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.

Crime & Law

Murder of Andrew and Abby Borden

August 4th, 1892 132 years ago

Andrew Borden and his wife Abby are found murdered in their home in Fall River, Massachusetts. The gruesome discovery is made by their daughter Lizzie Borden, who soon becomes the prime suspect. The murders spark sensational media coverage and public fascination, leading to a highly publicized trial a year later where Lizzie is acquitted, despite considerable circumstantial evidence against her. The case remains one of the most infamous unsolved murder mysteries in American history.

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Crime & Law

Daniel Sickles Kills Philip Barton Key II

February 27th, 1859 166 years ago

Daniel Sickles, a U.S. Representative, shot and killed Attorney General Philip Barton Key II after discovering an affair between Key and his wife, Teresa. The murder occurred in Washington, D.C., and garnered significant media attention due to the prominent positions of those involved. Sickles claimed temporary insanity as a defense, a notion that would influence the legal landscape in future cases involving similar claims.

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Politics & Government

Marie Antoinette Convicted of Treason

October 15th, 1793 231 years ago

Marie Antoinette, the former Queen of France, was tried for treason by the Revolutionary Tribunal. Following a swift and controversial trial, she was accused of high treason against the French Republic. The trial was marked by a lack of defense and due process, leading to her conviction. The verdict was reached in a highly charged atmosphere, reflecting the political tensions of the time, culminating in her execution shortly thereafter.

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Politics & Government

Jean-Paul Marat Acquitted by Revolutionary Tribunal

April 24th, 1793 231 years ago

Jean-Paul Marat, a key figure in the French Revolution, was acquitted of charges brought against him by the Girondins. The trial was held in Paris, where Marat faced allegations related to his fiery journalism and incitement of violence against political opponents. His defense stressed his commitment to the revolutionary cause, ultimately swaying the Tribunal's decision in his favor, confirming his influential position in the revolutionary government. This ruling further intensified the animosity between the Girondins and Montagnards in the increasingly polarized political landscape.

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Politics & Government

Trial of King Louis XVI for Treason

December 11th, 1792 232 years ago

King Louis XVI of France was formally charged with treason by the National Convention, marking a crucial moment in the French Revolution. The trial aimed to address his actions against the French people and the revolution's principles. Supporters and opponents gathered, representing the deep societal division. The proceedings were a response to his perceived betrayals and attempts to undermine the revolution, including his flight to Varennes earlier.

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Crime & Law

Privates Found Guilty in Boston Massacre Trials

December 5th, 1770 254 years ago

Privates Hugh Montgomery and Matthew Kilroy of the 29th Regiment of Foot were tried and found guilty for the manslaughter of Crispus Attucks and Samuel Gray, respectively, following the Boston Massacre. This incident took place amidst rising tensions between British soldiers and Bostonians, leading to public outcry and protests. The soldiers' actions during the confrontation escalated the conflict between the colonies and British rule, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction with British authority.

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Crime & Law

Arson Attack on Fort George Complex

March 18th, 1741 283 years ago

The Fort George complex in New York, occupied by Governor George Clarke, was set ablaze in a mysterious arson attack that marked the beginning of the New York Conspiracy of 1741. The fire incited widespread panic among the population as it was believed to be part of a larger plot involving enslaved Africans and disgruntled white citizens seeking to overthrow the colonial government. This event catalyzed a series of investigations and trials that would lead to heightened tensions and paranoia in the city.

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Crime & Law

Bridget Bishop Hanged for Witchcraft

June 10th, 1692 332 years ago

Bridget Bishop was hanged at Gallows Hill, a site near Salem, Massachusetts, for her alleged involvement in witchcraft. She was accused of practicing 'certaine Detestable Arts' and faced a jury that had already been influenced by the pervasive fears of witchcraft in the community. The trial and subsequent execution were part of a larger episode known as the Salem witch trials, which saw many individuals accused and convicted under similarly dubious circumstances.

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Crime & Law

Bridget Bishop's Witchcraft Trial and Execution

June 2nd, 1692 332 years ago

Bridget Bishop, a resident of Salem, Massachusetts, became the first person tried for witchcraft during the infamous Salem witch trials. She was arrested and brought to trial in early June and, after a quick deliberation, was found guilty on the same day. This decision epitomized the hysteria surrounding witchcraft accusations that plagued the community, leading to her execution by hanging that occurred just days later. Bridget Bishop's trial marked a critical moment in the series of trials that would follow and set the stage for a tragic chapter in Salem's history.

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