Historical Events tagged with "washington"

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. House Passes Marihuana Tax Act

June 14th, 1937 87 years ago

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marihuana Tax Act, which sought to regulate and impose a tax on the sale of cannabis. This action was part of a broader movement during the 1930s targeting marijuana based on concerns about its effects on health and society. Advocates for marijuana regulation argued for its dangers, while proponents of cannabis claimed its medicinal benefits. The act marked a significant shift in policy that set the stage for future drug legislation.

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Politics & Government

Roosevelt and Garner Inaugurated for Second Terms

January 20th, 1937 88 years ago

Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Nance Garner took their oaths of office for their second presidential and vice presidential terms, respectively. This inauguration marked a significant change, as it was the first to be held on January 20, a date established by the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., reflecting shifts in political life and public expectations following the challenges of the Great Depression. The new inauguration date aimed to provide a more efficient transition of power.

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Politics & Government

National Labor Relations Act Signed into Law

July 5th, 1935 89 years ago

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the National Labor Relations Act, establishing a legal framework for workers' rights. This landmark legislation, often referred to as the Wagner Act, aimed to protect the rights of employees to organize and engage in collective bargaining. With the signing in Washington, D.C., the Act significantly altered the dynamics between labor and management, fostering the growth of labor unions in the United States.

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Military & Warfare

Japan Renounces Naval Treaties

December 29th, 1934 90 years ago

Japan formally renounced the Washington Naval Treaty and the London Naval Treaty, which had placed restrictions on the size and number of naval vessels. This decision was made by the Japanese government, reflecting its desire to expand its naval capabilities and assert its position as a growing power in the Pacific. The announcement was made public through government channels, marking a significant shift in the country's military strategy. Japan's move came amid rising tensions in the region and dissatisfaction with the limitations imposed by the treaties.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Tear Gas Used on Striking Longshoremen in Seattle

July 20th, 1934 90 years ago

In Seattle, approximately 2,000 longshoremen participated in a waterfront strike demanding better working conditions. Law enforcement responded to the escalating tensions by deploying tear gas and using clubs against the striking workers. Simultaneously, the governor of Oregon ordered the National Guard to intervene at the Portland docks to restore order amid the ongoing labor conflict.

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Politics & Government

Roosevelt Launches Civil Works Administration

November 8th, 1933 91 years ago

US President Franklin D. Roosevelt unveiled the Civil Works Administration (CWA) to provide temporary employment to millions of jobless Americans. Announced as part of the New Deal, the CWA was designed to alleviate the economic distress during the Great Depression by creating jobs focused on public works projects. Over four million unemployed individuals were expected to benefit from this initiative.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Crescent Limited Train Derails in D.C.

August 24th, 1933 91 years ago

The Crescent Limited, a passenger train, derailed in Washington, D.C., due to a bridge collapse caused by the Chesapeake-Potomac hurricane. The storm had severely impacted the area, washing out the supporting structure of the bridge. The train, carrying numerous passengers, encountered the washed-out bridge, leading to a dramatic derailment that resulted in several injuries. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but the incident highlighted the vulnerabilities of transportation infrastructure during extreme weather events.

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Politics & Government

Creation of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration

May 12th, 1933 91 years ago

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed legislation creating the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) to address the widespread poverty caused by the Great Depression. FERA aimed to provide immediate relief for the unemployed and fund direct assistance programs. The agency distributed federal funds to state and local governments for unemployment relief efforts. Roosevelt's goal was to alleviate suffering while paving the way for longer-term recovery efforts.

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Politics & Government

Roosevelt Submits Emergency Banking Act for Relief

March 9th, 1933 92 years ago

In a pivotal move to stabilize the U.S. economy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented the Emergency Banking Act to Congress. This law aimed to address the crisis in the banking sector, which faced unprecedented failures during the Great Depression. Roosevelt emphasized the urgency of restoring public confidence in the banking system, which had seen widespread panic and bank runs. The legislation sought to provide the president with the authority to regulate banking operations and enable the reopening of solvent banks under federal supervision. The swift action marked the first of several New Deal initiatives intended to combat the economic downturn and restore stability.

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