10 Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti

Look at Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti to get the interesting information about the Italian-born American anarchists. An armed robbery at the Slater and Morrill Shoe Company in Braintree, Massachusetts, US took place on 15th April 1920. A paymaster and a guard were killed during a robbery. The accused ones in the robbery were Bartolomeo Vanzetti and Nicola Sacco. Seven years after being convicted, both of them were executed at Charlestown State Prison in electric chair.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 1: the first-degree murder

Sacco and Vanzetti were convicted to conduct the first-degree murder according to the jury on 14 July 1921. The trial judge gave both of them death sentence.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 2: appeals

The private Sacco and Vanzetti Defense Committee gave the funding for a number of appeals. The confession of an alleged participant in the robbery, conflicting ballistic evidence and testimony were used as the base for the appeals. Webster Thayer who served the trial jury denied all appeals. Massachusetts State Supreme Court also denied the appeals later.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 3: the global attention

The global attention was on the case of Sacco and Vanzetti by 1926. The people who lived in big cities in Europe, North America and South America held major protest in 1927. They believed that Sacco and Vanzetti were innocent.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 4: a new trial

The people who pleaded for a new trial for Sacco and Vanzetti included the academics, artists and writers. Felix Frankfurter was the Harvard law professor who presented an argument that both were innocent after reading the Atlantic Monthly article.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 5: the death sentence

In April 1927, Sacco and Vanzetti had their schedule to die on the electric chair. The public outcry was increased.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 6: Alvan T. Fuller

Alvan T. Fuller was the governor of Massachusetts who received many telegrams, which pleaded for their pardon. Thus, three men were appointed by Fuller to re-investigate the case.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 7: execution

On 23 August 1927, the execution of Sacco and Vanzetti took place since the data gathered by the commission by Fuller supported the verdict.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 8: the riots

After their execution, the riot took place in London, Paris and other big cities.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 9: investigation

In 1930s and 1940s, the investigation related to the case of Sacco and Vanzetti still occurred.

Facts about Sacco and Vanzetti 10: the 50th anniversary of the executions

The 50th anniversary of the executions took place on 23rd August 1977. A proclamation was issued by Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis related to the unfair conviction and trial for Sacco and Vanzetti.

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