Birmingham

The Priestley Riots were a series of riots in Birmingham, England, beginning on 14 July 1791, in celebration of the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille. The riots were partly religious and political, with the targets being Dissenters and supporters of the French Revolution. Joseph Priestley, who was a prominent scientist and a Dissenter, was a significant target, and his home and laboratory were destroyed.

The Bull Ring is a major commercial centre in Birmingham, England. The site has been historically significant for trade and commerce since the Middle Ages. On October 4, 1839, the new Bull Ring markets opened, marking a significant development in the city's commercial life. The Bull Ring has since been redeveloped multiple times and remains a central part of Birmingham's economy and urban landscape.

On July 9, 1909, Birmingham hosted one of the largest suffrage parades, organized by the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). This was part of the campaign for women's suffrage in the United Kingdom. Participants marched to demand voting rights for women, using Birmingham as a platform to demonstrate the strength and determination of the suffrage movement. The parade saw thousands of supporters and made significant headlines across the nation.

During the Birmingham Blitz of World War II, the city experienced heavy bombing by the German Luftwaffe. The first major raid occurred on August 19, 1940. Birmingham's industrial significance made it a strategic target. The bombings led to significant destruction and loss of life. Despite the devastation, the resilience of Birmingham's population during and after these raids was remarkable, leading to a rapid recovery and rebuilding effort post-war.

On the evening of November 21, 1974, two bombs exploded in pubs in Birmingham, England, killing 21 people and injuring 182 others. The attack was one of the deadliest during The Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland. The Provisional Irish Republican Army was believed to be responsible. The bombings led to a controversial investigation and the wrongful imprisonment of the 'Birmingham Six,' whose convictions were eventually quashed in 1991.

The 24th G8 summit was held in Birmingham, England, on June 15–17, 1998. This summit brought together leaders from eight of the world's largest industrialized nations to discuss a range of global issues, including economics, security, and the environment. It was notable for the lack of major protests and the introduction of global health initiatives. Birmingham was chosen for its central location and its capacity to host such a high-profile international event.

The Bullring Shopping Centre in Birmingham, one of the largest shopping centers in the United Kingdom, officially opened on September 4, 2003. This was the final stage of a major redevelopment that transformed the area into a premier shopping destination, featuring over 160 shops and services. The design included the iconic Selfridges Building, known for its futuristic architecture, which became a symbol of Birmingham's urban transformation.

During early August 2011, Birmingham was one of several cities in England affected by widespread rioting and looting. The disturbances were part of a larger wave of social unrest triggered by the police shooting of Mark Duggan in London. In Birmingham, significant damage occurred to property, and there were several arrests. The riots prompted debates about socio-economic inequality, youth disenfranchisement, and policing practices in urban UK.

Birmingham hosted the 2022 Commonwealth Games from July 28 to August 8. This major international multi-sport event featured athletes from across the Commonwealth nations. Birmingham leveraged existing facilities and built new venues, such as the Sandwell Aquatics Centre, to host the games. The event was considered a success and showcased Birmingham's capability to host large-scale international sporting events, boosting local culture and economy.