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On This Day: John Brown

May 9, 2023June 26, 2023Uncategorized, US HistoryLeave a Comment

Today, May 9, marks the birthday of a famous figure in American history: John Brown. John Brown’s rebellion, also known as the Harper’s Ferry raid, took place on October 16-18, 1859 when John Brown, an abolitionist, sought to end slavery by force.

Brown was born in Connecticut to an abolitionist family and was heavily influenced by his father, who thought slavery was a sin. In 1837, Brown moved to Kansas to join the fight against pro-slavery forces. He and his sons participated in several violent confrontations, including the Pottawatomie massacre.

Brown became convinced that a violent uprising was necessary to end slavery, and in 1859, he began planning an attack on the federal armory at Harper’s Ferry, Virginia. Brown believed that by seizing the armory, he could arm slaves and start a rebellion that would spread across the South.

On October 16, 1859, Brown and a group of 21 men arrived in Harper’s Ferry. They quickly took control of the armory, but their plan soon began to unravel. Brown had hoped that slaves would flock to his side, but few did. The local militia arrived, and after a two-day standoff, U.S. Marines, led by Robert E. Lee, stormed the armory. Ten of Brown’s men were killed, including two of his sons, and Brown himself was captured.

John Brown was tried for treason, murder, and inciting a slave insurrection. He was found guilty on all counts and sentenced to death. Brown’s trial and execution became a cause célèbre in the North, where he was hailed as a martyr for the cause of abolition.

The raid also intensified the debate over slavery in the United States. Many Northerners saw Brown’s actions as heroic, and his execution only increased their determination to end slavery. Southerners, on the other hand, saw the raid as evidence of a Northern conspiracy to incite a slave rebellion, which only heightened their fears of abolition.

John Brown’s Rebellion brought the issue of slavery to the forefront of national consciousness and helped push the country closer to the brink of civil war. John Brown is remembered as a controversial figure, but one whose actions helped set in motion the events that led to the abolition of slavery in the U.S..

May History Hits: May Day

May 2, 2023June 26, 2023UncategorizedLeave a Comment

May Day, also known as International Worker’s Day, is celebrated on May 1 every year. This holiday has a long and storied history, dating back over a century, and it continues to be an important day for workers and labor activists around the world.

May Day has its roots in the labor movement of the late 19^th century, when workers in the United States and Europe began fighting for better working conditions, higher wages, and the right to organize. In the U.S., May 1^st was chosen as the date for a nationwide strike in support of the eight-hour workday. This strike, which took place in 1886, was marred by violence, with police and striking workers clashing in the streets of several major cities. In the aftermath, several labor leaders were arrested and executed, and May 1 became a symbol of workers’ struggle for justice.

Today, May Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In some countries, it is a national holiday, with workers taking the day off to participate in rallies and other activities. In other countries, it is a day of protest and agitation.

In recent years, May Day has taken on new significance in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has exposed the deep inequalities of the global economic system. In many parts of the world, workers on the front lines of the pandemic, including healthcare workers, grocery store employees, and delivery drivers, have faced tremendous risks and challenges, often with little support or recognition from their employers or governments. On May Day 2021, workers around the world used the occasion to demand greater protections and support for those on the front line—often workers struggling to make ends meet.

Read more about May Day throughout history here:

https://library.georgetown.edu/exhibition/most-influential-protest-you%E2%80%99ve-never-heard-may-day-1971

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/interactive/2023/photos-may-day-rallies-labor-conditions/

April History Hits: The Birth of the American Presidency

April 28, 2023June 26, 2023Uncategorized, US HistoryLeave a Comment

On April 30, 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States of America. This historic event marked the beginning of a new era for the fledgling nation, as it transitioned from a loose confederation of states to a more centralized federal government.

Washington’s election was not surprising; he was a respected military and social leader in the colonies. The inauguration took place on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City, which served as the nation’s capital at the time. In his inaugural address, Washington emphasized the importance of unity as the only way for Americans to build a strong and prosperous nation. He went on to describe his vision for the nation as such:

. . . the foundation of our nation policy will be laid in the pure and immutable principles of private morality, and the preeminence of free government be exemplified by all the attributes which can win the affections of its citizens and command the respect of the world. I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people (1).

As president, Washington faced a number of challenges, including establishing a framework for the new federal government and creating a place for the United States in the international community. Most importantly, Washington’s presidency set a precedent for future leaders of the United States. He set the standard for the role of president as both a leader and symbol of national unity.

Learn more about the inauguration here:

On This Day: The Father of Wireless Communication

April 25, 2023June 26, 2023UncategorizedLeave a Comment

Guglielmo Marconi was an Italian inventor and engineer who is credited with pioneering wireless communication. He was born April 25, 1874 in Bologna to a wealthy Italian family. Marconi’s curiosity and passion for science and technology led him to make groundbreaking advancements that revolutionized the way people communicate.

