Slavery

Today in labor history: Exposé on King Leopold II bribing Senate

December 9, 2013 By Special to People’s World

On December 9, 1906, the New York American newspaper reported Belgian King Leopold II of Belgium bribed the U.S. Senate commission on the Congo to recommend support of his Congo Free State project .

Today in labor history: Abolitionist John Brown was hanged

December 2, 2013 By Special to People’s World

On Dec. 2, 1859, abolitionist John Brown was hanged in Charleston, Va., for his leadership of a plot to incite slave rebellion.

Today in labor history: Zumbi, leader of community of freed slaves, beheaded

November 21, 2013 By Special to People’s World

On this day in 1695, Zumbi dos Palmares, leader of a Brazilian state of freed slaves was beheaded by the Portuguese.

Today in history: President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address

November 19, 2013 By Special to People’s World

One of the best-known speeches in American history, it was delivered by Lincoln in the midst of the Civil War, four and a half months after the Union armies defeated those of the Confederacy at the...

Today in labor history: George Washington says “no” to black recruits

November 12, 2013 By Special to People’s World

In 1775, General George Washington prohibited recruiters from enlisting African Americans into the Patriot Army. However, African Americans served in some units and some segregated divisions were formed.