Historical Events tagged with "usa"

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.

Science & Technology

Incorporation of Pacific Aero Products

July 15th, 1916 108 years ago

William Boeing and George Conrad Westervelt established Pacific Aero Products in Seattle, Washington, marking the foundation of what would become one of the largest aerospace companies in the world. This company emerged from Boeing's passion for aviation, instigated by his interest in building and piloting planes. The incorporation set the stage for innovative advancements in aeronautics and manufacturing.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

National Defense Act Expands National Guard

June 3rd, 1916 108 years ago

The National Defense Act was signed into law, significantly increasing the size of the United States National Guard by 450,000 men to enhance national security. Initiated by President Woodrow Wilson, this legislation arose from increasing tensions in Mexico and Europe. The Act aimed to prepare the country for potential conflicts, as the threat of World War I intensified. This expansion would bolster the military's capabilities and readiness during a crucial period in history.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Lynching of Jesse Washington in Waco, Texas

May 15th, 1916 108 years ago

Jesse Washington, a seventeen-year-old farmworker, was accused of raping and murdering a white woman named Lucy Fryer in Waco, Texas. After a hastily conducted trial, Washington was convicted. On May 15, he was taken from the courthouse by an angry mob, who brutally lynched him in a public display of violence. His body was set on fire, and a crowd gathered to watch, some taking photographs of the horrific event.

Continue Reading
Sports & Recreation

Formation of the PGA in New York City

April 10th, 1916 108 years ago

The Professional Golfers' Association of America (PGA) was established in New York City by a group of golf professionals. The creation aimed to unify the growing number of golf professionals across the country, offering them a formal organization to promote their interests and the sport itself. The inaugural meeting took place at the Hotel Astor, where key figures in the golf community gathered to address the challenges faced in the industry. This significant moment marked the start of professional golf as a recognized and organized profession.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Cavalry Units Pursue Pancho Villa

March 16th, 1916 109 years ago

John J. Pershing led the 7th and 10th US cavalry regiments across the US-Mexico border into northern Mexico in pursuit of the revolutionary general Pancho Villa. This military action was prompted by Villa's attack on Columbus, New Mexico, which resulted in American casualties. The mission aimed to capture or kill Villa and restore order to the region, showcasing an escalation in US involvement in Mexican affairs.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Leo Frank Lynched by a Mob in Georgia

August 17th, 1915 109 years ago

Leo Frank, a Jewish American factory manager, was lynched by a mob in Marietta, Georgia, after his death sentence for the murder of Mary Phagan was commuted by Governor John Slaton. The case garnered national attention due to its ethnic and racial undertones and highlighted issues of anti-Semitism in the United States at the time.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Galveston Faces Category 4 Hurricane Assault

August 17th, 1915 109 years ago

A devastating Category 4 hurricane struck Galveston, Texas, with sustained winds reaching 135 miles per hour. The storm created massive destruction across the coastal city, resulting in severe damage to infrastructure, homes, and businesses. Residents sought refuge as the tempest overwhelmed the area. The hurricane’s intense winds and flooding led to significant loss and disruptions.

Continue Reading
Economics & Industry

German Government Acquires Phenol for Aspirin

August 15th, 1915 109 years ago

A revelation surfaced in the New York World newspaper regarding the Imperial German government purchasing surplus phenol from inventor Thomas Edison. This phenol, typically utilized in the manufacturing of explosives, was instead redirected to Bayer, a German pharmaceutical company, for the production of aspirin. This acquisition highlighted the complexities and ethical dilemmas in wartime commerce.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Bryan Resigns as Secretary of State

June 9th, 1915 109 years ago

William Jennings Bryan resigned from his position as Secretary of State under President Woodrow Wilson due to differing views on U.S. foreign policy, particularly surrounding the sinking of the RMS Lusitania. Bryan was a proponent of neutrality and believed that the U.S. should remain distant from the increasing tensions of World War I. The resignation highlighted deep divides within the administration about how to respond to Germany's actions against neutral shipping.

Continue Reading