July 14, 1789Social Movements
French Revolution Begins
The storming of the Bastille marked the beginning of the French Revolution, fundamentally transforming French society and politics.
Europe
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Social Movements
10 events in this category
August 28, 1833Social Movements
Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire
The Slavery Abolition Act was passed, making the purchase or ownership of slaves illegal throughout the British Empire.
Global
January 1, 1863Social Movements
Emancipation Proclamation
President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring enslaved people in Confederate states to be free.
Americas
September 19, 1893Social Movements
Women's Suffrage in New Zealand
New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant all women the right to vote, pioneering the global suffrage movement.
Oceania
December 10, 1948Social Movements
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, establishing fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Global
December 1, 1955Social Movements
Rosa Parks Refuses to Give Up Her Seat
Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott and galvanizing the American civil rights movement.
Americas
August 28, 1963Social Movements
Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" Speech
Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington, galvanizing the American civil rights movement.
Americas
April 27, 1994Social Movements
Nelson Mandela Elected President
Nelson Mandela was elected as South Africa's first Black president, marking the end of apartheid and a triumph of reconciliation over vengeance.
Africa
2004Social Movements
Wangari Maathai Wins the Nobel Peace Prize
Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize for her Green Belt Movement, linking environmental conservation with women's rights and democracy.
Africa
October 10, 2014Social Movements
Malala Yousafzai Wins the Nobel Peace Prize
Malala Yousafzai, shot by the Taliban for advocating girls' education, became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate at age 17.
Asia