#OTD20 | September 16, 1940
World War II Draft
September 16, 1940: A landmark moment in American history unfolds when F.D.R signs the Selective Training and Service Act of 1940.
Commonly known as the draft, the measure marks a critical step in preparing the nation for the challenges of World War II. Selective Service requires all men aged 21 – 45 to register and is the first peacetime draft in American history. By the end of the war in 1945, more than 50 million men sign-up and nearly 10 million serve in the military.
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The United States' draft and wartime preparations is chronicled in our program, World War II, 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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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