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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February 8, 1805
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Birth of Louis Auguste Blanqui (1805-1881), French socialist.
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February 8, 1849
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Karl Marx stands trial for the second time in two days. Having been acquitted on February 7, 1849, on a charge of abusing freedom of the press by insulting a government official, Marx and two others now face charges of incitement to armed rebellion. Marx gives another powerful speech in his defense, and again is acquitted by a jury.
In his speech, Marx says “no peace is possible between these two societies. Their material interests and needs bring them into mortal combat. One side must win, the other must lose. That is the only possible reconciliation between them. Neither can there be peace between the supreme political representatives of these two societies, between the Crown and the representatives of the people.” Despite the acquittal, the government nevertheless expels Marx from Germany on May 16.
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February 8, 1968
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Orangeburg Massacre. South Carolina police fire into a crowd of demonstrators protesting segregation. They kill three and injure 28; most of the victims are shot in the back.
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