Historical Events tagged with "protest"

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

Mass Protest March to the Pentagon

October 21st, 1967 57 years ago

A massive anti-war march organized by the National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam saw fifty thousand demonstrators walking from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon. The protest aimed to highlight opposition to the ongoing Vietnam War and draw attention to its consequences. Activists from various backgrounds gathered to send a powerful message against U.S. military involvement in Vietnam.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Youth International Party Disrupts Stock Exchange

August 24th, 1967 57 years ago

Led by Abbie Hoffman, members of the Youth International Party staged a theatrical disruption at the New York Stock Exchange by throwing dollar bills from the viewing gallery. This unexpected act halted trading as brokers rushed to grab the flying cash, creating a scene of chaos and excitement within the normally structured environment of the stock market.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Protests Against the Shah of Iran in West Berlin

June 2nd, 1967 57 years ago

Protests erupted in West Berlin in response to the arrival of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi of Iran, gathering significant public opposition against his authoritarian regime. During the demonstrations, police intervened violently, leading to the death of Benno Ohnesorg, a student, who was shot by a police officer. His killing sparked outrage among protesters and later contributed to the formation of the radical group Movement 2 June, reflecting the growing discontent in Germany against perceived state oppression.

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Sports & Recreation

Muhammad Ali Refuses Military Induction

April 28th, 1967 57 years ago

Muhammad Ali, the famous boxer and civil rights advocate, refused to be inducted into the United States Army due to his religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War. This act of defiance occurred during a time of national unrest over the war, particularly among African American communities. As a result of his refusal, Ali was stripped of his boxing titles and licenses, which sparked widespread debate about patriotism and personal conscience in the face of conflict.

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Politics & Government

House Un-American Activities Committee Investigates

August 16th, 1966 58 years ago

In 1966, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) initiated investigations into Americans who were suspected of aiding the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. This investigation aimed to introduce legislation that would deem such activities illegal. The meeting was disrupted by anti-war demonstrators, leading to the arrest of 50 individuals, highlighting the deep divisions within American society regarding the war and civil liberties.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Roger Allen LaPorte's Protest Against Vietnam War

November 9th, 1965 59 years ago

Roger Allen LaPorte, a member of the Catholic Worker Movement, set himself on fire in front of the United Nations building to protest the Vietnam War. This act of self-immolation was intended to draw attention to the brutality of the war and the suffering it caused. LaPorte's action occurred in a politically charged environment, marked by widespread anti-war sentiment and moral outrage about U.S. military involvement in Vietnam. His dramatic protest sought to spur public discussion and condemnation of the war's human cost.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

First Arrest Under New Anti-War Law

October 15th, 1965 59 years ago

During an anti-war rally, activists from the Catholic Worker Movement burned their draft cards in protest against the Vietnam War. This bold act of defiance was significant as it resulted in the first arrest under a recently enacted law aimed at deterring such actions. The rally took place in New York City, emphasizing increasing discontent and opposition to the war.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Panamanian Flag Raising Sparks Violence

January 9th, 1964 61 years ago

Several Panamanian youths attempted to raise the Panamanian flag at the U.S.-controlled Panama Canal Zone, triggering confrontations with U.S. military forces. The incident escalated into a brawl, showcasing rising tensions over sovereignty and control of the Canal area. This expression of nationalism by the youths highlighted the growing discontent among Panamanian citizens regarding U.S. presence and influence in the region.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Thích Quảng Đức Self-Immolation Protest

June 11th, 1963 61 years ago

Buddhist monk Thích Quảng Đức self-immolated in Saigon to demonstrate against the South Vietnamese government's oppression of Buddhists. In a shocking act, he doused himself in gasoline and ignited a flame at a busy intersection, drawing public attention to the severe discrimination faced by Buddhists at the time. His protest was aimed specifically at the lack of religious freedom and the government's preferential treatment towards Catholicism. The haunting image of his self-immolation was widely photographed and reported, igniting both outrage and sympathy.

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