Seeds of Fire: A People’s Chronology
Recalling events that happened on this day in history.
Memories of struggle, resistance and persistence.
Compiled by Ulli Diemer
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April 16, 1520
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Revolt of the Comuneros: The citizens of Castile (Spain) rise in revolt against the rule of Charles V. Their demands include the cancellation of recent tax increases and more local autonomy. The revolt gains widespread support throughout the Kingdom of Castille, but is finally defeated by military force by October 1521.
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April 16, 1746
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The Battle of Culloden: British forces defeat the Jacobite uprising in Scotland. After the battle, the British, under the command of the Duke of Cumberland, take brutal reprisals. Wounded men still lying on the battlefield are put to death. Others are put on trial and then executed, or transported to the British colonies.
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April 16, 1797
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Spithead mutiny: Sailors on 16 British ships in the Channel Fleet mutiny against poor living conditions and low pay. Despite infliation, sailors’ pay in the British Navy had not gone up in 140 years. The sailors elect delegates and ask to negotiate with the Admiralty. They manage to win improved pay, the resassignment of some unpopular officers, and a Royal pardon for all sailors accused of mutiny.
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April 16, 1844
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Birth of Anatole France (1844-1924), French author. In 1922, he achieved the “distinction” (his own word) of having all of his works placed on the Roman Catholic Church’s Index of Prohibited Books.
Quote: “The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich and the poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread.”
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April 16 - 23, 1902
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U.S. forces intervene in Colombia to ‘protect American interests’.
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April 16, 1917
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In the wake of the February Revolution, V.I. Lenin, Grigory Zinoviev and other exiled Bolsheviks arrive in St. Petersburg from Switzerland.
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