#OTD20 logo with calendar icon and the words "On This Day: 20th Century"

Introducing the #OTD20 Series

Journey Through the 20th Century, One Day at a Time

We're excited to announce a brand new mini-feature on our website: the #OTD20 Series. 'OTD' is 'On This Day,' and each day we'll take you back through the twentieth century to chronicle a significant event.

What to Expect from the #OTD20 Series

Several times each week, we'll feature a new post that explores a noteworthy moment from the past. From the signing of pivotal legislation to the rise and fall of world leaders to groundbreaking achievements in sports, science, and the arts, the #OTD20 series is designed to both educate and engage. Each post includes:

  • A concise, well-researched blog post
  • A classroom-appropriate video short
  • A social media post to share the knowledge far and wide.
  • Links to additional resources for further research or reading.

Why #OTD20?

In an era overwhelmed by information, knowing our history is more critical than ever. #OTD20 aims to make history accessible and relevant, providing context to our present day. It's perfect for educators looking for classroom kick-offs, history buffs wanting to deepen their knowledge, or anyone interested in learning something new every day.

How to Follow Along

The easiest way to keep up with #OTD20 is to bookmark our dedicated #OTD20 home page, where all our posts will be curated. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram where daily updates will be shared.

Join Us

We invite you to join us on this journey through history. Whether you're a teacher, student, or just someone who loves history, there's something here for everyone.

Let’s rediscover our past, one day at a time.

#OTD20

Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.

President Harry Truman smiling and holding up the Chicago Daily Tribune newspaper with the incorrect headline "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN.

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.

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A flak-damaged Sea Venom aircraft with campaign markings on the deck of HMS Eagle, with crew members nearby, following a sortie over Egypt in November 1956.

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.

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Vintage poster illustrating the Lend-Lease Act, featuring the flags of the U.S., the U.K., the Soviet Union, and China, along with an image of a military tank.

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.

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Colorized photo of Dr. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho walking side by side, with Tho waving to onlookers.

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.

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Vladimir Lenin, with his hat in hand, addressing a large crowd in Petrograd.

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.

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Hungarian revolutionaries standing atop a tank, waving their flag in a crowded square with a historic building in the backdrop.

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.

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Customers and staff in a 1960s electronics store stop to watch President John F. Kennedy on television as he addresses the nation about the Cuban Missile Crisis.

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.

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Group of 1940s Hollywood celebrities and film industry professionals gathered in front of the U.S. Capitol building.

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.

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Gas station with closed pumps and a sign reading 'PUMPS CLOSED' during the 1973 OPEC oil embargo.

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.

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Colorized photo of Dr. Henry Kissinger and Le Duc Tho walking side by side, with Tho waving to onlookers.

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.

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Protesters marching with a large sign that reads: 'end the war now. send the troops home' during the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam.

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.

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Young lady smiling at a sign in a storefront window that reads 'United States Controlled Prices... This store is enlisted'.

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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