Today in Labor History February 2, 1438: The authorities executed nine leaders of the Transylvanian Peasant Revolt. The uprising began in 1437 in the eastern territories of the Kingdom of Hungary. The revolt broke out after the bishop of Transylvania tried to collect years’ worth of tithes all at once. The peasants were already furious about increased taxes and duties. Thousands of peasants and miners participated, killing noblemen and conquering abbeys and towns. The nobility ultimately quashed the rebellion and executed its leaders. They mutilated the bodies of many participants.
1800s
Today in Labor History February 2, 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, ending the U.S. war with Mexico. The treaty forced Mexico to cede over 1/3 of its territory to the U.S., including California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Colorado and Texas. 25,000 Mexicans and 12,000 Americans died in the war.
Today in Labor History February 2, 1850: Brigham Young declared war on the Timpanogos during the Battle at Fort Utah.
Today in Labor History February 2, 1930s
February 2, 1931: U.S. citizens of Mexican heritage were “repatriated” to Mexico. During the decade’s first four years, the federal government deported anywhere from several hundred thousand to 1.8 million Mexicans. Many were U.S. citizens who had lived in the U.S. for forty or more years.
Today in Labor History February 2, 1938: Emma Tenayuca led a month-long strike at the Southern Pecan-Shelling Company in San Antonio, Texas. The workers were fighting against low wages.
1940s
February 2, 1942: The Osvald Group took the first anti-Nazi action in Norway, to protest the inauguration of Vidkun Quisling. Over 200 members of the Osvald Group committed at least 110 acts of sabotage against the Nazis and Quisling’s collaborationist government during World War II.