Historical Events tagged with "trial"

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

Hitler Sentenced for Beer Hall Putsch

April 1st, 1924 100 years ago

Adolf Hitler was sentenced to five years in prison due to his involvement in the Beer Hall Putsch, a failed coup in Munich. The trial drew significant public attention and showcased Hitler's political ambitions. Although initially sentenced for a lengthy term, he served only nine months before his release, during which he gained notoriety as a political leader.

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Crime & Law

Sacco and Vanzetti's Second Boston Trial

October 29th, 1921 103 years ago

The second trial of Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti began in Boston, Massachusetts, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding their previous convictions. The Italian immigrants, accused of robbery and murder, had gained significant international attention and support from labor and civil rights groups, arguing that the trial was riddled with prejudice against them. The trial's focus shifted to the evidential proceedings, showcasing entangled issues of immigration, class conflict, and the judicial system of the era.

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Crime & Law

Murder of Guards Sparks Controversial Trial

April 15th, 1920 104 years ago

Two security guards were shot and killed during a robbery in South Braintree, Massachusetts, leading to the arrest of Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti. The pair was accused of the crime based primarily on their political beliefs and immigrant status, rather than solid evidence. Their trial garnered nationwide attention and sparked debates about justice, prejudice, and the legal system in America, culminating in their eventual conviction and execution.

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Crime & Law

Andrey Yushchinsky's Murder Sparks Controversy

March 25th, 1911 113 years ago

Andrey Yushchinsky, a Jewish boy, was murdered in Kiev, prompting allegations against a Jewish man, Mendel Beilis. The crime attracted widespread attention, leading to a notable court trial that ignited discussions about anti-Semitism in Russia and the broader implications of such accusations. The case became a symbol of societal tensions and fueled public outrage among Jewish communities, who perceived the trial as a manifestation of deep-rooted prejudice against them.

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Crime & Law

Hawley Harvey Crippen Convicted of Poisoning

October 22nd, 1910 114 years ago

Hawley Harvey Crippen was convicted for the murder of his wife, Cora, after a dramatic manhunt that utilized radio communication. Crippen fled from England to Canada in 1910, where he was apprehended aboard a ship. His trial brought international attention to the case, highlighting the role of emerging technology in crime-solving.

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Crime & Law

Chester Gillette's Murder of Grace Brown

July 11th, 1906 118 years ago

Chester Gillette murdered Grace Brown near Big Moose Lake, New York, after their tumultuous relationship deteriorated. Grace, a young factory worker, was found drowned, leading to a sensational trial that captured the public's attention. Gillette claimed accidental drowning, but the evidence of premeditation, including a witness who saw them together before her death, contradicted his defense. The case became a national sensation and inspired Theodore Dreiser's novel, 'An American Tragedy,' exploring themes of ambition, morality, and social stratification.

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Crime & Law

Harry Thaw Kills Stanford White in NYC

June 25th, 1906 118 years ago

Harry Thaw, a millionaire from Pittsburgh, shot and killed architect Stanford White during a public event in New York City. This act was spurred by Thaw's jealousy over White’s previous relationship with Thaw's wife, Evelyn Nesbit, a famous actress and model, which was publicly known. The shooting took place in the rooftop garden of Madison Square Garden, where Thaw felt compelled to confront White, leading to the tragic incident.

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Crime & Law

First Use of Fingerprint Evidence in Murder Trial

May 5th, 1905 119 years ago

The trial of the Stratton Brothers commenced in London, marking a pivotal moment in criminal justice as it featured the inaugural use of fingerprint evidence to secure a murder conviction. This groundbreaking case involved the circumstantial evidence surrounding the brutal murder of a local man. The introduction of fingerprinting techniques, pioneered by Edward Henry, sought to solve the crime and establish a new standard for forensic evidence in the legal system.

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Crime & Law

Lizzie Borden Acquitted of Double Murder

June 20th, 1893 131 years ago

Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the murders of her father, Andrew Borden, and her stepmother, Abby Borden, after a widely publicized trial. The brutal deaths occurred in the family's Fall River home, leading to an intense investigation that captivated the nation. Despite substantial circumstantial evidence, including the lack of a concrete alibi and her presence at the crime scene, Borden was ultimately found not guilty by the jury. The trial showcased the power of public opinion and media in criminal cases and sparked debates about gender and societal expectations.

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