#OTD20 | October 4, 1957
Sputnik Launch: The Dawn of the Space Age
October 4, 1957: The world witnesses a defining moment in human history as the Soviet Union successfully launches Sputnik I, the Earth's first artificial satellite.
Beaming back its iconic beeps from space, Sputnik is not just a feat of engineering but also a declaration of Soviet prowess in the intensifying Cold War.
"Today, a new moon is in the sky, a 23-inch metal sphere placed in orbit by a Russian rocket." - Announcement from Radio Moscow, 1957.
While the Soviets celebrate, the launch jolts the American public and Eisenhower administration. Rockets that can send satellites into orbit can also be used to send ballistic missiles across oceans. The swift U.S. response ushers in a new era of innovation, exploration, and competition.
Sputnik's launch is milestone in space exploration and ignites a race that would define global dynamics and technological advancements for decades to come.
Viewing Options
The launch of Sputnik I and the Space Race are chronicled in our video program, "The Sixties," from "America in the 20th Century."
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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 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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