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

Women Protest Sinn Féin Offices in Derry

May 22nd, 1972 52 years ago

In Derry, Northern Ireland, over 400 women staged a protest by attacking the offices of Sinn Féin. This demonstration was fueled by the recent shooting of a young British soldier on leave by the Irish Republican Army, which heightened tensions in the community. The women's actions highlighted their anger and discontent regarding the violence occurring in their neighborhoods, showcasing a rare moment of public dissent against the politics of the time.

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Politics & Government

Execution of Turkish Revolutionaries in Ankara

May 6th, 1972 52 years ago

Deniz Gezmiş, Yusuf Aslan, and Hüseyin İnan were executed in Ankara after being convicted of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. Their trial was marked by controversies and debates on state repression and revolution. The three young men were prominent figures in the leftist movement in Turkey, and their executions ignited nationwide protests. They were seen by many as martyrs for their cause, advocating for social change and justice.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Don't Make A Wave Committee Becomes Greenpeace

May 4th, 1972 52 years ago

The Don't Make A Wave Committee officially transformed into the Greenpeace Foundation in Canada, marking a significant shift for the environmental organization. Founded in 1971, the committee aimed to promote non-violent activism against nuclear testing, particularly after the U.S. nuclear tests in the Pacific. The name change was part of a broader vision to address global environmental issues and action against ecological destruction. This new identity would help foster international campaigns and mobilize support for environmental causes.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Greenpeace's First Protest Voyage Begins

September 15th, 1971 53 years ago

In September 1971, the first Greenpeace ship, a former fishing vessel named the 'Phyllis Cormack', set sail from Vancouver. The mission was to protest against the Cannikin nuclear test planned by the United States in Alaska. Activists aimed to rally public awareness and opposition to nuclear testing, highlighting environmental concerns and the potential devastation from nuclear fallout. Led by a small crew of passionate environmentalists, the voyage symbolized the birth of Greenpeace as an international environmental organization and marked a significant moment in anti-nuclear activism.

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Politics & Government

Operation Demetrius and Mass Arrests in Northern Ireland

August 9th, 1971 53 years ago

In Northern Ireland, British authorities initiated Operation Demetrius, which involved the mass arrest and internment without trial of suspected members of the Provisional Irish Republican Army (PIRA). The operation sparked widespread unrest, leading to significant riots, protests, and the dislocation of thousands from their homes. The initiative aimed to suppress the escalating violence associated with the conflict but resulted in further tensions and societal divisions.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Harrisburg Seven Indicted for Conspiracy

January 12th, 1971 54 years ago

Rev. Philip Berrigan and five activists were indicted on charges of conspiring to kidnap Henry Kissinger. The indictment also included allegations of plotting to blow up the heating tunnels of federal buildings in Washington, D.C. This group of anti-war activists represented a radical segment of the broader anti-Vietnam War movement, highlighting tensions surrounding U.S. foreign policy during the 1970s.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Chicano Moratorium and Police Riot

August 29th, 1970 54 years ago

A large demonstration against the Vietnam War took place in East Los Angeles, drawing a diverse crowd protesting the disproportionate impact on the Chicano community. Tensions escalated with law enforcement leading to a violent clash that resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including journalist Rubén Salazar, who was killed by a sheriff's deputy. The unrest highlighted the rising frustrations over racial discrimination, police brutality, and the Vietnam War's toll on minority communities.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Nationwide Women's Strike for Equality

August 26th, 1970 54 years ago

A nationwide Women's Strike for Equality, commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of women's suffrage in the United States, takes place as thousands of women march in cities across the nation, advocating for equal rights and opportunities. Organizers aim to highlight ongoing gender inequalities, focusing on issues such as pay equity, reproductive rights, and employment opportunities. The strike draws attention to the need for legislative reforms and changes in societal attitudes toward women, emphasizing the importance of equality in the workplace and at home.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Sterling Hall Bombing by Vietnam War Protesters

August 24th, 1970 54 years ago

On August 24, 1970, a group of anti-Vietnam War activists bombed Sterling Hall at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. The attack was a protest against the University’s involvement in military research and resulted in significant damage to the hall. The bombing was carried out by individuals identifying as part of the radical Left and was primarily motivated by opposition to the Vietnam War and the military-industrial complex. Although intended as a form of political expression, the bombing tragically resulted in one death and several injuries.

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