Historical Events tagged with "south carolina"

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

Bernard Baruch Coins 'Cold War' Term

April 16th, 1947 77 years ago

Bernard Baruch introduced the term 'Cold War' during a speech, encapsulating the tense geopolitical rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. This term effectively described the overarching conflict that characterized international relations in the aftermath of World War II, highlighting the ideological struggle between capitalism and communism. Baruch's use of the phrase marked a significant moment in understanding the global landscape, as tensions escalated between the two superpowers.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Isaac Woodard Assaulted By Police Officer

February 12th, 1946 79 years ago

Isaac Woodard, an African American veteran, was severely beaten by a South Carolina police officer after returning home from World War II. The brutal attack left him permanently blind, which received national attention. The incident spotlighted racial violence and sparked outrage across the country, becoming a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement. The shocking nature of the attack drew media coverage, making it a catalyst for change in public perception regarding racial treatment and police violence.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Minimum Working Age Raised in South Carolina

February 29th, 1916 109 years ago

In South Carolina, legislation was enacted to raise the minimum working age for children employed in factories, mills, and mines from 12 to 14 years. This change aimed to enhance child welfare by reducing child labor exploitation and ensuring that children had sufficient time for education and development. The law marked a significant step in the movement towards improved labor standards for young workers in the state and across the nation.

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Military & Warfare

Sergeant William H. Carney Receives Medal of Honor

May 23rd, 1900 124 years ago

Sergeant William Harvey Carney was awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the fierce Assault on Battery Wagner in 1863. Carney, a soldier of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, demonstrated extraordinary courage while helping to carry the colors of his regiment despite being severely injured. His actions under fire not only displayed his commitment to his fellow soldiers but also highlighted the valor of African American troops during the Civil War.

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Natural Disasters

Devastating 7.0 Mw Charleston Earthquake Strikes

August 31st, 1886 138 years ago

A powerful earthquake struck southeastern South Carolina, registering a magnitude of 7.0 Mw and causing extreme destruction. With a maximum intensity of X on the Mercalli scale, the earthquake resulted in significant structural damage, especially in Charleston. It claimed the lives of around sixty individuals while financial losses ranged from $5 to $6 million, altering the region's landscape and requiring extensive reconstruction efforts.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Violence at Hamburg: A Clash Over Racial Tensions

July 8th, 1876 148 years ago

In Hamburg, tensions flared between white Democrats and African-American Republicans, leading to violence that resulted in the deaths of six African-Americans and an assailant. The conflict stemmed from a political rally held by the Republicans, which prompted an armed confrontation with local white residents. This violence not only highlighted the racial animosity of the time but also foreshadowed the hostile atmosphere surrounding the upcoming presidential election.

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Politics & Government

Joseph H. Rainey Becomes Second Black Congressman

December 12th, 1870 154 years ago

Joseph H. Rainey, a politician from South Carolina, took office as the second black U.S. congressman, marking a significant moment in American political history. Known for his efforts in advocating for civil rights and Reconstruction policies, Rainey's election illustrated the changing landscape of American politics post-Civil War. He represented the 1st Congressional District of South Carolina and played a crucial role in addressing issues faced by African Americans during the Reconstruction era.

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Crime & Law

Kingstree Jail Fire Claims Lives of Freedmen

January 7th, 1867 158 years ago

A fire at the Kingstree jail in South Carolina resulted in the deaths of 22 freedmen who were temporarily imprisoned. The incident raised significant concerns about the conditions of detention facilities in the Reconstruction-era South. Investigators highlighted the need for better safety measures in jails, particularly for vulnerable populations.

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Military & Warfare

Columbia Burns During Confederate Retreat

February 17th, 1865 160 years ago

As Union forces advanced into Columbia, South Carolina, Confederate troops evacuated the city, leading to a series of devastating fires. The capital of South Carolina, an important stronghold for the Confederacy, experienced widespread destruction largely attributed to the chaos of the evacuation and possible intentional actions by retreating Confederate soldiers. This marked a significant moment in the final stages of the Civil War, showcasing both the desperation of Confederate forces and the increasing momentum of the Union army.

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