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

August 25, 1914
German invasion forces deliberately destroy the university library of Leuven, Belgium. More than 300,000 books are destroyed, including many which are irreplaceable. The next time Germany invades Belgium, in May 1940, German troops burn the rebuilt library and destroy 900,000 books. Related Topics: Belgium – Book Burning – Destruction of Libraries and Archives
August 25 - September 2, 1921
Coal miners in West Virginia battle police, armed strikebreakers, and the U.S. army in what comes to be known as the Battle of Blair Mountain. For five days, between 10,000 and 15,000 coal miners seeking union recognition fight against the government and the coal companies. More than 100 are killed, hundreds are injured. In the end, the miners lose the battle, but prevail in the longer term: by 1935, all miners in southern West Virginia win union recognition and better wages and working conditions. Related Topics: Coal Mining – Military/Violence Against Civilians – Mineworkers (Miners) – Police Violence – Strikebreaking – Strikes: United States