#OTD20 | October 5, 1914
Aerial Combat's Pioneering Moment: The Dawn of Dogfights
October 5, 1914: The first aerial combat victory is marked when a French biplane shoots down a German aircraft.
This groundbreaking event transforms the skies into a new battlefield. The romantic era of flight soon confronts the grim realities of war.
Initially, planes in WWI primarily serve reconnaissance roles. But as the conflict intensifies, nations recognize the potential of aircraft as offensive weapons. The skies over Europe witness fierce dogfights, with pilots becoming heroes and legends in their own right.
This milestone in aerial warfare paves the way for the development of advanced fighter planes and combat tactics, forever changing the dynamics of warfare.
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The advent of modern industrial warfare, including the use of aircraft in combat, is chronicled in our two-part survey of the Great War, "World War I."
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#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
September 15, 1916: First Use of Tanks in Combat
#OTD20 — September 15, 1916: History is made as military tanks roll into combat for the first time during the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, part of the Somme Offensive.
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September 12, 1962: JFK Pledges “We Go to the Moon…”
#OTD20 — September 12, 1962: JFK delivers his “We Go to the Moon” address at Rice University, challenging the nation to land a man on the moon within the decade.
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September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
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September 9, 1916. Woodrow Wilson Urges Patience on Women’s Suffrage
#OTD20 — September 9, 1916: President Woodrow Wilson speaks in Atlantic City, urging patience on the issue of women’s suffrage.
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September 8, 1945. Korea Partitioned at 38th Parallel
#OTD20 — September 8, 1945: American troops arrive in Korea, initiating the division of the peninsula along the 38th parallel.
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September 8, 1945: Huey “The Kingfish” Long Shot
#OTD20 — September 10, 1935: Senator Huey Long, a prominent figure during the Depression-era politics, is shot while at the Louisiana state capital in Baton Rouge.
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Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
Join us as we unveil our #OTD20 Series—a daily exploration of significant events from the past. Perfect for educators, history buffs, and the eternally curious.
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