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

May 18, 1781
Tupac Amaru II, the captured leader of an indigenous uprising against the Spanish in Peru, is tortured and executed. Before he is killed, the official representatives of Spanish civilization force him to watch the brutal execution of his wife, his son, and other relatives and friends. Tupac Amaru II becomes a legend and inspiration for other liberation movements in the following decades and centuries. Related Topics: Colonies/Spanish – Indigenous Peoples – Liberation Movements – Peru – Torture
May 18, 1872
Birth of Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), philosopher, mathematician, author, pacifist, socialist Further Reading: Bertrand Russell: In Praise of Idleness Bertrand Russell: Roads to Freedom
May 18, 1895
Birth of Augusto C‚sar Sandino (1895-1934), Nicaraguan revolutionary, leader of a rebellion against the U.S. military occupation of Nicaragua in the 1920s and 1930s. Related Topics: Nicaragua
May 18, 1992
A Toronto abortion clinic operated by Henry Morgentaler is firebombed by anti-abortion extremists. Related Topics: Anti-Abortion Violence – Arson