Monthly Archives: October 2012

Kennedy signs formal declaration of Cuban blockade 50 years ago this hour (1962)

1960s, Cold War, U.S. Presidents


Video: October 23, 1962 (at 7:36)

(Tuesday, October 23, 1962, 7:06 p.m. EDT, day eight of the Cuban missile crisis, part of the Cold War) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed Proclamation 3504 tonight formally declaring the blockade of Cuban sea ports. Orders are issued to begin enforcing the blockade at 10:00 am the next morning. Continue reading Kennedy signs formal declaration of Cuban blockade 50 years ago this hour (1962) →

Second Battle of El Alamein begins in Egypt 70 years ago today (1942)

1940s, World War II


Video: Oct. 23, 1942 (at 0:00)

(Friday, October 23, 1942, 21:40 Egyptian Summer Time, part of Western Desert Campaign of World War II) — The Second Battle of El Alamein opened today as British Lieutenant-General Bernard Montgomery unleashed the British 8th Army against Axis forces at El Alamein in Egypt. Continue reading Second Battle of El Alamein begins in Egypt 70 years ago today (1942) →

Anthracite Coal Strike of eastern Pennsylvania ends 110 years ago today (1902)

1900s


Video: 1902 Anthracite Coal Miners Strike, Trevor Goring

(Thursday, October 23, 1902) — The 163-day Anthracite Coal Strike in the anthracite coal fields of eastern Pennsylvania ended today as more than 100,000 striking miners received more pay for fewer hours and the owners got a higher price for coal.

The strike was settled after President Theodore Roosevelt set up a fact-finding commission. It was the first labor episode in which the federal government intervened as a neutral arbitrator.

‘The First Family’ comedy album recorded in New York City 50 years ago tonight (1962)

1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Vaughn Meader: The First Family, Vol. 1'

(Monday, October 22, 1962) — The hit comedy album The First Family, starring comedian-impressionist Vaughn Meader as President John F. Kennedy, was recorded today before a studio audience in New York City on the same night as John F. Kennedy’s Cuban Missile Crisis speech.

South Vietnamese President Thieu turns down peace proposal 40 years ago today (1972)

1970s, Cold War, Vietnam War


Video: October 22, 1972 (6:51)

(Sunday, October 22, 1972, during the Vietnam War) — In Saigon, U.S. National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger and South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu met today to discuss a proposed cease-fire in the Vietnam War, already discussed between Americans and North Vietnamese in Paris. Continue reading South Vietnamese President Thieu turns down peace proposal 40 years ago today (1972) →

End of ‘Sacrifice and torture’ in Stalingrad ‘nowhere in sight’ 70 years ago today (1942)

1940s, World War II


Video: October 22, 1942 (at 4:07)

(Thursday, October 22, 1942, during the Battle of Stalingrad, part of the Eastern Front of World War II) — Wilhelm Hoffman, a soldier in the 267th Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division of the German 6th Army who chronicled the Battle of Stalingrad in his journal, wrote today:

“Who would have thought three months ago that instead of the joy of victory we would have to endure such sacrifice and torture, the end of which is nowhere in sight?…The soldiers are calling Stalingrad the mass grave of the Wehrmacht.”