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

Formation of the Works Progress Administration

April 8th, 1935 90 years ago

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was established under the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 to provide jobs for millions of Americans suffering from the Great Depression. The WPA aimed to create public works projects that would build infrastructure and offer employment opportunities. It became one of the largest and most ambitious programs of the New Deal, significantly impacting the U.S. economy and labor market.

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Crime & Law

First Use of Polygraph Evidence in Court

February 2nd, 1935 90 years ago

Leonarde Keeler administered polygraph tests to two murder suspects in a landmark legal case in Chicago. This marked the first instance where polygraph test results were considered admissible in a U.S. courtroom. Keeler's innovative approach aimed to gather scientific evidence to aid law enforcement in solving crimes, paving the way for the integration of psychological techniques in legal processes. The use of the lie detector was a revolutionary step in forensic science, generating intense public interest and debate about its reliability and ethical implications.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Police Clash with Striking Teamsters in Minneapolis

July 20th, 1934 90 years ago

During the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike, police opened fire on striking truck drivers, resulting in two fatalities and numerous injuries. Tensions escalated as union members protested for better labor conditions and rights. This violent confrontation reflected the ongoing labor unrest throughout the United States in the early 1930s, highlighting the struggle between workers and law enforcement.

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Politics & Government

Roosevelt Signs Federal Credit Union Act

June 26th, 1934 90 years ago

Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Federal Credit Union Act to promote financial cooperation and inclusivity. This legislation was designed to support the establishment of credit unions across the United States and to provide a safe, community-based alternative to traditional banking. It aimed to serve those with limited access to financial services, addressing the needs of Americans affected by the Great Depression. The Act laid the foundation for the modern credit union system.

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Politics & Government

Federal Communications Commission Established

June 19th, 1934 90 years ago

The Communications Act of 1934 created the FCC to regulate all communications aspects in the United States. This major legislation marked a significant shift in how communications were overseen in the nation, establishing a federal authority intended to ensure efficient and fair communication service for the public. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the act into law following the increasing complexities of radio and telecommunications, echoing the need for an organized governmental body to manage the burgeoning industry.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Battle of Toledo: Workers Clash with National Guard

May 23rd, 1934 90 years ago

The Auto-Lite strike in Toledo escalated into violent confrontations, known as the 'Battle of Toledo,' between approximately 1,300 Ohio National Guard troops and around 6,000 striking workers. This five-day conflict emerged as a culmination of local tensions surrounding labor rights, industry practices, and rising unemployment during the Great Depression. Strikers sought better wages and working conditions against the backdrop of economic despair, leading to a historic showdown in the streets of Toledo, Ohio.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Auto-Lite Strike Sparks Violent Clashes

April 12th, 1934 91 years ago

The U.S. Auto-Lite strike began in Toledo, Ohio, resulting in a violent confrontation between approximately 6,000 striking workers and the Ohio National Guard. Workers protested for better wages, working conditions, and recognition of their union. The situation escalated over several days, leading to the deployment of guard troops to suppress the uprising, marking a significant labor conflict of the era.

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Science & Technology

Record Wind Gust Measured on Mount Washington

April 12th, 1934 91 years ago

On the summit of Mount Washington, New Hampshire, a record-setting wind gust of 231 mph was measured, marking it as the strongest surface wind gust on Earth at the time. This astonishing feat occurred due to the mountain's unique weather patterns and geographical features. Meteorologists took the measurement using an anemometer, capturing a moment that would enter the meteorological archives as a benchmark for extreme weather in mountainous regions. Such conditions are attributed to the mountain’s elevation and its position in the rapidly changing weather systems of the northeast United States.

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Politics & Government

Tydings–McDuffie Act Passed by Congress

March 24th, 1934 91 years ago

The Tydings–McDuffie Act was passed by the United States Congress, which authorized the gradual transition of the Philippines to self-governance. The act provided for a ten-year transitional period leading to Philippine independence, following the principles of the Jones Law and reaffirming the commitment to the eventual sovereignty of the islands. This significant legislative measure aimed to balance colonial administration with the rising nationalist sentiments in the Philippines.

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