U.S. History (1900s)

Oct 293 min read

This Day in History: Tragedy hits the Cal Poly football team

On this day in 1960, a plane carrying the Cal Poly football team crashes in Ohio. The tragedy was the first airline crash involving a...

This Day in History: The Wright Brothers' “practical” aircraft

tara

Oct 53 min read

This Day in History: The Wright Brothers' “practical” aircraft

On this day in 1905, Wilbur Wright makes a record-setting airplane flight. His Flyer III would stay in the air for more than 38 minutes....

This Day in History: Calvin Coolidge on Liberty

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Sep 252 min read

This Day in History: Calvin Coolidge on Liberty

On this day in 1924, Calvin Coolidge gives a speech. He discusses the mindset of our ancestors as they began their conflict with Great...

This Day in History: Assassination attempt on Ford

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Sep 53 min read

This Day in History: Assassination attempt on Ford

On this day in 1975, Gerald Ford survives an assassination attempt. A second failed attempt would be made just 17 days later. Oddly,...

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Aug 283 min read

This Day in History: “I have a dream!”

On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. famously delivers his “I have a dream” speech during the March on Washington for Jobs and...

This Day in History: FDR Pushes the Limits of the Constitution

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Jun 253 min read

This Day in History: FDR Pushes the Limits of the Constitution

On this day in 1938, Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a law setting a federal minimum wage. The bill was the culmination of months of work:...

This Day in History: Operation Eagle Claw ends in tragedy

tara

Apr 243 min read

This Day in History: Operation Eagle Claw ends in tragedy

On this day in 1980, a special operations team attempts to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran. That mission would unfortunately end in...

This Day in History: Charles Lindbergh & his historic flight

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Mar 203 min read

This Day in History: Charles Lindbergh & his historic flight

On this day in 1928, Colonel Charles Lindbergh is awarded the Medal of Honor. In an odd twist, he’d already received a Distinguished...

This Day in History: The Great White Fleet

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Feb 223 min read

This Day in History: The Great White Fleet

On this day in 1909, sixteen American battleships arrive at Hampton Roads, Virginia. This “Great White Fleet” of U.S. Navy vessels had...

This Day in History: The Great Baltimore Fire

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Feb 73 min read

This Day in History: The Great Baltimore Fire

On this day in 1904, the Great Baltimore Fire breaks out. The conflagration would decimate more than 1,500 buildings across at least 70...

This Day in History: First Live Televised Press Conference

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Jan 252 min read

This Day in History: First Live Televised Press Conference

On this day in 1961, John F. Kennedy becomes the first United States President to give a live, televised press conference. Modern...

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Nov 16, 20232 min read

This Day in History: Franksgiving

During this month in 1941, Thanksgiving is celebrated on two different dates. The federal government and some states celebrated the...

This Day in History: A massive blackout cripples the Northeast

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Nov 9, 20233 min read

This Day in History: A massive blackout cripples the Northeast

On this day in 1965, a massive blackout cripples the Northeast. At first, no one knew what to think! The Cold War was then being silently...

This Day in History: Booker T. Washington

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Nov 3, 20231 min read

This Day in History: Booker T. Washington

On this day in 1900, a magazine publishes the first installment of a weekly series. That series would eventually be compiled and...

tara

Nov 1, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Seabiscuit

On this day in 1938, the “race of the century” is held at Pimlico Race Course. The contest between two thoroughbred racing...

tara

Oct 31, 20232 min read

This Day in History: Mount Rushmore

On this day in 1941, Mount Rushmore is declared complete. Did you know that the famous presidential monument was partly inspired by a...

This Day in History: Benjamin Davis, Sr.

tara

Oct 25, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Benjamin Davis, Sr.

On this day in 1940, Benjamin O. Davis, Sr. becomes the first black man to attain the rank of general in the United States Army. Would...

This Day in History: President William McKinley is shot

tara

Sep 6, 20233 min read

This Day in History: President William McKinley is shot

On this day in 1901, President William McKinley is shot by a gunman. He would pass away eight days later. The McKinleys were then...

This Day in History: Gerald Ford pardons Richard Nixon

tara

Aug 8, 20233 min read

This Day in History: Gerald Ford pardons Richard Nixon

On this day in 1974, President Richard Nixon announces his resignation from office. He’d been facing impeachment and possible criminal...

This Day in History: “I do not choose to run for president”

tara

Aug 2, 20233 min read

This Day in History: “I do not choose to run for president”

On this day in 1927, Calvin Coolidge declines to run for re-election as President. His statement to the press was simple: “I do not...

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