Historical Events tagged with "protests"

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

Brutal Attack on Rodrigo Rojas and Carmen Gloria Quintana

July 2nd, 1986 38 years ago

Rodrigo Rojas and Carmen Gloria Quintana were attacked during a street demonstration against General Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship in Chile. They were brutally burnt alive after being mistaken for terrorists by a military patrol. This shocking act of violence occurred against the backdrop of growing unrest and opposition to Pinochet’s regime amidst human rights violations.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Beginning of the People Power Revolution

February 22nd, 1986 39 years ago

In February, Filipinos gathered on Edsa, a major thoroughfare in Metro Manila, to demonstrate against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. The peaceful protests, calling for democracy and justice, drew millions of participants, including opposition leaders such as Corazon Aquino. The movement aimed to restore democratic governance after years of martial law and widespread corruption. The vibrant atmosphere was marked by colorful banners, chants for freedom, and a sense of unity among diverse groups of citizens.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

South Africa's Rugby Union Tour Begins in Gisborne

July 22nd, 1981 43 years ago

The first game of the 1981 South Africa rugby union tour was played at Gisborne, New Zealand. This match featured the South African team against a New Zealand provincial side. Controversy surrounded the tour due to South Africa's apartheid policies, igniting protests and debates on sportsmanship versus political ethics. The match was attended by local fans eager to see international rugby, despite looming tensions off the field.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Raids Target Gay Bathhouses in Toronto

February 5th, 1981 44 years ago

On February 5, 1981, the Metropolitan Toronto Police conducted a series of raids on four gay bathhouses in Toronto, Ontario. This operation resulted in the arrests of nearly 300 individuals, a move that sparked widespread protests and rallies among the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. The raids were seen as a significant act of police discrimination against homosexuals, leading to a powerful reaction from activists calling for reform and change in societal attitudes toward LGBTQ+ rights. The events of this day became a pivotal moment in the fight against anti-gay legislation in Canada.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Gwangju Massacre: Military Forces Retake City

May 27th, 1980 44 years ago

Airborne and army troops of South Korea retook Gwangju from civil militias, resulting in significant casualties. The operation was marked by intense conflict as government forces sought to regain control over a city that had been the center of student-led pro-democracy protests. Estimates suggest that at least 207 individuals were killed, though many more might have perished amidst the chaos. This violent confrontation deeply affected the nation's political landscape.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Students Demand Democracy in Gwangju

May 18th, 1980 44 years ago

Amid growing dissatisfaction with the authoritarian government in South Korea, students from Gwangju University initiated demonstrations calling for democratic reforms. The protests were driven by discontent with perceived corruption, military rule, and demands for systemic change. They swiftly gained momentum, attracting a wide range of supporters including labor groups and civil society activists. The movement aimed to highlight human rights issues and advocate for freedom of speech, ultimately seeking to challenge the current political landscape and push for a more democratic society.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

KMT Suppresses Taiwanese Pro-Democracy Rally

December 10th, 1979 45 years ago

Pro-democracy demonstrations erupted in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 1979, led by activists calling for political reform. The rally, which sought to mark Human Rights Day, was intended to bring attention to the oppressive regime of the Kuomintang (KMT) government, advocating for democracy and civil liberties. As the peaceful protests gathered momentum, authorities intervened violently, leading to clashes and arrests. Many organizers, including prominent figures, faced severe repercussions as the government aimed to silence dissent and maintain its grip on power.

Continue Reading
Accidents & Tragedies

Devastating Fire at Cinema Rex in Iran

August 19th, 1978 46 years ago

On this fateful evening in Abadan, Iran, a tragic fire engulfed the Cinema Rex, leading to a catastrophic loss of over 400 lives. The blaze was set deliberately during the screening of a film, and the locked exits contributed to the high number of fatalities. This event became a significant point of contention during the Iranian Revolution, symbolizing the oppressive conditions faced by the populace. Eyewitnesses reported chaos and panic as attendees attempted to escape, but rescue efforts were hampered by the flames and smoke. The incident shocked the nation and the world, raising questions about safety and government accountability.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Benigno Aquino Jr. Found Guilty and Sentenced

November 25th, 1977 47 years ago

Benigno Aquino Jr., a prominent politician in the Philippines, was convicted by the Philippine Military Commission No. 2 and sentenced to death by firing squad. The military commission, established under martial law by President Ferdinand Marcos, found Aquino guilty of charges related to subversion and conspiracy. Following his sentencing, Aquino remained imprisoned until his eventual assassination in 1983, which sparked widespread condemnation and protests against the Marcos regime.

Continue Reading