Historical Events tagged with "united 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.

Politics & Government

U.S. Senate Approves Pearl Harbor Naval Lease

January 20th, 1887 138 years ago

The United States Senate approved a lease agreement granting the Navy rights to Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This strategic move was aimed at enhancing naval presence in the Pacific, crucial for U.S. interests. The lease would enable the construction of a naval station, facilitating better military and commercial operations in the region. This decision marked a pivotal step in U.S. expansion and interest in the Pacific islands, highlighting the importance of naval power for national security during that era.

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Military & Warfare

Geronimo Surrenders to General Miles

September 4th, 1886 138 years ago

Geronimo, a leader of the Apache, surrenders to U.S. General Nelson Miles in Arizona after a three-decade conflict against American expansion. His surrender marks a critical point in the struggles of Native Americans in the Southwest. This decision signifies the end of the testing resistance by the Apache against the encroaching settlers and the U.S. military. The events leading to his surrender highlight the tensions between Native Americans and the federal government over land, resources, and autonomy.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Bay View Massacre: Workers Demanding Eight-Hour Day

May 5th, 1886 139 years ago

A labor protest in Milwaukee escalated on May 5, 1886, when workers advocating for an eight-hour workday were shot at by Wisconsin National Guardsmen. The demonstration at Bay View drew attention to the broader labor movement seeking better working conditions. Tensions had been rising as workers organized for their rights and demanded a reduction in working hours, culminating in this violent clash with state forces. The tragic incident marked a significant moment in labor history, reflecting the struggles faced by workers during this era.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Labor Rally Violence Erupts in Chicago

May 4th, 1886 139 years ago

At a labor rally in Chicago, police attempted to disperse the crowd when a homemade bomb was thrown, resulting in the death of one officer. The incident escalated as gunfire erupted, leading to the deaths of seven more officers and four civilians. This violent clash highlighted the tensions between labor movements and law enforcement during this period in American history.

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Economics & Industry

Termination of Reciprocity with Canada

July 1st, 1885 139 years ago

The United States officially terminated the reciprocity and fishery agreement with Canada on July 1, 1885. This decision ended a trade relationship that had allowed both countries to benefit from shared fishing rights and trade without tariffs. The U.S. aimed to promote domestic industry and protect its fishing resources amid growing national interests. The cancellation prompted Canadian reactions over concerns about the economic implications and access to fisheries along the Atlantic coast.

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Economics & Industry

Chicago Board of Trade Building opens for business

May 1st, 1885 140 years ago

The Chicago Board of Trade Building commenced operations as a vital center for commodity trading. Located in the heart of Chicago, the building was designed by the architectural firm of Holabird & Roche, featuring a remarkable design that showcased the ambitions of the growing city's commerce. The new building symbolized not only agricultural exchanges but also the financial growth of the Midwest. With its opening, traders and brokers gathered to negotiate and trade commodities like grain, contributing to the marketplace and establishing Chicago as a hub for trade.

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Arts & Culture

Dedication of the Washington Monument

February 21st, 1885 140 years ago

The dedication ceremony for the newly completed Washington Monument took place in Washington, D.C. on February 21, 1885. President Grover Cleveland presided over the ceremony, which included a large gathering of dignitaries, military personnel, and citizens. The monument, honoring the nation's first president George Washington, stood 555 feet tall, becoming an iconic symbol of American democracy. The event celebrated the completion of the towering structure that took over three decades to build due to various delays and funding issues.

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Politics & Government

Completion of the Washington Monument

December 6th, 1884 140 years ago

The Washington Monument was completed in 1884, reaching a height of 555 feet, becoming the tallest structure in the world at that time. Located in Washington, D.C., the iconic obelisk was designed by architect Robert Mills, and its construction began in 1848. The project faced numerous interruptions and funding issues, but it finally concluded with the placement of the aluminum capstone, symbolizing unity and national pride.

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Science & Technology

Prime Meridian Established at Greenwich

October 22nd, 1884 140 years ago

In October 1884, the International Meridian Conference convened in Washington, D.C., where representatives from 25 nations gathered to establish a global standard for timekeeping. The conference designated the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, England, as the prime meridian, with the zero-degree longitude line passing through it. This decision aimed to create uniformity in time zones and navigation for maritime and travel needs, promoting international communication and coordination.

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