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FDR defies rain, wind to let New York see him 70 years ago today (Oct 21 1944)

1940s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Roosevelt In New York Aka Presidential Campaign (1944)'

(Saturday, October 21, 1944, during World War II) — As heavy rain and autumn winds pelted the five boroughs, U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, approaching an election for an historic fourth term, toured through fifty-one miles of New York City streets today in a large motorcade.

With his wife Eleanor at his side, the aging president defied terrible weather to greet his fellow Americans from an open car (and sometimes without a hat).

Americans take Aachen, first German city captured by Allies 70 years ago today (Oct 21 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Battle For Aachen (1944)'

(Saturday, October 21, 1944, 12:06 p.m. local time; during the Battle of Aachen, part of World War II) — The last despairing opposition in the desert of death and strewn ruins that used to be the prosperous city of Aachen, Germany, broke down suddenly today as the German commander signed an unconditional surrender order and handed himself, his staff and about 1,000 surviving German soldiers. It was the first city on German soil to be captured by the Allies.

Belgrade, Dubrovnik liberated by Russian, Yugoslav troops 70 years ago today (Oct 20 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Liberation of Belgrade (1944)'

(Friday, October 20, 1944; during the Belgrade Offensive, part of the Yugoslav and Eastern fronts of World War II) — Russian and Yugoslav troops today captured the Yugoslav capital of Belgrade, annihilating its Axis garrison in savage street battles. They also liberated the city of Dubrovnik.

MacArthur fulfills promise, returns to the Philippines 70 years ago this hour (Oct 20 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Allied Newsreel - MacArthur Lands at Leyte, Philippines 1944'

(Friday, October 20, 1944, 1:30 p.m. local time; during the Battle of Leyte, part of the Pacific Theatre of World War II) — American forces landed on Red Beach in Palo, Leyte, today as General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines, fulfilling his promise to return to the area he was forced to flee in 1942. Continue reading MacArthur fulfills promise, returns to the Philippines 70 years ago this hour (Oct 20 1944) →

Guatemala ousts regime in revolt beginning 70 years ago this hour (Oct 20 1944)

1940s


Video: 'GUATEMALA 1944 [Aftermath of Guatemalan Revolution]'

(Friday, October 20, 1944, 2:00 a.m. CST) — Young officers, aided by civilians and students and employing tanks, overthrew the provisional government of President Federico Ponce today in a revolt that was reported to have resulted in more than 1,000 casualties after sharp fighting.

Yanks victorious at the Battle of Cedar Creek 150 years ago this hour (Oct 19 1864)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'The Battle of Cedar Creek 2011'

(Wednesday, October 19, 1864, 4:00 p.m. local time; the culminating battle of the Valley Campaigns of 1864 during American Civil War) — Union General Philip Sheridan averted a near disaster today in the Shenandoah Valley when he rallied his troops after a surprise attack by Confederate General Jubal Early, scoring a major victory at the Battle of Cedar Creek northeast of Strasburg, Virginia.

Johnson warns Red Chinese against ‘nuclear blackmail’ 50 years ago this hour (Oct 18 1964)

1960s, Cold War, Television 1960s, U.S. Presidents


Video: 'Lyndon B. Johnson-Report to the Nation on Events in China and the USSR (October 18, 1964)'

(Sunday, October 18, 1964, 8:30 p.m. EDT; during the Cold War) — U.S. President Lyndon Johnson told the people of the United States tonight that despite the Chinese Communists’ nuclear explosion and the change of Government in the Soviet Union, “the key to peace is to be found in the strength and the good sense of the United States” (click here to watch the full video).

The Animals debut on ‘Ed Sullivan,’ Jackie Mason allegedly gives host the finger 50 years ago this hour (Oct 18 1964)

1960s, Popular Music 1960s, Television 1960s


Video: 'The Best of The Ed Sullivan Show: October 18, 1964' (Jack Jones, Volantes, Peter O'Toole segments from Mar. 15, 1964)

(Sunday, October 18, 1964, 8 p.m. EDT) — The Animals appeared on the live CBS television variety series The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time tonight, performing “I’m Crying” followed by their #1 hit “House of the Rising Sun.” Continue reading The Animals debut on ‘Ed Sullivan,’ Jackie Mason allegedly gives host the finger 50 years ago this hour (Oct 18 1964) →

Oakland A’s take World Series in five games 40 years ago this hour (Oct 17 1974)

1970s, World Series


Video: '1974 World Series, Game 1: Athletics @ Dodgers'

(Thursday, October 17, 1974, at about 10:45 p.m. EDT) — The Oakland A’s won the 1974 World Series today, beating the Los Angeles Dodgers 3-2 at at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California, in the fifth and deciding game. It was the eighth of nine World Series titles for the Athletics (1910-1989).