#OTD20 | September 21, 1949
Mao Zedong Declares People's Republic of China: A Turning Point in History
September 21, 1949: Mao Zedong, the revolutionary leader, declares the People's Republic of China, bringing an end to the long-running civil war with the Western-backed government of Chiang Kai-shek.
The proclamation occurs in Beijing, marking the climax of a bitter struggle between Communist forces and Nationalists. The political shift has dramatic repercussion on domestic and foreign policy in the United States. "Who lost China?" becomes a rallying cry for red-baiting extremists, like Senator Joseph McCarthy.
The newly formed People's Republic alters the geopolitical landscape, intensifying the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The event sets the stage for China's emergence as a global superpower, influencing international relations for over seven decades.
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The repercussions of Communist Revolution in China are portrayed in "Red Star Rising" from the epic, classroom film, "The Cold War."
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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.
September 13, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
#OTD20 — September 10, 1948: Margaret Chase Smith is elected to the U.S. making her the first woman to serve in both chambers of Congress.
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.
September 11, 1973: Coup Topples Government in Chile
#OTD20 — September 11, 1973: a military coup topples the democratically-elected government in Chile.
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.
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.
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.
September 7, 1940. Luftwaffe attacks. London Blitz Begins.
#OTD20 — September 7, 1940: The Blitz of London begins as the German Luftwaffe launches a devastating attack on the city. By day’s end, one thousand Londoners are dead.
Introducing #OTD20: Your Daily Dose of History
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