Hirschi Law Group PLLC

February 11-18

This Week in History
A Freed Man

FEBRUARY 11, 1990 - South African anti-apartheid leader, Nelson Mandela, was released after serving more than 20 years in prison. South Africa's apartheid was a legal system of racial segregation that lasted from 1948 to 1994. Often painted as a peace-promoting political prisoner, Nelson was in fact the leader of Umkhonto we Sizwe, a terrorist organization and the armed wing of the African National Congress. Mandela was arrested and convicted in 1962 for coordinating sabotage attacks on military and government targets. In early 1990, as reforms to end apartheid were beginning, the South African government agreed to release Mandela. Four years later, in South Africa's first fully representative election, Mandela was elected president with 62 percent of the vote. Mandela remains an immensely popular figure today and has been awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize, Britain's Order of Merit and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Welcome to the Union

FEBRUARY 14, 1912 - Arizona became the 48th state in the United States. Formerly part of Mexico, the majority of the Arizona territory was taken by force at the conclusion of the Mexican-American War in 1847, while the area south of the Gila River was acquired in the 1853 Gadsen Purchase for $10 million. Once under the control of the United States, Arizona was part of the New Mexico Territory and then in 1862 was recognized as a separate territory after portions of the New Mexico Territory seceded from the United States during the Civil War. Arizona finally became a state on the 50th anniversary of becoming a territory.

Prelude to War

USS MaineFEBRUARY 15, 1898 - An explosion on board the USS Maine caused the ship to sink in Havana Harbor in Cuba and sparked the Spanish-American War. The Maine was sent to Cuba by President William McKinley to protect American interests at a time when Cubans were trying to gain their independence from Spain. Although the exact cause of the explosion has never been determined, it is speculated that the ship hit a mine, which caused munitions on board the ship to detonate, killing 274 sailors. The resulting war between Spain and the United States was essentially a four-month thumping of the Spaniards, highlighted by Teddy Roosevelt's charge up San Juan Hill with his Rough Riders (most of whom came from the Arizona Territory).

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear. "

-- Nelson Mandela

Preparing for Valentines
Heath is Reading


Five Love Languages

The Five Love Languages:
The Secret to Love that Lasts

by Dr. Gary Chapman

History Quiz Winners

Congratulations to Jim P, Howard F, Kerry B and Susie R, who responded with the correct answer to last week's History Quiz (B. Citizen Kane).
Shower Infusers

Each who won a jar of Bath By Bettijo Aromatherapy Shower Infusers, which happen to be on sale this week for $19.99 (regularly $36).

Watch for more quizzes and chances to win in the future.

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