On October 3, 1990: The long-standing division between West Germany and East Germany, which had persisted for 45 years after World War II, officially ended with the reunification of Germany. This monumental event followed the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, signaling the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era for Europe. The reunification was a significant step in healing the wounds of the Cold War and marked Germany’s return as a unified, sovereign nation.
Also on this date:
In 1944: During World War II, U.S. Army troops successfully breached the Siegfried Line north of Aachen, Germany. The Siegfried Line, a massive system of defensive fortifications built by Nazi Germany, was intended to hold back the Allies. This breakthrough was a pivotal moment in the Allied advance into Germany, weakening the German military’s ability to defend its homeland.
In 1951: In one of the most iconic moments in baseball history, Bobby Thomson of the New York Giants hit a three-run homer off Ralph Branca of the Brooklyn Dodgers to secure the National League pennant. Known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” this dramatic home run is celebrated not only for its impact on baseball but also as a symbol of post-war American culture, as the game captivated millions of radio listeners across the country.
In 1974: Frank Robinson made history as Major League Baseball’s first Black manager when he was hired by the Cleveland Indians. A Hall of Fame player, Robinson had an illustrious career before becoming a manager, and his appointment was a significant milestone in the fight for racial equality in professional sports. His leadership helped pave the way for future generations of African American managers and executives.
In 1993: The Battle of Mogadishu, one of the deadliest U.S. military engagements since the Vietnam War, claimed the lives of 18 American service members and hundreds of Somalis. The battle, part of a U.N. mission to stabilize Somalia, exposed the challenges of peacekeeping in the region and is best known through the film “Black Hawk Down.” The battle had long-term implications for U.S. foreign policy in the 1990s.
In 1995: In a verdict that stunned the nation, the jury in the O.J. Simpson murder trial found the former football star not guilty of the 1994 killings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ronald Goldman. The trial, one of the most-watched events in television history, raised lasting questions about race, class, and justice in America, with public opinion deeply divided over the outcome.
In 2008: O.J. Simpson was convicted of robbery and kidnapping for leading an armed confrontation with two sports-memorabilia dealers in a Las Vegas hotel room. Simpson’s conviction came exactly 13 years after his acquittal in the infamous murder trial, closing another chapter in his legal saga. He was sentenced to up to 33 years in prison and was released on parole in 2017.
In 2011: After four years of imprisonment in Italy, Amanda Knox, an American student, was acquitted of murder charges in the death of her British roommate, Meredith Kercher. Knox’s trial gripped international audiences, and her eventual release highlighted issues within the Italian justice system. The case continued to stir controversy for years, with a mix of legal battles and public debate over Knox’s innocence.
In 2013: A ship carrying African migrants sank off the coast of Lampedusa, Italy, resulting in the deaths of over 365 people. This tragedy underscored the growing humanitarian crisis in the Mediterranean, as thousands of migrants risked their lives to reach Europe in search of safety and better opportunities. The event prompted calls for stronger international responses to migrant crises and the reform of European immigration policies.
In 2023: In an unprecedented move, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to remove Kevin McCarthy from his position as Speaker of the House. McCarthy’s ousting, the first in U.S. history, reflected deep divisions within the Republican Party and highlighted the political volatility of the time. His removal raised questions about the future of House leadership and the direction of U.S. politics going forward.
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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October 3: O.J. Simpson Day: In 1995 he was found not guilty of murder. In 2008, he was found guilty of robbery and kidnapping.