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.

Crime & Law

Bombing of Greenpeace's Rainbow Warrior

July 10th, 1985 39 years ago

In Auckland Harbour, the Greenpeace vessel Rainbow Warrior was bombed and sunk by French secret agents from the DGSE. This attack, carried out to prevent Greenpeace from disrupting nuclear tests, resulted in the death of photographer Fernando Pereira, who was onboard. The incident highlighted the lengths governments would go to silence opposition and sparked international outrage.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Women Protest Against Zia-ul-Haq's Law of Evidence

February 12th, 1983 42 years ago

A hundred women gathered in Lahore to protest against the proposed Law of Evidence by military dictator Zia-ul-Haq. They faced violent police repression, including tear gas and baton charges, before being locked up. The rally was organized to challenge the oppressive legal framework and assert women's rights in Pakistan. Ultimately, their efforts led to the repeal of the controversial law, marking a significant moment for women's activism in the country.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Poland Bans Solidarity and Trade Unions

October 8th, 1982 42 years ago

In 1982, the Polish government, under Martial Law, officially banned the Solidarity trade union along with all other trade unions. The move was aimed at suppressing dissent and reasserting control over the labor movement that Solidarity had galvanized. This was part of a wider crackdown on opposition groups and an effort to stabilize the communist regime amidst rising economic challenges and social unrest throughout the country.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Massive Rally for Nuclear Disarmament in NYC

June 12th, 1982 42 years ago

A significant rally and concert for nuclear disarmament took place in New York City, drawing attention to the global nuclear arms race. The event featured various artists and activists united to advocate for peace and disarmament, highlighting the urgent nature of the nuclear threat. Thousands gathered at the United Nations headquarters to express their concerns and push for policy changes aimed at nuclear disarmament. The atmosphere was filled with chants and musical performances that reinforced the message of peace and solidarity among nations.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bijon Setu Massacre in Calcutta

April 30th, 1982 42 years ago

The Bijon Setu massacre occurred in Calcutta, where state police opened fire on a group of protesters. The protestors demanded the establishment of a separate state for the Gorkhas in West Bengal. The brutal clash resulted in several deaths and numerous injuries, highlighting the tensions between the local government and Gorkha activists. The outburst led to widespread unrest in the state, raising questions about law enforcement's response to civil dissent.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

First Women Arrive at Greenham Common

September 5th, 1981 43 years ago

In September 1981, a group of women established a peace camp at Greenham Common, United Kingdom, to protest against the placement of nuclear cruise missiles. This action was born out of a growing sentiment against nuclear weapons, particularly during a time of heightened Cold War tensions. Women from various backgrounds converged on the military site, leading to a significant and persistent peace movement that would last over a decade.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Mass Demonstration in Łódź Against Food Rations

July 30th, 1981 43 years ago

In Łódź, a significant protest moment occurred as around 50,000 demonstrators, primarily women and children, marched through the streets to express their discontent regarding severe food ration shortages facing the country. As the economic conditions worsened under Communist rule, the crowd's overwhelming presence signified a mounting frustration with the government's failure to secure adequate food supplies for its citizens. The demonstrators called for immediate changes to alleviate the shortages affecting their daily lives, demanding better access to essential goods.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bobby Sands' Death in Prison Hospital

May 5th, 1981 43 years ago

Bobby Sands, an Irish nationalist and member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA), died in Long Kesh prison hospital after enduring a hunger strike for 66 days. Sands was protesting against the British government's refusal to grant political prisoner status to IRA inmates, a demand reflective of the broader conflict surrounding Northern Ireland. His death garnered international attention and highlighted the complexities of the political situation in Northern Ireland, galvanizing support for the Republican cause.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bobby Sands Commences Hunger Strike

March 1st, 1981 44 years ago

Bobby Sands, a member of the Provisional Irish Republican Army, began a hunger strike in HM Prison Maze on March 1, 1981. This hunger strike was part of a protest against the British government's denial of political status to IRA prisoners. Sands and other prisoners sought to regain rights they believed were stripped away following a change in legislation. The strike was intended to draw international attention to their plight and the broader issue of Northern Ireland's political situation.

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