Historical Events tagged with "loyalists"

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.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protestant Loyalists Picket Catholic School in Belfast

September 3rd, 2001 23 years ago

In Belfast, a group of Protestant loyalists organized a picket outside the Holy Cross Primary School for girls. The protest stemmed from ongoing tensions between the Protestant and Catholic communities in Northern Ireland, with loyalists expressing opposition towards Catholic institutions. The picket garnered considerable media attention and highlighted the deep-seated divisions and sectarian strife that characterized the region during this period.

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Politics & Government

Collapse of the Sunningdale Agreement

May 28th, 1974 50 years ago

The Sunningdale Agreement faced a significant challenge when a general strike was called by loyalists in Northern Ireland, protesting against the power-sharing arrangement. This strike aimed to undermine the newly formed executive that included both unionists and nationalists, demonstrating the intense opposition from the loyalist community. The turmoil resulted in various disruptions across the region, leading to a crisis that ultimately saw the agreement fail to establish lasting peace and governance.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Battle of the Bogside Erupts in Derry

August 12th, 1969 55 years ago

Following a contentious march by the Apprentice Boys of Derry, significant violence broke out in the Bogside area of Derry, Northern Ireland. The unrest evolved into a three-day riot, which became known as the Battle of the Bogside. Tensions had been escalating due to communal grievances and long-standing political issues, leading residents to barricade themselves in as they confronted police and marchers. The violence intensified, highlighting deep divisions within the community.

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Military & Warfare

Laura Secord's Journey to Warn British Forces

June 22nd, 1813 211 years ago

Hearing of an impending American attack, Laura Secord embarked on a daring thirty-kilometer (19-mile) trek through dense wilderness to alert British Lieutenant James FitzGibbon of the planned assault on Beaver Dams, Ontario. Secord braved the treacherous terrain and potential enemy encounters to convey vital intelligence, demonstrating her resourcefulness and courage in the face of adversity. Her journey is celebrated as a pivotal moment in the War of 1812, showcasing the significant role women played during the conflict.

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Politics & Government

Quebec Division into Upper and Lower Canada

January 25th, 1791 234 years ago

The British Parliament enacted the Constitutional Act of 1791, which divided the Province of Quebec into two distinct regions: Upper Canada and Lower Canada. This division aimed to accommodate the growing number of English-speaking settlers in the west while maintaining governance tailored to the French-speaking majority in the east. The Act established separate governments for each region, reflecting the linguistic and cultural differences that had emerged in the colony.

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Military & Warfare

British Troops Evacuate New York City

November 25th, 1783 241 years ago

The last British troops left New York City, marking a significant moment in the conclusion of the American Revolutionary War. This departure occurred three months after the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which recognized American independence. The city had been occupied for seven years, making the evacuation a moment of celebration for American patriots. With the departure of the British forces, New Yorkers witnessed the end of foreign military presence in their city and the beginning of American sovereignty.

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Politics & Government

First Loyalists Arrive in Saint John

May 18th, 1783 241 years ago

In May 1783, the first group of United Empire Loyalists arrived in Parrtown, which would later be known as Saint John, New Brunswick, after their loyalist exodus from the United States. These settlers sought refuge and a fresh start in British territory, fleeing the aftermath of the American Revolutionary War. They played a crucial role in the development of the area as a significant port city.

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Military & Warfare

American Privateers Attack Lunenburg Settlement

July 1st, 1782 242 years ago

In an aggressive maritime raid, American privateers attacked the British settlement of Lunenburg in Nova Scotia. The raid was organized to disrupt British supply lines and defend American territorial interests during the ongoing conflict. A group of around 100 privateers launched a surprise assault, taking advantage of Lunenburg's vulnerable position on the Atlantic coast. The attack led to looting, capturing supplies, and instilling fear among local British settlers.

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Military & Warfare

Patriot Victory at Raft Swamp

October 15th, 1781 243 years ago

The Battle of Raft Swamp marked a decisive engagement in the American Revolutionary War, taking place just days before the British surrender at Yorktown. Patriot forces, led by Major General Nathaniel Greene, faced off against British loyalists in North Carolina. This confrontation was crucial as it solidified the weakening grip of British troops in the southern colonies. The battle resulted in a notable victory for the Patriots, bolstering morale among the American forces and demonstrating their ability to challenge loyalist strength effectively.

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