October 8 is the anniversary of The Days of Rage in 1969. During this event, about 800 youths banded together to attempt to force a stop to the Vietnam War via direct action. The illegal war was becoming increasingly unpopular as bodybags and the truth started to return from Vietnam.
Incensed that 2000 people were dying every day, and the US regime was not willing to listen to peaceful protests, they arranged a rally in Chicago, ready to fight the police. A few members of the members of The Chicago 8 also showed up to offer support.
The rally failed to attract the attention that they had hoped. About 800 people showed up on the first day. They rioted, and the militarized police tear gassed, shot at, and beat them. The uprising fizzled over the next two days. One protestor was left dead, and dozens injured. The police suffered no serious injuries.
The authoritarian regime continued to ignore the will of its people for another 6 years. Millions more would die. Peaceful protests continued to have little effect.
Honourable mentions to:
The Great Chicago Fire in 1871. One of the first major warnings that the colonisers were not changing the land for the better. Droughts from widespread deforestation aided in large wildfires thoughout the great lakes.
The Establishment of Homeland Security in 2001. It has eroded civil rights since its inception, essentially operating as secret police with little to no oversight.