On November 12, 1954, Ellis Island officially closed its doors as an immigration station and detention center, marking the end of an era in American immigration history. Since its opening in 1892, Ellis Island had served as the gateway for over 12 million immigrants, profoundly shaping the cultural landscape of the United States. The closing of Ellis Island symbolized both a shift in immigration policy and the transformation of America’s identity. Today, Ellis Island stands as a historical site, reminding us of the hopes and dreams that fueled generations of immigrants who helped build the nation.
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In 1927, Josef Stalin consolidated his power as the supreme leader of the Soviet Union with the expulsion of Leon Trotsky from the Communist Party. This marked a significant turn in Soviet politics, initiating a period of intense political repression and authoritarian rule. Stalin’s iron grip on the Soviet Union led to radical economic reforms and brutal purges, shaping the course of Soviet history and leaving a lasting legacy on global politics.
In 1936, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge opened to the public after President Franklin D. Roosevelt signaled the start of traffic by pressing a telegraph key from Washington, D.C. The bridge, spanning over 4 miles, was a monumental feat of engineering and infrastructure, connecting San Francisco and Oakland and fueling economic growth in the Bay Area. This achievement symbolized America’s confidence and resilience during the Great Depression, highlighting the power of public works projects to transform communities.
In 1948, former Japanese premier Hideki Tojo and several other Japanese leaders were sentenced to death by a war crimes tribunal for their roles in World War II atrocities. This trial marked a pivotal moment in post-war history, as it held key military and political figures accountable for actions that resulted in immense suffering across Asia and the Pacific. The tribunal’s decisions helped establish principles of international justice that continue to influence global human rights standards today.
In 1970, the Bhola cyclone struck East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh, resulting in the deadliest tropical cyclone on record, with an estimated death toll of 300,000 to 500,000 people. The tragedy highlighted the vulnerability of low-lying coastal regions and brought global attention to disaster preparedness and relief efforts. The cyclone’s devastation also intensified political tensions in Pakistan, contributing to the independence movement that ultimately led to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.
Today in History: December 5
Today in History: December 5:
On December 5, 1848, President James K. Polk sparked the Gold Rush of ’49 by confirming that gold had been discovered in California.
In 1933, national Prohibition came to an end as the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, thus repealing the 18th Amendment.
In 1952, the Great Smog of London descended on the British capital; the unusually thick fog, which contained toxic pollutants
Today in History: December 4
Today in History: December 4:
On Dec. 4, 1991, after being abducted and held for nearly seven years as a hostage by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon,Terry Anderson was released from captivity.
In 1783, Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York.
In 1969, Fred Hampton and Mark Clark of the Black Panther Party were shot and killed during a raid by Chicago police.
Today in History: December 3
Excerpts:Today in History: December 3:
In 1947, the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway.
In 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the armed services to open all military jobs to women.
Today in History: December 2
Today in History: December 2:
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France in a coronation ceremony at Notre Dame de Paris cathedral.
In 2018, Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery charges, adding to a growing collection of legal troubles for the longtime leader.
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