December 8, 1963
President Abraham Lincoln offered his conciliatory plan for reunification of the United States with his Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, allowing for a full pardon for and restoration of property to all engaged in the rebellion with the exception of the highest Confederate officials and military leaders. It also allowed for a new state government to be formed when 10 percent of the eligible voters had taken an oath of allegiance to the United States. The Southern states admitted in this fashion were encouraged to enact plans to deal with the freed slaves so long as their freedom was not compromised.
December 8, 1941
Jeannette Rankin (R-Montana), in 1916 the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, cast the only vote opposing declaration of war against Japan, despite their attack on Pearl Harbor the previous day. After a 40-minute debate on the floor of the House, a roll call vote began. When her turn came, Rankin stood and said, “As a woman, I can’t go to war and I refuse to send anyone else.”
