Historical Events tagged with "slavery"

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.

Politics & Government

Kentucky's Secession Ordinance Filed

November 20th, 1861 163 years ago

On this date, the Confederate government of Kentucky officially filed a secession ordinance, marking a significant political maneuver during the American Civil War. This action aimed to align Kentucky with the Confederate States of America amid the turmoil of the ongoing conflict. The secession fueled tensions between pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions within the state and set the stage for further military and political actions in the region.

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Politics & Government

Crittenden–Johnson Resolution Passed by Congress

July 25th, 1861 163 years ago

In response to the defeat at the First Battle of Bull Run, the United States Congress passed the Crittenden–Johnson Resolution. This resolution emphasized that the primary aim of the war was to preserve the Union rather than to address the issue of slavery directly. This reflected the prevailing public sentiment and political considerations of the time, as many sought to rally support for the Union cause.

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Politics & Government

Tennessee's Decision to Leave the Union

June 8th, 1861 163 years ago

Tennessee's secession from the Union was a pivotal moment during the early stages of the American Civil War. Amid rising tensions between the northern and southern states, the Tennessee legislature convened to vote on the issue of secession. The primary motivation was the state's desire to maintain its slaveholding interests and align more closely with the Confederacy. On June 8, 1861, a referendum was held in which the people voted overwhelmingly in favor of leaving the Union, marking Tennessee as one of the last states to secede and propelling the conflict into a broader civil struggle.

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Politics & Government

Virginia Votes to Secede from the Union

April 17th, 1861 163 years ago

The Virginia secession convention convened in Richmond, where delegates voted to secede from the United States in a momentous decision driven by issues of states' rights and the preservation of slavery. The vote, held amid growing tensions in the nation, occurred in the context of the Civil War that had just broken out. This decision ultimately led to Virginia joining the Confederate States of America as its eighth member, aligning with Southern states in opposition to the Union.

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Politics & Government

Alexander H. Stephens delivers Cornerstone Speech

March 21st, 1861 163 years ago

Alexander H. Stephens, the Vice President of the Confederate States, delivered the Cornerstone Speech in Savannah, Georgia. In his address, he outlined the foundational principles of the Confederacy, emphasizing the belief in white supremacy and the justification of slavery as a positive good. This speech defined the Confederacy's ideological stance at a time when it was establishing its identity in opposition to the Union.

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Politics & Government

Constitution of the Confederate States Adopted

March 11th, 1861 164 years ago

The Constitution of the Confederate States was adopted in Montgomery, Alabama, establishing the legal framework for the newly formed Confederacy. This document, which mirrored the United States Constitution in many respects, included protective measures for slavery and emphasized states' rights. Delegates from the seceding Southern states convened to formalize their governance in response to tensions arising from sectional differences. The adoption marked a significant step in the political separation of the Confederate states from the Union, reflecting the critical issues leading up to the American Civil War.

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Politics & Government

House Passes Resolution on Slavery Noninterference

February 11th, 1861 164 years ago

The United States House of Representatives approved a resolution that affirmed the government's commitment to noninterference with slavery in any state. This significant measure, passed unanimously, sought to ease tensions and promote unity amidst the rising sectional conflicts. Advocates believed it was essential for stability and to safeguard the Union. The resolution emphasized that the federal government would respect the rights of states regarding slavery, signaling a political compromise during a tumultuous era.

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Politics & Government

Delegates Create Confederate States in Montgomery

February 4th, 1861 164 years ago

Delegates from six southern states gathered in Montgomery, Alabama, to begin drafting the constitution for the Confederate States of America. The meeting was a pivotal moment in the secessionist movement, reflecting the growing divide between the North and South over issues such as slavery and states' rights. The attendees aimed to establish a new government separate from the United States, highlighting their commitment to preserving their social and economic order.

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Politics & Government

Texas Secedes and Joins Confederacy

February 1st, 1861 164 years ago

Texas officially seceded from the United States after a convention held in Austin. This convention led to a decision where delegates voted overwhelmingly to leave the Union, primarily driven by tensions surrounding states' rights and slavery issues. Shortly thereafter, Texas joined the Confederate States of America, resulting in the formation of a new government aligned with pro-slavery interests.

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