Historical Events tagged with "police"

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.

Exploration & Discovery

Henry Larsen's Historic Northwest Passage Voyage

June 23rd, 1940 84 years ago

Henry Larsen embarked on a groundbreaking journey, making history by being the first to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage from west to east. Departing from Vancouver, British Columbia, his ship, the St. Roch, faced the challenging icy waters of the Canadian Arctic. This remarkable expedition showcased advanced maritime skills and perseverance in the face of harsh Arctic conditions, reinforcing Canada's claim to the Arctic region and demonstrating the potential for maritime routes in the North.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Shoot Unarmed Civilians in Ponce

March 21st, 1937 88 years ago

In Ponce, Puerto Rico, police opened fire on a peaceful parade, resulting in 19 unarmed civilians being killed. This act of violence was allegedly ordered by Blanton Winship, the U.S.-appointed Governor. The incident occurred during a demonstration advocating for Puerto Rican independence, highlighting the tension between local nationalists and the colonial government.

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Crime & Law

Francis Crowley's Apartment Standoff

May 7th, 1931 93 years ago

A tense standoff occurred when criminal Francis Crowley barricaded himself in his fifth-floor apartment on West 91st Street in New York City. Armed with a submachine gun and surrounded by law enforcement, specifically 300 members of the New York Police Department, the situation rapidly escalated. Crowley was wanted for robbery and suspected of murder, leading to the police encircling his location. Negotiations ensued, but the standoff captured public attention due to its dramatic nature and the involvement of such a large police presence.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Columbine Mine Massacre Involving State Police

November 21st, 1927 97 years ago

Striking coal miners were allegedly attacked by state police dressed as civilians. This occurred at the Columbine Mine in Colorado, where miners were peacefully protesting working conditions. The incident escalated when a detachment of police opened fire using machine guns, causing chaos and fear among the miners and their families. This aggression against labor involved deep-seated tensions in the coal industry, as miners sought better pay and safer working environments.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Austrian Police Fire on Protesters in Vienna

July 15th, 1927 97 years ago

In Vienna, a significant protest against the government escalated into violence when Austrian police opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in the deaths of eighty-nine individuals. The protesters had gathered to oppose rising unemployment and social injustices. The police's drastic response drew widespread condemnation, igniting further unrest. The protest highlighted deep societal divides and the growing tensions within Austria during a time of economic instability.

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Politics & Government

Foundation of Carabineros de Chile

April 27th, 1927 98 years ago

The Carabineros de Chile were established as the national police and gendarmerie, merging various policing forces into one. This decision was made during the presidency of Carlos Ibáñez del Campo, aimed at improving law enforcement efficiency across Chile. The formation took place in Santiago, consolidating the control of internal security and border management under a single entity, allowing for a more organized response to crime and civil unrest.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Violence Against Protest Workers

May 30th, 1925 99 years ago

In Shanghai, a large protest by workers advocating for labor rights turned deadly when the Shanghai Municipal Police opened fire, resulting in 13 fatalities. This incident occurred amid growing unrest over poor labor conditions and foreign influence in China. The protest, fueled by a campaign against the imperialist presence, saw workers demanding higher wages and better working conditions. The brutal response marked a significant escalation in labor tensions in the region.

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Crime & Law

Fritz Haarmann Sentenced for Serial Murders

December 19th, 1924 100 years ago

Fritz Haarmann, known as the 'Butcher of Hanover', was sentenced to death for a series of brutal murders that took place in Germany during the early 1920s. Convicted of killing at least 24 young men and boys, Haarmann earned notoriety due to his method of luring victims and the gruesome nature of his crimes. His trial highlighted the failures of the police and judicial system at the time, leading to widespread media coverage and public outcry over safety measures in society.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Hanapepe Massacre on Kauai Island

September 9th, 1924 100 years ago

A confrontation in Hanapepe between police and Filipino laborers escalated into violence, resulting in multiple fatalities. The incident arose from ongoing tensions between the laborers and law enforcement in the region, which were exacerbated by issues surrounding labor disputes and anti-immigrant sentiment.

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