins Journey to London

October 5th, 1936 88 years ago

In October 1936, a group of 200 men from Jarrow embarked on a 300-mile march to London to protest against high unemployment rates in their town. The march aimed to highlight the severe crisis faced by the community as a result of the economic downturn. The participants wore uniforms and carried banners, demanding government intervention. The event was organized by the Jarrow Hunger Marchers, marking a key moment in the fight for workers' rights and social welfare reforms.

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Politics & Government

National Labor Relations Act Signed into Law

July 5th, 1935 89 years ago

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act, establishing a legal framework for workers' rights. This landmark legislation, often referred to as the Wagner Act, aimed to protect the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining. With the signing in Washington, D.C., the Act significantly altered the dynamics between labor and management, fostering the growth of labor unions in the United States.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Violence Erupts Between Police and Longshoremen

June 18th, 1935 89 years ago

Striking longshoremen in Vancouver faced violent clashes with police, leading to significant injuries and arrests. Tensions escalated as law enforcement intervened amid labor disputes, with police employing force against demonstrators demanding better working conditions and wages. The confrontation resulted in 60 injuries and 24 arrests, illustrating the growing unrest among workers during the era of labor activism.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Unemployed Canadians Protest to Ottawa

June 3rd, 1935 89 years ago

In June 1935, approximately one thousand unemployed workers boarded freight cars in Vancouver, starting a trek to Ottawa to protest the economic conditions of the Great Depression. The participants, primarily men affected by job loss, aimed to draw attention to their plight and demand government assistance. The trek was inspired by similar marches in the United States and became a significant manifestation of discontent against government policies during a time of widespread unemployment and hardship.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Devastating Explosion at Gresford Colliery

September 22nd, 1934 90 years ago

A catastrophic explosion occurred within the Gresford Colliery, located in Wrexham, Wales, leading to the loss of 266 miners and rescuers. The disaster was believed to be caused by an accumulation of methane gas, which ignited in the mine. Rescue operations commenced immediately, but sadly, the conditions within the mine hindered any chance of survival for many trapped individuals. The incident remains one of the worst mining disasters in British history, highlighting the significant dangers faced by miners during this era.

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