Historical Events tagged with "pardon"

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

Ford Pardons Iva Toguri D'Aquino

January 19th, 1977 48 years ago

Iva Toguri D'Aquino, known as 'Tokyo Rose,' was pardoned by President Gerald Ford in a significant political move. Toguri, an American citizen born in Los Angeles, was convicted in 1949 for treason related to her activities as a radio broadcaster during World War II, purportedly providing propaganda to Japanese troops. After years of fighting to clear her name, her pardon came during Ford's final days in office.

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Politics & Government

Gerald Ford Pardons Richard Nixon

September 8th, 1974 50 years ago

Gerald Ford signed a presidential pardon for Richard Nixon, absolving him of any crimes he may have committed while in office. This controversial decision aimed to heal the nation following the Watergate scandal that led to Nixon's resignation. Ford's choice was met with mixed reactions from the public, as it sparked a national debate on accountability and the principles of justice in government leadership.

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Crime & Law

William Van Schaick's Presidential Pardon

December 19th, 1912 112 years ago

William Van Schaick, the captain of the General Slocum, received a presidential pardon from U.S. President William Howard Taft after serving three and a half years in Sing Sing prison. The General Slocum was a steamship that caught fire in 1904, resulting in the deaths of over one thousand people. Van Schaick was convicted of criminal negligence following the disaster, which became one of the deadliest maritime disasters in U.S. history. His pardon, predicated on various factors, drew significant public interest and media coverage.

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Politics & Government

Unconditional Pardons for Confederate Veterans

December 25th, 1868 156 years ago

United States President Andrew Johnson issued an unconditional pardon to all Confederate veterans, reintegrating them into American society. This decision was part of Johnson's lenient Reconstruction policies aimed at healing the nation post-Civil War. The pardons were an effort to restore civil rights to former Confederates, allowing them to own property and participate politically once more.

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Politics & Government

Frederick the Great Receives Pardon from Father

November 18th, 1730 294 years ago

Frederick II of Prussia, in a pivotal moment in his life, was granted a pardon by his father, Frederick William I. Having been confined for plotting to flee the strict Prussian court, the young prince’s release on this day allowed him to eventually rise to prominence as a ruler. This incident showcases the complexities of their father-son relationship and highlights the political tensions of the Prussian monarchy.

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Politics & Government

King Charles II's Promises for Royalists

April 4th, 1660 364 years ago

King Charles II issued the Declaration of Breda, promising a general pardon to royalists and opponents of the monarchy for crimes committed during the English Civil War and the Interregnum. This declaration came as part of his efforts to restore stability in England and gain support for his return to the throne. The document also addressed concerns over land disputes and the restoration of the monarchy, aiming to unite the nation after years of conflict. The promise of pardon helped to appease many who had supported the Parliamentarian cause.

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