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Legislation That Changed History

Explore the laws and legislative acts that transformed governments and societies throughout history. Discover landmark legislation involving political institutions, civil rights, economic policy, public health, education, labor, and other areas, and examine how new laws changed rights, responsibilities, institutions, and everyday life.

Major Historical Events Involving Legislation

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📅 Sep 9, 1739

The Stono Rebellion, Largest Slave Uprising in Colonial America

On September 9, 1739, the Stono Rebellion broke out near Charleston, the largest slave uprising in Britain's mainland American colonies.

📖Law & Justice📖Movements📖Society
🔖Legislation
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📅 Sep 9, 1776

The Continental Congress Names the Country the United States

On September 9, 1776, Congress resolved that the new nation be called the United States rather than the United Colonies.

📖Politics
🔖Legislation
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📅 Sep 17, 1787

Delegates Sign the United States Constitution in Philadelphia

On September 17, 1787, delegates in Philadelphia signed the United States Constitution, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

📖Law & Justice📖Politics
🔖Legislation
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📅 Sep 10, 1846

Elias Howe Patents the Lockstitch Sewing Machine

On September 10, 1846, Elias Howe patented the lockstitch sewing machine, the design that made machine sewing practical.

🔖Legislation
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📅 Sep 19, 1893

New Zealand Grants Women the Vote

On September 19, 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to give all women the right to vote.

⛳New Zealand
📖Movements📖Politics
🔖Legislation
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📅 Sep 15, 1935

Nazi Germany Enacts the Nuremberg Laws

On September 15, 1935, Nazi Germany enacted the Nuremberg Laws, stripping Jews of citizenship and banning mixed marriages.

⛳Germany
📖Law & Justice📖Politics📖Society
🔖Legislation
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📅 Sep 16, 1940

Roosevelt Signs the First Peacetime Draft in American History

On September 16, 1940, Roosevelt signed the Selective Training and Service Act, the first peacetime military draft in United States history.

📖Military & Warfare📖Politics
🔖Legislation
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📅 Sep 18, 1947

The National Security Act Creates the CIA

On September 18, 1947, the National Security Act created the CIA, the National Security Council and an independent Air Force.

📖Military & Warfare📖Politics
🔖Legislation