#OTD20
On This Day in the 20th Century
#OTD20 | September 17, 1939
Soviet Union Invades Poland
September 17, 1939: The Soviet Union invades Poland marking an alarming escalation of hostilities in Central Europe.
The offensive, coming on the heels of Germany's invasion of September 1st, begins in the early morning hours. Soviet forces inform Polish frontier guards they have arrived to liberate them from the fascists, then open fire. Moscow declares the Polish government in Warsaw has "ceased to exist."
Viewing Options
The United States' draft and wartime preparations is chronicled in our program, World War II, from AMERICA IN THE 20TH CENTURY.
Additional Resources
Access more information from Media Rich Learning and curated off-site sources.
#OTD20
Step back in time to experience the significant events that happened on this day in the 20th century.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Remarkably social