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

February 7, 1849
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels stand trial for insulting the public prosecutor in the pages of their newspaper, the Neue Rheinische Zeitung. Marx delivers a speech to the jury in which he states “it is the duty of the press to come forward on behalf of the oppressed... the first duty of the press now is to undermine all the foundations of the existing political state of affairs.” There is loud applause in the courtroom, and at the end of the day the jury finds the defendants not guilty. Further Reading: Speech by Karl Marx, February 7, 1849 Speech by Friedrich Engels, February 7, 1849 Articles by Marx & Engels in the Neue Rheinische Zeitung Suppression of the Neue Rheinische Zeitung Related Topics: Freedom of the Press – Marx, Karl – Media Censorship – Revolutionary Politics – Revolutions of 1848-49
February 7, 1868
American forces intervene in Uruguay to ‘protect American interests’ when an insurrection breaks out. Related Topics: Intervention – U.S. Imperialism – Uruguay
February 7, 1898
American forces intervene in Nicaragua to ‘protect American interests.’ Related Topics: Intervention – Nicaragua – U.S. Imperialism
February 7, 1909
Birth of Helder Camara (1909-1999), Brazilian archbishop committed to fighting fighting poverty and injustice. Quote: “When I give food to the poor, they call me a saint. When I ask why they are poor, they call me a communist.” Related Topics: Brazil – Liberation Theology