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

Gandhi's Hunger Strike Against British Rule

March 3rd, 1939 86 years ago

Mohandas Gandhi initiated a hunger strike in Bombay to protest against oppressive British governance in India. This act of nonviolent resistance aimed to draw attention to the political injustices faced by Indians. Gandhi's hunger strike lasted several days and was a part of his broader campaign for civil rights and self-rule. His actions generated significant awareness and support among the Indian populace, further galvanizing the independence movement.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Chicago Police Kill Labor Protesters

May 30th, 1937 87 years ago

On May 30, 1937, ten labor demonstrators were shot and killed by Chicago police during a sit-down strike at the Republic Steel plant. The protesters were advocating for better working conditions and union recognition. The police were called to disperse the crowd, which had swelled significantly. The violent clash, characterized by a brutal display of force, resulted in numerous injuries and sparked widespread outrage across the nation.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Shoot Unarmed Civilians in Ponce

March 21st, 1937 87 years ago

In Ponce, Puerto Rico, police opened fire on a peaceful parade, resulting in 19 unarmed civilians being killed. This act of violence was allegedly ordered by Blanton Winship, the U.S.-appointed Governor. The incident occurred during a demonstration advocating for Puerto Rican independence, highlighting the tension between local nationalists and the colonial government.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Jarrow March Begins Journey to London

October 5th, 1936 88 years ago

In October 1936, a group of 200 men from Jarrow embarked on a 300-mile march to London to protest against high unemployment rates in their town. The march aimed to highlight the severe crisis faced by the community as a result of the economic downturn. The participants wore uniforms and carried banners, demanding government intervention. The event was organized by the Jarrow Hunger Marchers, marking a key moment in the fight for workers' rights and social welfare reforms.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Ambush on On-to-Ottawa Trek Strikers

July 1st, 1935 89 years ago

In Regina, Saskatchewan, police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police clashed with strikers involved in the On-to-Ottawa Trek, an organized demonstration by unemployed workers seeking better conditions. The confrontation arose as authorities attempted to disperse the gathering, leading to violence and arrests. Protesters, numbering in the hundreds, were advocating for immediate employment and improved wages amid the ongoing Great Depression. The response from law enforcement escalated tensions, culminating in a chaotic scene as strikers resisted police action.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Violence Erupts Between Police and Longshoremen

June 18th, 1935 89 years ago

Striking longshoremen in Vancouver faced violent clashes with police, leading to significant injuries and arrests. Tensions escalated as law enforcement intervened amid labor disputes, with police employing force against demonstrators demanding better working conditions and wages. The confrontation resulted in 60 injuries and 24 arrests, illustrating the growing unrest among workers during the era of labor activism.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Unemployed Canadians Protest to Ottawa

June 3rd, 1935 89 years ago

In June 1935, approximately one thousand unemployed workers boarded freight cars in Vancouver, starting a trek to Ottawa to protest the economic conditions of the Great Depression. The participants, primarily men affected by job loss, aimed to draw attention to their plight and demand government assistance. The trek was inspired by similar marches in the United States and became a significant manifestation of discontent against government policies during a time of widespread unemployment and hardship.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Clash with Striking Teamsters in Minneapolis

July 20th, 1934 90 years ago

During the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike, police opened fire on striking truck drivers, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries. Tensions escalated as union members protested for better labor conditions and rights. This violent confrontation reflected the ongoing labor unrest throughout the United States in the early 1930s, highlighting the struggle between workers and law enforcement.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Auto-Lite Strike Sparks Violent Clashes

April 12th, 1934 90 years ago

The U.S. Auto-Lite strike began in Toledo, Ohio, resulting in a violent confrontation between approximately 6,000 striking workers and the Ohio National Guard. Workers protested for better wages, working conditions, and recognition of their union. The situation escalated over several days, leading to the deployment of guard troops to suppress the uprising, marking a significant labor conflict of the era.

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