Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

United States and Soviet Union establish diplomatic relations 80 years ago this hour (1933)


Video: 'Soviet Russia Recognized by US 1933/11/20'

(Thursday, November 16, 1933, 11:50 p.m. EST) — The United States and the Soviet Union established diplomatic relations tonight as President Franklin D. Roosevelt sent a telegram to the Soviet leader Maxim Litvinov, expressing hope that United States-Soviet relations would “forever remain normal and friendly.” Continue reading United States and Soviet Union establish diplomatic relations 80 years ago this hour (1933)

Former President Wilson calls U.S. course ‘cowardly’ in Armistice Day eve address 90 years ago this hour (1923)


Video: 'Woodrow Wilson's 1923 Armistice Day Radio Address'

(Saturday, November 10, 1923, 8:38 p.m. ET) — On the eve of Armistice Day marking the fifth anniversary of the end of World War I, former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson declared tonight in a radio address from his Washington home that the attitude of this country since the World War had been “deeply ignoble,” “cowardly and dishonorable.”

Kennedy family relaxes at Wolf’s Head Farm in Virginia 50 years ago today (1963)


Video: 'Atoka, November 1963: 10-11'

(Sunday, November 10, 1963) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy and his family and friends were filmed today at his new residence, Wolf’s Head Farm in Atoka, Virginia. At one point during a light-hearted moment, the president was nearly “eaten” by daughter Caroline’s pony Macaroni.

John Wilkes Booth performs for President Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre 150 years ago today (1863)


(Monday, November 9, 1863; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln watched actor John Wilkes Booth in the role of Raphael in The Marble Heart today from the same box at Ford’s Theatre in Washington that Lincoln would be assassinated by Booth 17 months later.

President Kennedy dictates thoughts regarding Vietnam coup 50 years ago today (1963)


Video: 'PRESIDENT KENNEDY DICTATES NOTES REGARDING VIETNAM (NOVEMBER 4, 1963)'

(Monday, November 4, 1963, evening; during the 1963 South Vietnamese coup, part of the Vietnam War, the Indochina Wars and the Cold War) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy reflected upon the tumultuous events that had transpired in Saigon over the previous weekend, the overthrow and murder of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Ding Nhu.

Reagan signs bill establishing King holiday 30 years ago today (1983)


Video: 'Ronald Reagan signs the MLK holiday bill into law.'

(Wednesday, November 2, 1983) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan signed a bill today establishing a federal holiday on the third Monday of January in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. It was observed for the first time on Jan. 20, 1986. Continue reading Reagan signs bill establishing King holiday 30 years ago today (1983)

Leon Jaworski appointed new Watergate special prosecutor 40 hours ago today (1973)


Image: Robert Bork, Acting Attorney General speaking at the microphone in the White House Press Room (Nov. 1, 1973)

(Thursday, November 1, 1973; during the Watergate scandal) — Following the Saturday Night Massacre, Acting Attorney General Robert H. Bork today appointed Leon Jaworski to be the new Watergate special prosecutor, succeeding Archibald Cox, who was fired Oct. 20, 1973.

Kennedy questions whether Soviet Union abandoning moon race 50 years ago this hour (1963)


Video: 'President John F. Kennedy's 63rd News Conference - October 31, 1963'

(Thursday, October 31, 1963, 4:00 p.m. EDT; during the Cold War and Space Race) — U.S. President John F. Kennedy told a news conference today that he “would not make any bets at all upon Soviet intentions” despite Premier Khrushchev’s statement that his country would not race to the moon but, rather, would profit from American experience in that field. Continue reading Kennedy questions whether Soviet Union abandoning moon race 50 years ago this hour (1963)

Kennedy calls on congressional critics to pass his programs 50 years ago this evening (1963)


Audio: 'JFK'S SPEECH IN BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS (OCTOBER 19, 1963)'

(Saturday, October 19, 1963, evening) — At a Democratic Party fundraising dinner tonight at Boston’s Commonwealth Armory, U.S. President John F. Kennedy jibed at critics in Congress, suggesting they can demonstrate their concern for the nation by voting for his programs.

President Wilson marks completion of Panama Canal 100 years ago this hour (1913)


Video: 'Experience Panama - Seven Wonders Of The World - Episode 5: The Panama Canal, by BBC' (Oct. 10, 1913, at 47:11)

(Friday, October 10, 1913, 2 p.m. local time) — The Panama Canal was effectively completed today as President Woodrow Wilson sent a signal from the White House by telegraph, setting off explosives that destroyed a section of the Gamboa dike.