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

Franklin D. Roosevelt's Presidential Inauguration

March 4th, 1933 92 years ago

Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States, marking the beginning of a transformative era in American politics. The inauguration took place on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Roosevelt, elected in a time of economic crisis, promised a New Deal for the American people. His words aimed to inspire hope and confidence amidst the Great Depression, addressing the urgent needs of the nation and signaling a shift in government responsibility.

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Crime & Law

FBI Crime Lab Officially Opens in Washington, D.C.

November 24th, 1932 92 years ago

The FBI Crime Lab opened its doors in Washington, D.C., marking a significant development in forensic science. Designed to enhance the Bureau's investigative capabilities, the lab housed cutting-edge technology and a variety of forensic disciplines. This facility allowed for sophisticated crime scene analysis which had been previously lacking. The establishment of the lab symbolized a shift towards modern law enforcement practices in the United States and underscored the FBI's commitment to scientific approaches in solving crimes.

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Politics & Government

Troops Disperse Bonus Army Protesters

July 29th, 1932 92 years ago

In Washington, D.C., U.S. Army troops violently dispersed the Bonus Army, a group of World War I veterans demanding early payment of their service bonuses. Using tanks, tear gas, and other forceful measures, the government aimed to clear the veterans who had gathered in the capital. The dispersal marked a significant confrontation between the military and protesting citizens, illustrating the tensions during the Great Depression and the government’s response to civil unrest.

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Politics & Government

Bonus Army Protests at U.S. Capitol

June 17th, 1932 92 years ago

Around a thousand World War I veterans, known as the Bonus Army, gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest for economic relief and to demand immediate payment of their war bonuses as the Senate considered a bill for benefits. The veterans, facing hardship during the Great Depression, sought support from the government for their service.

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Politics & Government

Bonus Army Assembles for Cash Bonuses

May 29th, 1932 92 years ago

World War I veterans began gathering in Washington, D.C., to demand cash bonuses for their service. The Bonus Army, composed of thousands of veterans and their families, sought early payment of bonuses promised for 1945, driven by economic hardship during the Great Depression. The assembly symbolized their struggle for recognition and financial support from the government, which they believed had failed to honor its commitments.

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Economics & Industry

Hoover Signs Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act

June 17th, 1930 94 years ago

The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, signed into law by President Herbert Hoover, raised U.S. tariffs on over 20,000 imported goods. This significant legislation aimed to protect American industries amidst the economic challenges of the Great Depression. The act was spearheaded by Senator Reed Smoot and Representative Willis C. Hawley, who pushed for protectionist measures to support U.S. farmers and manufacturers. The signing marked a pivotal shift in U.S. trade policy and was met with both domestic and international controversy.

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Politics & Government

Four Alarm Fire Erupts in White House West Wing

December 24th, 1929 95 years ago

A four-alarm fire broke out in the West Wing of the White House, prompting a swift response from firefighters. The blaze reportedly started just before midnight, causing significant damage to the area. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries among the occupants. An investigation into the cause revealed that the fire originated from faulty wiring, highlighting the need for improvements in building safety standards. The incident took place shortly before the Christmas celebrations, creating a stir among the public and officials alike.

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Politics & Government

Herbert Hoover's First State of the Union Address

December 3rd, 1929 95 years ago

Herbert Hoover delivered his first State of the Union message to Congress in a written format, marking a departure from the tradition of oral addresses. This message was comprehensive, covering various policy initiatives and the state of the nation, reflecting Hoover's administration's priorities and vision. The event showcased Hoover's preference for written communication, emphasizing clarity and detail in governance.

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Science & Technology

First Long-Distance Public Television Broadcast

April 7th, 1927 97 years ago

Herbert Ives accomplished a major feat by transmitting the first long-distance public television broadcast from Washington, D.C., to New York City. The broadcast featured an image of Herbert Hoover, who was then the Commerce Secretary. This pioneering event showcased the potential of television as a medium for communication across great distances, marking a significant milestone in media history.

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