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

Andrew Johnson Acquitted by One Vote

May 26th, 1868 157 years ago

President Andrew Johnson was acquitted by one vote in the Senate during his impeachment trial. The proceeding was a significant event in American political history that arose from tensions following the Civil War. Johnson, who succeeded Abraham Lincoln, faced charges primarily related to his violation of the Tenure of Office Act. His acquittal by a narrow margin highlighted the deep political divisions in the country and set a precedent for future impeachment proceedings.

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Politics & Government

Senate Acquits Andrew Johnson by One Vote

May 16th, 1868 157 years ago

In 1868, the United States Senate conducted a trial to determine whether President Andrew Johnson should be removed from office. The trial stemmed from Johnson's violation of the Tenure of Office Act after he attempted to replace Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Senators deliberated intensely and voted on the articles of impeachment, ultimately falling one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed to convict Johnson, allowing him to remain in office.

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Politics & Government

End of the Tokugawa Shogunate

April 11th, 1868 157 years ago

Former shōgun Tokugawa Yoshinobu surrendered Edo Castle to Imperial forces, concluding centuries of Tokugawa rule. This capitulation occurred after fierce battles around the region as pro-Imperial forces sought to unify Japan under the emperor. The understanding was that Yoshinobu would relinquish power, which he did, although it marked a turning point for Japan towards modernization and a new political structure. The fall of Edo Castle symbolized the decline of feudalism and was pivotal in reshaping Japan's governance.

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Crime & Law

Assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee

April 7th, 1868 157 years ago

Thomas D'Arcy McGee, a key figure in Canadian Confederation, was assassinated by a member of the Fenian Brotherhood in Ottawa. The attack occurred as McGee was returning home late at night. The assassin, Patrick J. Whelan, aimed to disrupt the Canadian government and took drastic action against McGee, who was vocally opposed to Fenianism. The killing sparked nationwide outrage and intensified debates about security and the Fenian threat in Canada.

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Politics & Government

Andrew Johnson's Impeachment by House Representatives

February 24th, 1868 157 years ago

Andrew Johnson was impeached by the House of Representatives due to accusations of violating the Tenure of Office Act. The occasion marked a significant political battle, as the House approved the articles of impeachment, with the dominant faction aiming to limit Johnson's influence during the Reconstruction era. The decision led to a trial in the Senate to determine his fate, where he was ultimately acquitted.

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Military & Warfare

Pro-Imperial Forces Capture Osaka Castle

February 2nd, 1868 157 years ago

Pro-imperial forces successfully captured Osaka Castle from the Tokugawa shogunate during the Boshin War. This strategic victory enabled the imperial army to assert control over central Japan. In a decisive move, they set the castle ablaze, symbolizing the end of the shogunate's power and demonstrating the growing strength of the Emperor's supporters. The burning of Osaka Castle marked a significant turning point in the struggle for political dominance in Japan, underscoring the tensions between traditional feudal structures and the push for modernization.

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Politics & Government

Tokugawa Shogunate Abolished, Power Shift in Japan

January 3rd, 1868 157 years ago

The Meiji Restoration marked a pivotal moment in Japanese history when agents of the Satsuma and Chōshū domains seized control from the Tokugawa shogunate. This takeover initiated a series of political, social, and economic reforms in Japan, laying the groundwork for modernization and the establishment of a centralized imperial government. The conflict was not merely a power struggle but a profound shift toward a new era, driven by dissatisfaction with the shogunate's isolationist policies and the desire for modernization. Key figures from the Satsuma and Chōshū domains emerged as leaders, advocating for a united Japan able to compete with Western powers.

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Crime & Law

Fenian Bombing in Clerkenwell Shakes London

December 13th, 1867 157 years ago

A Fenian explosive device detonated at Clerkenwell, London, claiming the lives of 12 individuals and injuring around 50 others. The bombing was part of the Fenian Brotherhood's campaign for Irish independence from British rule, aiming to disrupt the British government's hold and draw attention to their cause. The explosion caused widespread panic and destruction, damaging nearby buildings and leaving a lasting impact on public safety and perceived threats from political movements. Police investigations led to increased surveillance of suspected activists.

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Politics & Government

Power Restoration to the Japanese Emperor

November 9th, 1867 157 years ago

The Tokugawa shogunate formally returned power to the Emperor of Japan, marking the beginning of the Meiji Restoration. In this pivotal moment, leaders of discontented han (feudal domains) rallied to restore imperial rule, leading to significant political change in Japan. This transition aimed to modernize the nation following global developments that rendered traditional governance outdated. The restoration was driven by both domestic and external pressures and profoundly altered Japan's political landscape.

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