From the Library of Congress: Emmeline Pankhurst (1858-1928) was the unchallenged leader of the direct action wing of the British suffrage movement. She had, followers claimed, “invented most of the ingenious and daring devices of the “Militant Suffragette’ which have stirred up so much discussion throughout the civilized world.” Primary sources Emmeline Pankhurst image set…
Great Britain—England, Scotland, and Wales—was established in 1707. Around a century later, together Great Britain and Ireland formed the United Kingdom though, today, only Northern Ireland remains part of the UK. The Library of Congress uses Great Britain in both descriptive and subject cataloging as the conventional form for the United Kingdom. Learning about Great Britain can…
Today in History–June 4–the Library of Congress features Fort Necessity near Uniontown, Pennsylvania. On this date in 1754, the young Colonel George Washington and his troops were hard at work constructing the makeshift stronghold to protect themselves from French aggression. Less than a month later, however, Washington and his troops were surrounded and forced to surrender to French troops on…
Today in History–May 12–the Library of Congress features politician and historian Henry Cabot Lodge, born on this day in 1850. Lodge was a long-standing member of Congress, serving the state of Massachusetts as a U.S. representative from 1887 to 1893 and a U.S. senator from 1893 to 1924. This Republican statesman is perhaps best known for his staunch argument against U.S….
Today in History–October 14–the Library of Congress features the religious and social reformer William Penn, born on this day in 1644. Having no luck in his campaign for religious freedom for Quakers and others in England, Penn received an American land grant in payment of a debt owed his father. He named the colony Pennsylvania in honor of…
Today in History–May 7–the Library of Congress features the British ocean liner Lusitania, sunk by a German submarine on this day in 1915. Public outrage at the sinking of the civilian ship—though it was also carrying ammunition manufactured in the U.S.—was tremendous and helped to hasten U.S. entry into World War I. Learn more about this tragic day…
Today in History–April 26–the Library of Congress features William Shakespeare, baptized on this day in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Shakespeare’s birthday is traditionally celebrated on April 23, because babies generally were baptized about three days after birth. Learn about the Folger Shakespeare Memorial Library by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links…
Today in History–January 20–the Library of Congress features Franklin Delano Roosevelt, inaugurated as U.S. President in January on this day in 1937. This was the first inauguration held in January but FDR’s second of four inaugurations, his first was held on March 4, 1933. Find out more about the longest serving president in our nation’s history by visiting the Today…