Historical Events tagged with "segregation"

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

The Tulsa Race Massacre Shocks the Nation

May 31st, 1921 103 years ago

In Greenwood, Tulsa, a violent conflict erupted, resulting in the destruction of a prosperous African American community known as 'Black Wall Street.' Tensions escalated when a young Black man was accused of assaulting a white woman, leading to a white mob attacking Greenwood residents. Over the course of 18 hours, thousands of white residents looted and burned homes and businesses, displacing thousands and killing a significant number of Black residents, as estimates of fatalities range widely.

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Sports & Recreation

Inaugural Game of the Negro National League

May 2nd, 1920 104 years ago

The first game of the Negro National League was held in Indianapolis, marking the beginning of a new era for African American baseball. Charley Thomas's Indianapolis ABCs faced the Chicago Giants, and the ABCs won 9-5. This league was established to provide a platform for Black players when Major League Baseball was segregated, allowing them to showcase their talents in organized play.

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Politics & Government

Implementation of Natives Land Act in South Africa

June 19th, 1913 111 years ago

The Natives Land Act was implemented to restrict land ownership for Black South Africans, designating certain areas as reserves for them. This law aimed to formalize racial segregation in land ownership and significantly limited where Black individuals could live and work. It was a pivotal moment in the establishment of apartheid policies, arising from years of colonial land legislation in South Africa. The Act was part of the broader strategy to control the economic and social life of non-European populations within the country.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

San Francisco's Segregation Policy for Japanese Students

October 11th, 1906 118 years ago

In San Francisco, a city ordinance mandated segregation in schools, specifically targeting Japanese students. This decision sparked outrage in Japan and heightened tensions between the U.S. and Japan. Leaders on both sides expressed concerns over racial discrimination and diplomatic relations. The situation escalated, leading to widespread demonstrations, and the Japanese government formally protested the ordinance, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Japan relations.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Atlanta Race Riot Heightens Racial Segregation

September 24th, 1906 118 years ago

Racial tensions in Atlanta escalated into widespread violence fueled by unfounded rumors of assaults from the Black community against white women. Over several days, mobs targeted Black residents, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive property damage. The unrest intensified existing racial divides and led to more stringent segregation laws throughout the region.

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Politics & Government

Supreme Court Validates Separate But Equal Doctrine

May 18th, 1896 128 years ago

In a landmark decision, the United States Supreme Court ruled in favor of the constitutionality of racial segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine, stemming from the case Plessy v. Ferguson. Homer Plessy, a man of mixed race, was arrested for sitting in a 'whites-only' train car in Louisiana, defying segregation laws. The Court ruled that segregation did not violate the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, effectively legitimizing state laws enforcing racial segregation across the nation.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Homer Plessy Defies Segregation Laws

June 7th, 1892 132 years ago

Homer Plessy, a mixed-race individual, was arrested for refusing to leave his seat in a train's 'whites-only' car in Louisiana. The incident, which stemmed from Louisiana's Separate Car Act, was a deliberate act of civil disobedience to challenge racially discriminatory laws. Plessy's arrest led to a significant court case, Plessy v. Ferguson, which ultimately upheld segregation under the 'separate but equal' doctrine.

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