1915: The Women’s Suffrage March in New York City
On October 23, 1915, approximately 25,000 women took to Fifth Avenue in New York City to demand the right to vote. This monumental march was one of the largest public displays of support for women’s suffrage at the time, reflecting the growing strength of the movement. This action played a crucial role in the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted women the right to vote. The march highlighted the resolve and determination of women across the United States to fight for equality, changing the course of American history by helping to reshape the democratic process.
1942: The Battle of El Alamein
On this day during World War II, Britain launched a major offensive against Axis forces at El Alamein in Egypt. This decisive battle marked a turning point in the North African campaign. Led by British General Bernard Montgomery, the victory halted the advance of Nazi Germany’s Afrika Korps, commanded by Erwin Rommel, and set the stage for the eventual defeat of Axis forces in North Africa. The success at El Alamein boosted Allied morale and demonstrated the importance of controlling the Mediterranean and Suez Canal, key routes for oil and supplies.
1944: The Battle of Leyte Gulf Begins
October 23, 1944, saw the start of the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in history, involving over 200,000 naval personnel. This critical engagement, which took place during World War II, resulted in a decisive Allied victory against the Japanese Navy, significantly weakening Japan’s ability to continue the war. The battle also marked the first time Japan deployed kamikaze pilots, showcasing the desperation of their forces. The outcome of Leyte Gulf facilitated the liberation of the Philippines and paved the way for the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific.
1956: The Hungarian Revolution Erupts
A student-led uprising began in Hungary on October 23, 1956, as citizens protested against Soviet control and the oppressive Communist regime. Initially successful, the revolution inspired hopes of freedom and reform across Eastern Europe. However, Soviet forces quickly intervened, and by November, the rebellion was crushed. Though short-lived, the Hungarian Revolution was a significant episode in Cold War history, highlighting the tensions between the desire for democratic freedoms and the repressive force of the Soviet Union. It also set a precedent for later uprisings in Eastern Bloc countries.
1983: The Beirut Barracks Bombing
On October 23, 1983, a devastating suicide truck bombing at the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killed 241 American servicemen, mostly Marines, in one of the deadliest attacks on U.S. military personnel. A simultaneous attack on French paratroopers killed 58. The bombing, carried out by Hezbollah militants, underscored the rising threat of terrorism in the Middle East. This tragedy prompted the eventual withdrawal of U.S. troops from Lebanon and marked a shift in U.S. foreign policy in the region, emphasizing the complexities of peacekeeping in volatile areas.
1987: The Rejection of Robert H. Bork’s Supreme Court Nomination
The U.S. Senate voted 58-42 on October 23, 1987, to reject Robert H. Bork’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Bork, a conservative legal scholar, faced intense opposition due to his views on civil rights, privacy, and the role of the judiciary. His rejection was a watershed moment in the politicization of the Supreme Court nomination process. The debate over Bork’s nomination reshaped how future justices would be vetted, marking the beginning of more ideologically charged confirmation hearings that have continued to this day.
1995: The Conviction of Yolanda Saldivar for the Murder of Selena
On this day in 1995, a Houston jury convicted Yolanda Saldivar for the murder of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, the beloved Tejano music star. Selena’s death at just 23 years old shocked the world and left a lasting legacy on both the Latin music industry and her fans. Known as the “Queen of Tejano,” Selena’s influence transcended borders, and her tragic murder brought attention to domestic violence and issues within the entertainment industry. The case also highlighted the challenges of fame, loyalty, and trust, which remain topics of public interest today.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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