John Brown Raided the Federal Arsenal at Harper’s Ferry to Obtain Arms for a Slave Insurrection
Just after sundown on the evening of Sunday October 16, 1859 John Brown led a group of 21 men (16 white and 5 black) across …
civil rights
US Supreme Court Rules on the Dred Scott Case, a Slave Seeking Freedom. Court Found that Slaves Were Property, Not Citizens, thus Had No Rights.
In March 1857, in one of the most controversial events preceding the American Civil War (1861-65), the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in the …
Abolitionist Frederick Douglass Gives Iconic “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro” Speech
Frederick Douglass (1818-95) was a prominent American abolitionist, author and orator. Born a slave, Douglass escaped at age 20 and went on to become a …
Abolitionist, Sojourner Truth, Delivers “Ain’t I a Woman?” Speech at the Women’s Convention in Akron, Ohio
Sojourner Truth was a slave-turned abolitionist. She became a Methodist and was called to ministry. Truth delivered a speech entitled “Ain’t I a Woman?” in …
First Major Revolt in the Austrian Revolution for Independence: University Students Demand a Constitution Guaranteeing their Rights
Emperor Ferdinand and his chief advisor Metternich directed troops to crush the demonstration. Peaceful student demonstrators were shot and killed causing the working class to join …
The Communist Manifesto, Written by Karl Marx with the Assistance of Friedrich Engels, is Published in London by the Communist League
Karl Marx, completes “The Communist Manifesto.” He not only advocates economic and political changes; he advocates moral and spiritual changes as well. He believes the …
The Importation of Slaves into the United States was Prohibited
WE Americans live in a society awash in historical celebrations. The last few years have witnessed commemorations of the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase (2003) …
John Adams Issues a Proclamation for a National Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer for the Protection & Blessings of the Almighty God for the new Nation
A national day of humiliation, fasting, and prayer was issued by President John Adams declaring May 9, 1798 the day of fasting for the nation. …
George Washington Gives Nations 1st State of the Union Address: “A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined…”
On January 8, 1790, President George Washington delivered to Congress the first State of the Union address in American history. This address presented defense, foreign …
The Bill of Rights was Passed by Congress to Protect the Civil Liberties of American Citizens and Prevent the Government from Abusing Power
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. Written by James Madison in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for …