Historical Events tagged with "leftist"

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

Bombing of the ITT Building in NYC

September 28th, 1973 51 years ago

The ITT building in New York City was bombed in protest against ITT's alleged involvement in the coup d'état in Chile. This act of violence was attributed to leftist militants who opposed U.S. corporate influence in Latin American politics. The attack highlighted growing tensions and concerns regarding American interests and their impact on sovereignty in the region, particularly amid the fallout from the overthrow of President Salvador Allende.

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Crime & Law

Ulrike Meinhof Captured by Police

June 15th, 1972 52 years ago

Ulrike Meinhof, co-founder of the Red Army Faction, was captured by police in Langenhagen, Germany. This occurred during a period of intense operations by the faction, which was engaged in a series of violent acts aimed at challenging the West German state. Meinhof’s arrest was significant as she was a prominent figure within the group, known for her radical ideology and militant activities. Her capture marked a turning point in the fight between the state and leftist militants, as it showcased the government's efforts to suppress the faction’s operations.

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Politics & Government

Execution of Turkish Revolutionaries in Ankara

May 6th, 1972 52 years ago

Deniz Gezmiş, Yusuf Aslan, and Hüseyin İnan were executed in Ankara after being convicted of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. Their trial was marked by controversies and debates on state repression and revolution. The three young men were prominent figures in the leftist movement in Turkey, and their executions ignited nationwide protests. They were seen by many as martyrs for their cause, advocating for social change and justice.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

United Red Army Formed in Japan

July 15th, 1971 53 years ago

The United Red Army was established as a radical leftist group in Japan, merging factions from existing revolutionary organizations. This formation aimed to combat perceived oppressive systems through armed struggle and political activism, drawing inspiration from global revolutionary movements. The group's formation brought together individuals who adopted Marxist-Leninist ideologies, seeking to create a new society through violent means. It would go on to play a significant role in Japan's domestic terrorism landscape during the 1970s.

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Politics & Government

JVP Revolt Against Bandaranaike Government Begins

April 5th, 1971 53 years ago

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) initiated a revolt against the United Front government led by Sirimavo Bandaranaike, marking a significant uprising in Sri Lankan political history. The rebels sought to address grievances over social injustices and economic disparities. The conflict quickly escalated and resulted in widespread violence across the country as government troops responded to quell the insurrection. The revolt underscored the growing discontent within rural communities and the influence of leftist ideologies in Sri Lanka during this period.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Formation

April 22nd, 1969 55 years ago

A mass rally in Calcutta marked the announcement of the formation of the Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist), an ideological splinter from the more moderate Communist Party of India. This event was characterized by a significant gathering of supporters advocating for a more revolutionary approach to communism, inspired by Maoist principles and the political climate of the time.

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Politics & Government

Founding of the Communist Party of the Philippines

December 26th, 1968 56 years ago

The Communist Party of the Philippines was founded by Jose Maria Sison as a breakaway faction from the Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas-1930. This establishment aimed to adapt Marxism-Leninism to Philippine conditions, advocating for a revolutionary struggle against imperialism and feudalism. The founding event took place in the context of a growing revolutionary movement in the Philippines and sought to unify various leftist groups under a single party platform.

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Politics & Government

Proclamation of Shanghai People's Commune Leadership

February 5th, 1967 58 years ago

In early February, amidst the Cultural Revolution, the Shanghai People's Commune was formally proclaimed. Yao Wenyuan and Zhang Chunqiao were appointed as its leaders. This event reflected the fervent radicalism and political zeal of the time, emphasizing the cultural and ideological transformations sought by the Communist Party in China. As power dynamics shifted rapidly, local governance structures began to engage more directly with the revolutionary ethos promoted by Mao Zedong.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Leftist Uprising Against British Colonialism

March 5th, 1965 60 years ago

A leftist movement erupted in Bahrain, reflecting growing discontent against British colonial rule. The protests arose from a coalition of leftist groups, seeking to end foreign dominance and promote national sovereignty. Demonstrations, which included large rallies and clashes with police, highlighted the demands for political reforms and the expulsion of British forces. The uprising was notable for its grassroots support, mobilizing diverse segments of society, and marked a significant moment in Bahrain’s political history.

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