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

Inauguration of the First Philippine Republic

January 23rd, 1899 126 years ago

The Malolos Constitution was inaugurated in Malolos, Bulacan, where Emilio Aguinaldo was sworn in as the first president of the newly established First Philippine Republic. This constitution was a significant milestone in the fight for independence from colonial rule. It exemplified the aspirations for democracy and self-governance of the Filipino people, marking a transition from colonial politics to an independent republic.

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Politics & Government

Empress Dowager Cixi Ends Hundred Days Reform

September 21st, 1898 126 years ago

Empress Dowager Cixi reasserted her power by seizing control of the Chinese government and ending the reformist agenda led by young Guangxu Emperor. The reforms, aimed at modernizing China, faced backlash from conservative factions. Cixi's coup overthrew the Liberal cabinet and reinstated traditional governance. This marked a significant setback for modernization efforts.

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Politics & Government

Annexation Ceremony at ʻIolani Palace

August 12th, 1898 126 years ago

An elaborate ceremony held at ʻIolani Palace marked the transfer of Hawaii's sovereignty from the Republic of Hawaii to the United States. The Hawaiian flag was ceremonially lowered, while the United States flag was raised, symbolizing the annexation of Hawaii. Attending dignitaries, including military officials and American representatives, played roles in the proceedings, highlighting the transition of governance. The ceremony was significant for its display of power and authority, reflecting the political shift occurring at the time.

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Politics & Government

McKinley Signs Newlands Resolution for Hawaii

July 7th, 1898 126 years ago

William McKinley signed the Newlands Resolution, officially annexing Hawaii as a territory of the United States. The resolution, passed by the Congress, reflected the growing interest and strategic importance of Hawaii in the Pacific region, particularly for military and commercial purposes. The annexation followed the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893 and a brief period of Republic status, fueled by American business interests. The signing solidified the United States' presence in Hawaii and marked a significant expansion of U.S. territory.

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Politics & Government

The Hundred Days' Reform Initiated

June 11th, 1898 127 years ago

The Hundred Days' Reform was a vigorous campaign led by the Guangxu Emperor aiming to modernize China's political, educational, and social systems. Commencing in early June, these reforms included updating the civil service examination system and adopting Western educational practices. However, the movement faced opposition from conservative elements within the court, particularly Empress Dowager Cixi, who viewed the changes as a threat to her power. After only 104 days, Cixi suspended the reforms, leading to significant repercussions for the future of Chinese governance and societal structure.

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Politics & Government

Adoption of Australian Constitution by Colonies

March 16th, 1898 127 years ago

Representatives from five Australian colonies convened in Melbourne to adopt a constitution that would lay the groundwork for the Commonwealth of Australia. This significant constitutional framework aimed to unify the colonies and establish a federated nation, marking a pivotal shift in governance and identity for the region.

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Politics & Government

King George I of Greece survives assassination attempt

February 27th, 1898 127 years ago

King George I of Greece faced an assassination attempt while attending a public event in Thessaloniki. The assailant, a Greek national, attempted to shoot the king but missed, leading to his swift apprehension. This incident heightened tensions in Greece, particularly regarding political stability and the safety of the monarchy.

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Politics & Government

Émile Zola's Imprisonment for Dreyfus Affair

February 23rd, 1898 127 years ago

Émile Zola was imprisoned for publishing 'J'Accuse…!', a letter accusing the French government of antisemitism and wrongfully imprisoning Captain Alfred Dreyfus. The letter detailed the miscarriage of justice surrounding Dreyfus’s conviction for treason and charged the government with failing to address the flaws in the military's actions. Zola's bold stance ignited public debate in France about justice, nationalism, and the treatment of Jews.

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Politics & Government

Émile Zola's Libel Trial Over J'Accuse!

February 7th, 1898 127 years ago

Émile Zola was brought to trial for libel after publishing an open letter, 'J'Accuse!', in which he accused the French government of anti-Semitism and mishandling the Dreyfus Affair. This letter, published in the newspaper L'Aurore, sparked a public outcry and significant political debate in France. Zola's trial reflected the division in French society over the Dreyfus Affair, with intense media coverage and public interest surrounding both the accusation and the trial itself.

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