Marconi’s interest in science and technology developed at an early age. He was inspired by the work of scientists such as James Clerk Maxwell and Heinrich Hertz, who had made discoveries in the field of electromagnetism and electromagnetic waves. Marconi was largely self-taught and pursued his passion by experimenting with wireless telegraphy.

Marconi’s most significant invention was the practical implementation of wireless telegraphy, which enables the transmission of messages without the need for physical wires. In 1897, Marconi achieved his first breakthrough by transmitting a wireless signal over a distance of 1.5 miles across Salisbury Plain in England. In 1901, Marconi made history by successfully sending the first transatlantic wireless telegraphy signal from England to Newfoundland, Canada. This revolutionized long-distance communication and opened up new possibilities for global communication, trade, and diplomacy. Marconi’s invention paved the way for the development of radio, television broadcasting, mobile phones, and satellite communication, which have transformed the world into a connected global village.

Upon his death the New York Times wrote: “From radio broadcasting systems came acknowledgements of the hundreds of the social debt of listening millions to whom Marconi’s belief that messages could be sent without wires brought a fuller life of entertainment and enlightenment through the dials” (1). The social debt owed Marconi has only increased as, it could be argued, our modern society is entirely supported by the backbone of wireless communication.

https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/07/21/94403121.pdf?pdf_redirect=true&ip=0

On This Day: A Turning Point in Texas History

April 21, 2023April 20, 2023Uncategorized, US HistoryLeave a Comment

The history of Texas is filled with tales of courage, conflict and triumph. One such pivotal event was the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place on April 21, 1836, near present-day Houston, Texas. This battle marked a decisive turning point in the Texas Revolution, and, in turn, the westward expansion of the United States.

American settlers in Texas sought to establish a republic separate from Mexico. Tensions had been simmering for years, and in 1835, open rebellion erupted with the Battle of Gonzales. This led to series of confrontations, including the famous Siege of the Alamo in early 1836.

On that April morning, led by General Sam Houston, the Texas army, consisting of around 900 men, confronted General Santa Anna’s Mexican forces, numbering over 1,200 soldiers, near the banks of the San Jacinto River. The Texan forces were determined to avenge the fall of the Alamo and secure their independence from Mexico.

The battle unfolded quickly, with the Texans launching a surprise attack on the afternoon of April 21, 1836. A famously short battle at only 18 minutes, the Texans overwhelmed the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna and securing a resounding victory.

The significance of the Battle of San Jacinto cannot be overstated. It not only secured Texas’ independence from Mexico, ending the Texas Revolution and establishing the Republic of Texas, but also had far-reaching consequences that shaped the future of the region.

The battle also had broader implications for the United States and Mexico. It strained diplomatic relations between the two nations and further fueled tensions that would eventually lead to the Mexican-American War in 1846. The battle had an impact on the Mexican government as well, leading to political instability and changes in leadership.

The Battle of San Jacinto is remembered for the heroic deeds of the Texan soldiers who fought against formidable odds and secured Texas’ independence. It remains a symbol of Texas pride and resilience and has been memorialized across the state: the battlefield itself a state historic site. Visitors can walk the field and honor the battle as a defining moment in the state’s history and a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fought for Texas’ freedom.

Learn More Here:

https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/san_jacinto_battlefield.html

Image: The Battle of San Jacinto, Henry Arthur McArdle, 1895

On This Day: The Great San Francisco Earthquake

April 18, 2023June 26, 2023UncategorizedLeave a Comment

On April 18, 1906, at 5:12 a.m., San Francisco was struck by one of the most destructive earthquakes in American history, resulting in widespread devastation and leaving a lasting impact on the city and its residents.

Considered one of the worst natural disasters in American history, the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906 was estimated to have a magnitude of 7.9, with an epicenter near the San Andreas Fault. The most significant consequence of the earthquake was the destruction of 500 city blocks, including such iconic structures as the City Hall and Palace Hotel. The city’s infrastructure, including water and gas lines, was severely damaged, making it difficult to fight the fires that broke out after the earthquake. The fires burned for three days, reducing large parts of the city to ashes and leaving an estimated 200,000 people homeless out of a population of about 400,000 (1).

The human toll of the earthquake was devastating, with an estimated 3,000 people losing their lives and thousands more injured. The survivors faced immense challenges in the aftermath, including finding shelter, food, and clean water. Families were separated, and the city’s economy came to a standstill as businesses were destroyed, and transportation and communication systems were disrupted.

