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.

Social Movements & Civil Rights

Coxey's Army Marches on Washington, D.C.

May 1st, 1894 131 years ago

Coxey's Army was a significant protest march in which a group of unemployed workers, led by Jacob Coxey, marched from Ohio to Washington, D.C. to demand government action on unemployment. The march, beginning in March, culminated in their arrival at the Capitol on May 1, where they advocated for a federal jobs program funded by public works projects. It highlighted the social struggles of the time during the economic depression.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

New Zealand Women Win Voting Rights

November 28th, 1893 131 years ago

In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant women the right to vote in parliamentary elections. This monumental achievement followed decades of advocacy and activism led by women such as Kate Sheppard, who organized campaigns and petitions. The successful passage of the legislation was a breakthrough in the suffrage movement, enabling women to participate fully in the political process for the first time, thereby paving the way for future rights advancements across the globe.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Colorado Grants Women the Right to Vote

November 7th, 1893 131 years ago

In 1893, Colorado became the second U.S. state to grant women the right to vote. The referendum, driven by persistent advocacy from suffragists including local leaders and activists, aimed to expand democratic participation. Coloradans voted in favor of the suffrage measure, signifying a shift in societal norms and increasing support for women's rights. The successful vote represented a pivotal moment in the women's suffrage movement, showcasing the state’s progressive stance and setting a precedent for future suffrage battles across the nation.

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Crime & Law

Bombing at Barcelona's Liceu Opera House

November 7th, 1893 131 years ago

An anarchist, named Paulí Pujol, threw two bombs into the Liceu opera house in Barcelona, resulting in the deaths of 20 individuals and injuring many others. This attack occurred during a performance and created a panic among the audience. Pujol's intent was to target the influential societal elites present at the opera, reflecting the rising tensions between the anarchist movement and the established order of society in Spain.

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Politics & Government

José Santos Zelaya Seizes Power in Nicaragua

July 11th, 1893 132 years ago

José Santos Zelaya, a prominent liberal general and politician, orchestrated a successful coup to seize control of the Nicaraguan government. His ambitions were fueled by a desire to implement liberal reforms and eliminate conservative opposition. This takeover marked the beginning of a significant political shift in Nicaragua, which would lead to an era of liberal governance under Zelaya's leadership.

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Health & Medicine

Grover Cleveland's Secret Jaw Surgery

June 13th, 1893 132 years ago

Grover Cleveland underwent a secret surgery to remove a large, cancerous portion of his jaw. The operation took place on July 1, 1893, and was performed on a yacht while he was on vacation. Cleveland's illness was kept hidden from the public, and the details of the surgery were not disclosed until many years later, in 1917, nine years after his passing.

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Politics & Government

Overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii

January 17th, 1893 132 years ago

Lorrin A. Thurston and the Citizens' Committee of Public Safety led a coup to overthrow Queen Liliʻuokalani in Hawaii. This secretive operation involved the use of American military forces to assist and protect the insurrectionists. The coup culminated in the establishment of a provisional government, effectively ending the monarchy in Hawaii and paving the way for eventual annexation by the United States. The overthrow was fueled by political and economic motivations among local planters and businessmen seeking greater control over island governance.

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Politics & Government

First Meeting of the Independent Labour Party

January 13th, 1893 132 years ago

In 1893, the Independent Labour Party (ILP) held its first meeting in Manchester, England. The gathering aimed to establish a political force advocating for the rights and interests of the working class. Founded by influential socialists and trade unionists, the ILP sought to unite various labor organizations under a single political banner, emphasizing the need for social reform and political representation. This meeting was pivotal in shaping a structured political approach toward labor issues in the UK.

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Politics & Government

Marines Land in Honolulu to Support Bayonet Constitution

January 13th, 1893 132 years ago

U.S. Marines landed in Honolulu from the USS Boston to prevent Queen Liliuokalani from abrogating the Bayonet Constitution. This military presence aimed to support local business interests and facilitate political changes favoring annexation to the United States amid rising tensions in Hawaii.

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