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 12, 1827
Death of William Blake, English poet, painter, printmaker, and visionary. Related Topics: Poets
August 12, 1892
Start of Buffalo switchmen’s strike. Related Topics: Strikes: United States
August 12, 1898
The United States annexes Hawaii, making it an American possession. The people of Hawaii are given no say in the matter. On the day of annexation most Hawaiians shutter themselves at home and mourn for the end of Hawaii’s independence. Related Topics: Hawaii – Intervention – U.S. Imperialism
August 12, 1946
African Mine Workers Union members go on strike in Witwatersrand, South Africa. Police attack the miners with extreme brutality: over the next week, at least nine miners are murdered by police and at least 1248 wounded. Related Topics: Killings by Police – Mineworkers (Miners) – Police Violence – South Africa – Strikebreaking – Strikes
August 12, 1999
A group of French farmers, members of the Confédération paysanne, a farmers’ union led by Jos‚ Bové, dismantle a McDonald’s restaurant under construction in the town of Millau, as a protest against French agricultural policies. Bové is sentenced to three months’ imprisonment for his role in the protest. Related Topics: Farmers