In response to the disaster, both local and federal efforts were mobilized to help the affected population. The U.S. Army, along with other volunteer organizations, provided aid and support in the form of food, water, and medical assistance. Rebuilding efforts began almost immediately, with thousands of workers joining hands to clear debris and reconstruct the city. An article published in the New York Times two days after the earthquake urged the nation to send help saying, “every community in the land [should] hear the call, that every city, town, and hamlet shall be made to look upon it as a matter of pride as well as of duty to join in the effort” (2).

Perhaps the most long-lasting effects of the earthquake came in the form of significant changes in the city’s urban planning and building regulations, including stricter seismic standards and the use of earthquake-resistant construction techniques. The experience also led to the development of early warning systems and better disaster preparedness plans to mitigate the impacts of future earthquakes, including the Theory of Elastic Rebound, introduced by Professor H.F. Reid, which remains the basis for our modern understanding of earthquakes (3).

Despite the immense challenges, the city of San Francisco rose from the ashes and rebuilt itself. The reconstruction efforts resulted in new architectural styles and designs, with many iconic landmarks, such as Golden Gate Park and Coit Tower being built after the earthquake.

On This Day: April 14

April 14, 2023June 26, 2023Uncategorized, US HistoryLeave a Comment

On April 14, 1865, as the nation celebrated the end of the Civil War, its President, Abraham Lincoln, attended a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington D.C. Often considered one of the darkest moments in American history, this night at the theater ended with John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, sneaking into the President’s box and shooting him in the back of the head.

Most Americans know the story of the assassination, including that as John Wilkes Booth jumped down from President Lincoln’s box onto the stage, he yelled “Sic semper tyrannis” (thus always to tyrants). You might not know that the phrase appears in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, after Brutus assassinates Caesar.

As an actor himself, Booth would have been familiar with the phrase as well as its interpretation, meaning that tyrants will always be overthrown. The phrase was also adopted as the motto of the state of Virginia at the dawn of the American Revolution, no doubt a dig at the sovereign King George. Intending to overthrow what he saw as an autocratic government, Booth was the mastermind behind a conspiracy that intended to take out the President as well as Vice President Andrew Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward. He and his co-conspirators hoped they could decapitate the Union government and revive the Confederacy.

Thankfully, Booth’s efforts to upend the government did not succeed, however; after being shot, President Lincoln was carried across the street to a boarding house, where he succumbed to his injuries the following morning.

To read more about this event, start here:

Washington Post: Abraham Lincoln’s assassination: Great joy, then a gunshot

On This Day: April 11

April 11, 2023April 11, 2023Uncategorized, US HistoryLeave a Comment

On April 11, 1968, the United States took a significant step towards advancing civil rights and equality with the signing of the Civil Rights Act or Fair Housing Act. Intended to build on the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and voting, the Fair Housing Act addressed housing discrimination by specifically prohibiting discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin. The act also established penalties for those who violated its provisions, including fines and imprisonment. Additionally, the act established the Fair Housing Office within the Department of Housing and Urban Development to investigate complaints of discrimination and enforce the law (1).

The passage of the Civil Rights Act was a major victory for civil rights advocates, but it faced serious opposition. The act itself was considered by Congress several times from 1966-1968 but failed to gain a majority vote. However, on April 4, 1968, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was shot and killed in Memphis, TN. His death led to riots and protests across the nation as a generation of progressive Americans grieved his loss. In the wake of this shock, President Johnson seized the opportunity to push the bill through Congress yet again, this time receiving the majority votes needed in both houses (2).

In a letter written to Speaker of the House, John W. McCormack, President Johnson wrote, “Last night, America was shocked by a senseless act of violence. A man who devoted his life to the nonviolent achievement of rights that most Americans take for granted was killed by an assassin’s bullet.” President Johnson wanted “all good men to look deeply into their hearts . . . when the nation so urgently needs the healing balm of unity, a brutal wound on our conscience forces upon us all this question: What more can I do to achieve brotherhood and equality among all Americans?” (2).

A NYT article written 55 years after the signing of the Fair Housing Act reminds us that black applicants today are twice as likely to be denied a mortgage loan. Disparity in homeownership rate between black Americans and white Americans continues to rise (3). Certainly, the Fair Housing Act opened up new opportunities for minorities and helped to break down the barriers that had long kept them out of certain neighborhoods and communities, but has housing discrimination really ended?

For more information, visit these resources:

NYT Times: President Signs Civil Rights Bill
Washington Post: The Fair Housing Act was languishing in Congress
The New York Times: Discrimination Seeps Into Every Aspect of Home Buying for Black Americans

Beyond Books: 10 Great Gift Ideas for History Lovers

November 14, 2022November 14, 2022Gift Ideas, US HistoryLeave a Comment

The go-to gift for history buffs always seems to be either a book or a t-shirt, which after a few years becomes boring. Plus, there are only so many wordy books one can plow through. But in reality, there are so many other gifts that could inspire and delight the history lover in your world.

