Sputnik 1
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the earth’s first artificial satellite, Sputnik I. The successful launch came as a shock to experts and citizens in the United States, who had hoped that the United States would accomplish this scientific advancement first.
Orville Wright
Orville Wright pilots the first flight longer than 30 minutes. The flight lasted 33 minutes, 17 seconds and covered 21 miles.
Germany Reunified
Germany was reunified after 45 years of division, symbolizing the end of the Cold War era and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Airborne Troops
U.S. Army adopts airborne, or parachute, soldiers. Airborne troops were later used in World War II for landing troops in combat and infiltrating agents into enemy territory.
Kingdom of Yugoslavia
Kingdom of Yugoslavia was officially formed, bringing together several South Slavic states and shaping the Balkan region’s political landscape.
Thurgood Marshall
Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court justice, is sworn in. Marshall had previously been the solicitor general, the head of the legal staff of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and a leading American civil rights lawyer.
“Peanuts”
The beloved comic strip character “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz was first published on October 2nd, 1950, introducing the world to iconic characters like Charlie Brown and Snoopy.
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi, a towering figure in the Indian independence movement and a proponent of nonviolent resistance, was born, leaving an enduring legacy of peace and justice.
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida opened its doors to the public on October 1st, becoming a beloved destination for millions of visitors from around the globe.
“In God We Trust”
“In God We Trust” appears on US paper currency as an act to distinguish the US from the officially atheist USSR; the motto had appeared on coins at various times since 1864.