The 15th Amendment: A Landmark in the Fight for Equality
On February 3, 1870, the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting African American men the right to vote. This was a significant step forward in the ongoing struggle for civil rights. Coming in the aftermath of the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, this amendment was part of the broader Reconstruction […]
The Birth of a Political Icon: Thomas Nast and the Democratic Donkey
On January 15, 1870, an unassuming political cartoon by Thomas Nast debuted in Harper’s Weekly, introducing the donkey as a symbol for the Democratic Party. While initially a satirical representation of perceived political stubbornness, the donkey has since become an enduring emblem of one of the United States’ major political parties. This historical moment, rooted […]
The Occupation of Rome and the Formation of Modern Italy
On September 20, 1870, Italian troops successfully occupied Rome, a pivotal moment that marked the end of papal sovereignty over the city and solidified its place within the newly unified Kingdom of Italy. This event was a crucial turning point in the Italian unification process, known as the Risorgimento, which aimed to consolidate various independent […]
Hiram Rhodes Revels Becomes the First African American U.S. Senator
A milestone in American history occurred on February 25th, 1870, as Hiram Rhodes Revels, a minister and educator, became the first African American to serve in the United States Senate. Revels’s appointment symbolized progress towards racial equality during the Reconstruction era.
Papal States of Italy
The Papal States of Italy were annexed into the newly unified Kingdom of Italy, marking a pivotal moment in Italian unification.