Below are 10 stellar ideas for your history buff:

Retro Bluetooth Speakers- We all have and use Bluetooth speakers, but these retro speakers really evoke nostalgia for times gone by. I made an Amazon list of about 48 different options in various price ranges. One of my favorites is this adorable Looptone speaker which received rave reviews.

Vintage Record Players- Alongside the written word, music also holds the memories of the past. Vinyl records have made a major comeback in recent years and with that there are now a large and gorgeous selection of record players. I have earmarked 46 different options that look amazing and will take your history lover back to a simpler time.

3. Retro Keyboards and typewriters- Take your history buff on a trip to the past everyday with a historically inspired, retro keyboard or authentic typewriter. Add a note encouraging the history lover in your life to journal or record their life story to complete the gift. Click on the link to find 37 options for this gift.

Vintage Board Games- Ready for a hearty game of Battleship or Sorry or Mystery Date? I have picked out 56 different board game options that will make your history buff smile.
Retro Toasters- This collection of mostly mid-century toaster dreams will perk up the historian in your life, and let’s face it, loving history is more than loving facts and figures, it is a lifestyle that appreciates the past in all things. These 66 swoon-worthy toasters will brighten up your loved ones’ mornings!

Vintage Inspired Coffee Makers- What’s old is now new and these darling coffee makers will take you back to the absolute good old days.

Retro Tea Kettles- Does your history buff love tea more than coffee? No problem. I have picked out 20 adorable kettles that will brighten up your tea times.

Vintage Coca Cola Products- The 71 items in this gift idea list range from vintage Coke apparel and advertisements to vintage soda fridges, straw holders and lots of things in between.

Retro Art and Photo Prints- This has 59 prints, photographs and works of art to decorate your history buffs’ walls, which will inspire your historian everyday.
Cool Vintage Phones- And last but not least, consider a cool retro phone. I have created a list of 31 phones that can connect either to a landline or are just used for decoration. There is something entirely comforting in seeing an old style chunky landline phone. They make great decorative items for home offices.

This week in History: 57 People Escape East Berlin Through Secret Tunnel

October 8, 2022October 8, 20221960s, European History, October1 Comment

Although many of us are old enough to remember when the wall in East Berlin was still in place and the whole of East Germany was controlled by the former Soviet Union, it feels so long ago that it almost seems unreal.

In my own childhood, I remember movies and stories about great escapes in Germany as people tried to flee from East Germany to West Germany, which was controlled by the UK, US and France.

One story in particular caught international attention, in the first week of October of 1964, 57 East German refugees were able to escape through a tunnel dug by a group of students and others from West Germany. This was the largest and most successful tunnel escape during this era. The tunnel, which according to a wonderful article in the Smithsonian, took five months to dig, started in an abandoned bakery in West Berlin and surfaced in an abandoned apartment building on StreilizerStrasse in East Berlin.

Refugees who traversed this 400 meter underground road to freedom had to successfully share a passcode at the entrance to the apartment building. One of the escapees, Hans-Joachim Tilleman, recounted his experience to the Smithsonian. “We didn’t see a light, so we continued to the building,” he said. “There were some people inside, and we told them ‘Tokyo’ and they let us into the hallway where we took off our shoes and tiptoed to the inner courtyard. In a little outhouse in the back, they let us down a shaft, and we crawled through.”

On October 5, 1964, the tunnel was discovered by soldiers and during the ensuing scuffle, an East German corporal, Egon Schultz, was killed by gunfire. According to a New York Times article written at the time, “The East German Defense Ministry charged, in a statement issued by the press service ADN, that agents and murderers had penetrated into East Berlin from ‘the NATO base of West Berlin’ and that one of these ‘armed bandits’ killed the corporal.”

A different New York Times article, published in 2001, clarified that in 1994, the Berlin district attorney’s office re-investigated the shooting of Egon Schultz, and found that he had been accidentally shot by another East German soldier.

In that same New York Times article from 2001, one of the West German diggers, Wolfgang Fuchs, who worked tireless to free East Germans in several less successful tunnel escapes, said of Tunnel 57, “’The marks of their knee prints in the tunnel floor looked like the ripples on a beach left behind by the receding tide. ‘I will never forget that. That is beautiful.”

To learn more about the Tunnel 57 escape, visit these resources:

Smithsonian: The Story of the Most Successful Tunnel Escape in the History of the Berlin Wall
New York Times: 57 Flee East Berlin by a Tunnel; Biggest Flight Since Wall Was Built—Pursuer Is Killed
New York Times: Wolfgang Fuchs, 62, Helped East Germans Escape to West