#OTD20 | September 18, 1947
The CIA is Born
September 18, 1947: The Central Intelligence Agency comes into existence.
The new spy agency is authorized by the National Security Act of 1947 which fundamentally reshapes the landscape of American Intelligence. Under the Act's provisions, the CIA is entrusted with pivotal responsibilities, including the coordination of the nation's intelligence efforts, the collection and evaluation of intelligence crucial to national security, and the dissemination of vital information. Additionally, it introduces the role of the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI), who will lead both the CIA and the broader U.S. Intelligence Community.
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The Central Intelligence Agency is at the heart of many geopolitical events that unfolded during the Cold War. Our film, AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY: Cold War, is the definitive resource on the topic.
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
November 2, 1948: Truman Defeats Dewey
#OTD20 — November 2, 1948: President Harry Truman defeats Thomas Dewey of New York in one of history’s most shocking political upsets.
October 31, 1956: Suez Crisis Escalates as UK and France Launch Operation Musketeer
#OTD20 — October 31, 1956: The Suez Crisis escalates as the UK and France launch Operation Musketeer to recapture control of the Suez Canal.
October 30, 1941: Roosevelt Approves $1 Billion Lend-Lease Aid to Britain
#OTD20 — October 30, 1941: President Roosevelt makes approves $1 billion in Lend-Lease aid to Britain, demonstrating U.S. support for the Allies during WWII.
October 26, 1955: Ngo Dinh Diem Proclaims Republic of Vietnam
#OTD20 — October 26, 1955: Ngo Dinh Diem proclaims the establishment of the Republic of Vietnam, appointing himself as its inaugural president.
Bolshevik Revolution — October 25, 1917 (O.S.)
#OTD20 — October 25, 1917: Explore the 1917 October Bolshevik Revolution in Russia that ushered in Soviet rule and laid the groundwork for the Cold War.
1956 Hungarian Uprising: The Battle for Freedom October 23 | #OTD20
#OTD20 — October 23, 1956: The Hungarian Uprising begins when mass demonstrations escalate to open revolt and Soviet occupation.
October 22, 1962: JFK Address Nation on Missiles in Cuba
#OTD20 — October 22, 1962: JFK addresses the nation on the Soviet missile buildup in Cuba, leading to the gravest moment in the Cold War.
The HUAC Hearings: The Red Scare Comes to Hollywood | #OTD20
#OTD20 — October 20, 1947: The House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) begins its controversial hearings into alleged Communist infiltration of Hollywood.
October 17, 1973: OPEC Oil Embargo – America’s Energy Wake-Up Call
The 1973 OPEC Oil Embargo triggers gasoline shortages and rationing in the U.S., prompting a reevaluation of the nation’s energy policies.
October 16, 1973: Kissinger and Tho Awarded Nobel Peace Prize
#OTD20 — October 14, 1946: Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho receive the Nobel Peace Prize for their diplomatic efforts in the Paris peace accord.
October 15, 1945: The Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam – A Day of Nationwide Protests
#OTD20 — October 15, 1969: Hundreds of thousands across the U.S. unite in a massive protest against the Vietnam War.
October 14, 1946: Truman Lifts Price Controls on Meat
#OTD20 — October 10, 1986: President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev meet in Reykjavik to discuss arms control. Despite high hopes, they leave without no major agreements.
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