12: Greatly upsetting the extremely traditional and conservative
stance of America, the American Episcopal Church omitted the word "obey"
from the traditional marriage vows in 1922, making a clear statement to
America that women no longer considered themselves to be subordinate
to men in duty and stature. This marked another victory for women's
rights, a movement with such proponents as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth
Cady Stanton, and Matilda Gage, three women who brought forth the "Declaration
of the Rights of Woman" in Philadelphia on July 4, 1876. This was
a famous speech that pushed for a woman's right to vote and her right for
a fair trial, among others. The far-reaching effects of women's rights
is felt even today, as women have advanced tremendously in American society,
securing prestigious jobs, holding public office, owning land, and earning
some degree of respect as equals with men. Submitted
by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
13: In the midst of a tense battle in 1814, Francis Scott Key
penned "The Star Spangled Banner," which would become the national anthem
of the United States of America. Amazed that the American flag was
still flying over Fort McHenry after a brutal two day attack, Key wrote
this poem while in a state of ecstacy. Its adoption is credited to
Judge Nicholson and Ferdinand Durang. Durang was the first person
to sing the poem which was set to the tune of "Adams and Liberty", a popular
song during the American Revolution. Submitted
by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
14: On this day in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt became President
of the United States of America after the assassination of William McKinley.
Roosevelt was famous for making quick decisions on policies and documents
that were passed to him, although some decisions may not have been the
most desirable. Under his administration, Washington, D.C., came
to world prominence and within the confines of the White House itself,
there was a new respect and honor initiated. Although Roosevelt was
one of the Rough Riders, friends of Roosevelt ranked him as one of the
most generous and friendly of the U.S. Presidents up to that time. Submitted
by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
15: In 1789, James Fenimore Cooper was born in Burlington, New
Jersey. He was the first American novelist to achieve an outstanding
level of success among the population at large. Although his stories
maintained tremendous popularity well on into the early twentieth century,
his audience today has decreased considerably, even in the school system,
of which his novels once received the highest attention. Once the
premier American author, his works include The Spy, The Pioneers, and
The
Last of the Mohicans. Submitted
by Robert Wayne Bean, English Major, University of North Carolina at Pembroke