Historical Events tagged with "southern states"

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

Mississippi Ratifies Thirteenth Amendment

March 16th, 1995 29 years ago

Mississippi formally ratified the Thirteenth Amendment, achieving the formal abolition of slavery in the United States. Despite the Thirteenth Amendment being ratified in 1865, Mississippi was the last state to sign off in 1995. The ratification occurred when state lawmakers took action to correct the oversight, reflecting unique local and national historical contexts surrounding slavery and civil rights.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Emmett Ashford Breaks Racial Barrier in Umpiring

February 20th, 1952 73 years ago

Emmett Ashford was authorized as a substitute umpire in the Southwestern International League, marking a significant milestone as the first African-American umpire in organized baseball. His inclusion came at a time when the sport was largely segregated, and he paved the way for future generations of players and officials from diverse backgrounds. Ashford's appointment not only highlighted his individual achievements but also represented a shift towards inclusivity in professional sports.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Mississippi readmitted to the Union

February 23rd, 1870 155 years ago

Mississippi was officially readmitted to the Union, marking the end of military control as part of the Reconstruction Era. This significant moment came as a result of the congressional conditions imposed to ensure civil rights protections after the Civil War. The readmission required Mississippi to draft a new state constitution that granted voting rights to all men, regardless of race, and to validate the 14th Amendment. The U.S. Congress ultimately approved Mississippi's re-entry, demonstrating a shift in political control and paving the way for more extensive Civil Rights advancements in the state.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Virginia's Readmission to the Union

January 26th, 1870 155 years ago

Virginia was officially readmitted to the Union after the Civil War following a series of political and social changes that defined the Reconstruction Era. Under new conditions set forth by Congress, the state ratified the Fourteenth Amendment, paving the way for its reintegration into the United States. This readmission marked a significant moment in Virginia's history, symbolizing a step towards healing and reunification after the devastating conflict.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Unconditional Pardons for Confederate Veterans

December 25th, 1868 156 years ago

United States President Andrew Johnson issued an unconditional pardon to all Confederate veterans, reintegrating them into American society. This decision was part of Johnson's lenient Reconstruction policies aimed at healing the nation post-Civil War. The pardons were an effort to restore civil rights to former Confederates, allowing them to own property and participate politically once more.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

U.S. Congress Enacts First Reconstruction Law

March 2nd, 1867 158 years ago

The U.S. Congress passed the first Reconstruction Act, setting a framework for how the Southern states would be governed following the Civil War. This legislation aimed to rebuild the South and ensure civil rights for formerly enslaved individuals. Under this act, Southern states were required to create new constitutions and provide voting rights for African American men. The push for this act was driven by Radical Republicans, who sought to impose strict measures on the Southern states to protect the rights of freedmen.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Georgia Joins Adoption of 13th Amendment

December 6th, 1865 159 years ago

Georgia became the last state needed to ratify the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. The ratification took place after intense debate and a period of reconstruction in the state following the Civil War. Many Georgia representatives voted in favor on this day, highlighting a shift in legislative attitudes towards slavery and civil rights. This decision marked a significant moment for the state as it began redefining its social and legal frameworks.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

John Bell Hood Evacuates Atlanta

September 1st, 1864 160 years ago

Confederate General John Bell Hood issued an order to evacuate Atlanta, Georgia, marking a significant shift in military strategy during the American Civil War. The city had been under siege by Union General William Tecumseh Sherman for four months, leading to extensive destruction and loss of resources for the Confederate Army. Hood's decision aimed to preserve his troops and retreat southward, recognizing the untenable situation in the city. This move was an attempt to fight another day and preserve his remaining forces for future engagements.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Sherman's Assault on Atlanta Begins

August 31st, 1864 160 years ago

Union forces, commanded by General William T. Sherman, launched a significant assault on the city of Atlanta, Georgia. The battle was part of the broader military campaign during the American Civil War, aiming to seize control of this crucial Confederate stronghold. Sherman sought to disrupt Confederate supply lines and boost Union morale while also showing the strength of the Union's military resolve through a coordinated attack involving both infantry and artillery. The Union’s aggressive maneuvers represented a turning point in the war, showcasing Sherman's tactical brilliance and the commitment of Union forces to pursue their objective.

Continue Reading