On September 14, 1901, the United States faced a pivotal moment when President William McKinley succumbed to gunshot wounds he had sustained eight days earlier. His assassination, occurring in Buffalo, New York, led to the swift succession of Vice President Theodore Roosevelt. At just 42 years old, Roosevelt became the youngest president in U.S. history, marking the beginning of a transformative era in American politics and global influence.
Also on this date:
– 1847: The Mexican-American War Reaches Mexico City
On this day in 1847, during the height of the Mexican-American War, U.S. forces led by General Winfield Scott captured Mexico City, effectively sealing a decisive victory. This moment marked a critical juncture in the conflict, as it paved the way for the eventual Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the vast territorial expansion of the United States.
– 1861: The Civil War’s First Naval Battle
September 14, 1861, saw the first naval engagement of the American Civil War. The USS Colorado launched an aggressive assault on the Confederate private schooner Judah off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. This battle, although small in scale, underscored the vital role naval power would play in shaping the course of the Civil War.
– 1927: The Tragic Death of Isadora Duncan
Renowned modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan met a tragic end in Nice, France, in 1927. While riding in a sports car, her signature scarf became caught in a wheel, leading to a fatal accident. Duncan’s innovative artistry and rebellious spirit had forever changed the world of dance, making her death an international shock.
– 1982: The Passing of Princess Grace of Monaco
On this date in 1982, Princess Grace of Monaco, once the beloved Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, succumbed to injuries sustained in a car accident the previous day. She was 52 years old. Her sudden death left an indelible mark on both Monaco and the global film community, as she had transitioned from silver screen royalty to European nobility.
– 1991: South Africa’s National Peace Pact
On September 14, 1991, a landmark event occurred in the battle against apartheid in South Africa. The government, along with the African National Congress and the Inkatha Freedom Party, signed a national peace accord. This pact was a crucial step towards dismantling the country’s long-standing system of racial segregation and moving toward democracy.
– 1994: The End of Baseball’s 1994 Season
In a historic and disheartening decision, Acting Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig declared the end of the 1994 baseball season on this day, marking the 34th day of a strike by players. It was the first time in 90 years that the Major League Baseball season was canceled, a moment that sent shockwaves through the world of professional sports.
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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