Historical Events tagged with "unemployment"

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

Coxey's Army Marches on Washington, D.C.

May 1st, 1894 130 years ago

Coxey's Army was a significant protest march in which a group of unemployed workers, led by Jacob Coxey, marched from Ohio to Washington, D.C. to demand government action on unemployment. The march, beginning in March, culminated in their arrival at the Capitol on May 1, where they advocated for a federal jobs program funded by public works projects. It highlighted the social struggles of the time during the economic depression.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Coxey's Army Marches to Washington, D.C.

March 25th, 1894 130 years ago

Coxey's Army was a protest march organized by Jacob Coxey, a businessman from Ohio, demanding government action to alleviate unemployment during the economic depression. Departing from Massillon, Ohio, it aimed to reach Washington, D.C., to present a petition for the government to create jobs through public works projects. The march consisted of about 500 individuals, many of whom were unemployed workers and their families who rallied for economic reform and the construction of roads to stimulate job growth.

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Economics & Industry

The Panic of 1857 Starts Economic Downturn

August 24th, 1857 167 years ago

The Panic of 1857 was a significant economic downturn triggered by a collapse in the railroad market and a decline in European demand for U.S. goods. It began in the northern states, primarily affecting banks and businesses that relied heavily on credit. This financial panic led to widespread bank failures and a sharp increase in unemployment rates. By the fall, the economy experienced a severe contraction, marking it as one of the first major global economic crises involving the United States.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Littleport and Ely Riots over Unemployment

May 22nd, 1816 208 years ago

In Littleport, Cambridgeshire, a significant riot erupted as local residents, driven by high unemployment and rising grain prices, took to the streets in protest. Tensions escalated quickly, with demonstrators expressing their frustrations through acts of violence and unrest. The following day, the unrest spread to Ely, drawing in more participants and amplifying the situation. The riots were fueled by widespread discontent regarding economic hardship, particularly the soaring costs of basic foodstuffs amidst widespread poverty.

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