#OTD20 | September 13, 1948
Margaret Chase Smith Elected to Senate
September 13, 1948: A trailblazing moment in American politics as Margaret Chase Smith secures her place in history.
Smith is elected to the U.S. Senate becoming the first woman to serve in both the House and Senate.
Smith's candidacy faced deep-rooted gender bias, with critics questioning whether the Senate was the right place for a woman. In response to skeptics, she drew parallels between managing a household and managing public affairs.
Her victory shatters barriers and paves the way for more women in American politics. Margaret Chase Smith would serve in Washington across four decades, retiring in 1973.
Viewing Options
Learn more about the era in which Margaret Chase Smith served in Congress. It's chronicled in our curriculum-aligned film, Post-War Years, from AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY.
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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 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.
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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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