1848 – The Gold Rush is Off and Running:
On this day, President James K. Polk, in an address to Congress, confirmed the discovery of gold in California, igniting the Gold Rush of 1849. This announcement marked the beginning of one of the largest migrations in U.S. history, with hundreds of thousands flocking westward in search of fortune. By the end of the Gold Rush, California’s population had increased dramatically, laying the foundation for its eventual statehood in 1850.
1933 – The Foolish Prohibition Ends in the United States:
Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, repealing the 18th Amendment and officially ending national Prohibition. This marked a pivotal moment in U.S. social and economic history, allowing the legal sale of alcohol to resume. The repeal also provided a much-needed economic boost during the Great Depression, as the alcohol industry generated jobs and tax revenue.
1952 – The Great Smog of London Begins:
A dense and toxic fog enveloped London, lasting five days and causing an estimated 4,000 to 12,000 deaths. The smog, a mix of smoke and fog, resulted from the widespread burning of coal during cold weather. This environmental disaster spurred significant changes in air quality regulations, including the landmark Clean Air Act of 1956, which restricted the use of polluting fuels in urban areas.
1955 – Labor Unites with the Formation of the AFL-CIO:
The American Federation of Labor (AFL) and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) officially merged, forming a unified labor federation under the leadership of George Meany. This union represented over 15 million workers, strengthening the voice of organized labor during a critical era of economic and social change in the United States.
2019 – Articles of Impeachment Against The Stupid 45th President Announced:
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi instructed House committee chairs to draft articles of impeachment against then-President Donald Trump, citing abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. This marked only the third impeachment of a U.S. president in history. Although Trump was acquitted by the Senate, the impeachment highlighted the deep political divides in the nation and underscored the importance of checks and balances in the U.S. government.
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