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
January 20, 1899
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The first of four shiploads of Doukhobors (the name means "spirit wrestlers) arrive in Canada, After disembarking, they travel west by train, to what is now Saskatchewan.. Altogether 7,500 Doukhobors, fleeing persecution in Russia, arrive in Canada in 1899, followed by a series of smaller groups until 1912. The Doukhobors are a minority Christian sect, pacifists who believe that property should be communally owned.
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January 20, 1925
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Birth of Ernesto Cardenal, Nicaraguan priest, liberation theologian, and Sandinista.
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January 20, 1936
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Start of Syrian general strike against French colonial occupation. The French fire on protesters, killing dozens, but after 50 days of strike they are forced to give in and negotiate Syrian independence.
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January 20, 1942
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The Wanssee Conference: senior Nazis decide on a program for the 'final solution' of the 'Jewish question': mass murder.
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January 20, 1973
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Assassination of Amilcar Cabral (1924-1973), African socialist and intellectual, leader of the independence movements in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde Islands.
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January 20, 2009
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Large demonstrations in Iceland against the financial crisis caused by local and international banks. Protesters banging pots and pans outside the Parliament demand the resignation of the government responsible for mishandling the crisis. The continuing protests lead to the resignation of the Prime Minister and new elections which usher in a new government.
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