This Day in History

Sun, 27 Apr 2025

US President Abraham Lincoln Suspends (1861)

In law, habeas corpus is a writ ordering that a person be brought before a judge, especially to decide whether a prisoner's detention is lawful. Its suspension means that prisoners can be held indefinitely without being charged. During the US Civil War, President Lincoln suspended habeas corpus to arrest and silence Southern dissenters. A legal battle ensued, and Lincoln prevailed. How was habeas corpus treated in the Confederacy at this time? Discuss

Sat, 26 Apr 2025

Syria Ends Occupation of Lebanon (2005)

In 1976, with his country embroiled in a deadly civil war, the Lebanese president turned to Syria for assistance. At his request, Syrian forces entered Lebanon. Despite their 29-year presence, the Syrians were unable to secure lasting stability. By 2005, Syrian influence in Lebanese government had provoked protests, which intensified after the assassination of Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, and Syrian troops finally withdrew in April. When did the two countries re-establish diplomatic relations?

Fri, 25 Apr 2025

United Negro College Fund Established (1944)

Founded in 1944 by Frederick D. Patterson and Mary McLeod Bethune, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) provides college tuition for African-American students and scholarship funds for its approximately 40 member colleges. Many of its beneficiaries are the first in their families to attend college, and it counts many distinguished individuals among its alumni, including Martin Luther King, Jr. The UNCF motto is one of the most well known slogans in the history of advertising. What is it?