Historical Events tagged with "politics"

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

Saarland Plebiscite Shows Popular Support for Germany

January 13th, 1935 90 years ago

A plebiscite was held in Saarland where 90.3% of voters expressed their desire for the region to no longer remain under the governance of the United Kingdom and France. This vote reflected the local population's overwhelming preference for rejoining Germany, a sentiment rooted in historical and nationalistic perspectives. The plebiscite was organized under the auspices of the League of Nations, concluding a period of administration following World War I.

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Politics & Government

Franco-Italian Agreement Signed by Mussolini and Laval

January 7th, 1935 90 years ago

Benito Mussolini and French Foreign Minister Pierre Laval signed the Franco-Italian Agreement, aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations between Italy and France. This agreement included provisions for cooperation on various political and diplomatic issues, reflecting a shift in European alliances during a time of rising tension leading up to World War II.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Sergei Kirov Sparks Repression

December 1st, 1934 90 years ago

Sergei Kirov, a prominent Soviet leader, was assassinated in Leningrad, an event that became pivotal in the establishment of state terror under Joseph Stalin. The killing was widely interpreted as a political maneuver, leading to widespread purges throughout the Communist Party. Kirov’s death triggered the Great Purge, which saw the execution and imprisonment of numerous Party members and the general populace in a bid by Stalin to consolidate power. The event unfolded amidst rising political tensions within the Soviet Union.

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Politics & Government

Catalan State Proclaimed by Lluís Companys

October 6th, 1934 90 years ago

Lluís Companys, the President of the autonomous government of Catalonia, proclaimed the establishment of a Catalan State, seeking greater autonomy and support from the Workers' Alliance. This declaration marked a significant political gesture amid a turbulent context of political demand for self-governance in the region. The proclamation occurred in Barcelona, where tensions were high due to socio-economic struggles and a growing desire for Catalan sovereignty.

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Politics & Government

Hitler's Approval as Führer by Referendum

August 19th, 1934 91 years ago

In 1934, a referendum was held in Germany to decide on Adolf Hitler's consolidation of power as the country's head of state under the title of Führer. The vote was marked by significant propaganda efforts and intimidation against opposition. Ultimately, an overwhelming majority voted in favor, paving the way for Hitler to integrate more authority into his role, including the elimination of the position of Reichspräsident. This shift solidified his dictatorship and further centralized control in the Nazi regime.

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Politics & Government

Adolf Hitler Assumes Title of Führer

August 2nd, 1934 91 years ago

Following the death of President Paul von Hindenburg, Reichskanzler Adolf Hitler consolidated his power, merging the presidency and chancellorship into the position of Führer. This transition marked a significant shift in the German government, as Hitler sought to establish a totalitarian regime. The event was characterized by widespread celebrations from Nazi supporters and was part of a broader agenda to strengthen the Nazi party's grip on Germany, utilizing propaganda and political maneuvers to quell dissent.

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Politics & Government

Assassination of Engelbert Dollfuss Attempted

July 25th, 1934 91 years ago

Engelbert Dollfuss, Austrian Chancellor, was assassinated during a failed Nazi coup attempt in Vienna. The attack was executed by members of the Austrian National Socialist Party, aiming to gain control of the Austrian government by overthrowing Dollfuss. The assault involved armed conflict, which resulted in the death of Dollfuss and increased tensions between political factions within Austria.

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Politics & Government

The Purge of Political Rivals by Nazis

July 2nd, 1934 91 years ago

In a campaign lasting three days, Adolf Hitler orchestrated a series of politically motivated murders known as the Night of the Long Knives. Targeting leaders of the SA and other perceived threats, the operation was marked by the execution of Ernst Röhm, the SA leader, among others, solidifying Hitler's control over Germany and the Nazi Party. Secretive and ruthless, the purges took place in various locations across the country, reflecting a brutal assertion of power amid rising tensions within the Nazi ranks.

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Politics & Government

Kārlis Ulmanis Stages Self-Coup in Latvia

May 15th, 1934 91 years ago

Prime Minister Kārlis Ulmanis enacted a self-coup, suspending the Latvian constitution and dissolving the Saeima. This move allowed him to consolidate power and establish an authoritarian regime, drastically altering Latvia's political landscape. The decision followed years of political unrest, and it marked a significant shift towards centralized governance. Ulmanis sought to stabilize the country amid economic challenges and factional disputes, believing that strong leadership was necessary for progress.

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