Category Archives: U.S. Presidents

Democratic-Republican caucus nominates James Monroe for president of the United States 210 years ago today (Mar 16 1816)


Video: 'The American Presidential Election of 1816'

(Saturday, March 16, 1816) — In a narrow and hard-fought contest that confirms the continued dominance of the “Virginia Dynasty,” Secretary of State James Monroe was selected today as the Democratic-Republican candidate for the presidency of the United States. Continue reading Democratic-Republican caucus nominates James Monroe for president of the United States 210 years ago today (Mar 16 1816)

Churchill visits FDR’s grave for first time 80 years ago today (Mar 12 1946)

(Tuesday, March 12, 1946) — Solemnly and without words, Winston Churchill walked through a century-old hemlock hedge today and into a rose garden where he placed a wreath on the grave of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the man who had shared his heaviest burdens during one the supreme periods of history (click here to watch video of Churchill’s visit to FDR’s grave at 2:18:31).

Winston Churchill delivers his ‘Iron Curtain’ speech 80 years ago this hour (Mar 5 1946)


Video: 'Winston Churchill's "Iron Curtain speech" regarding USSR and Eastern Bloc, at Wes...HD Stock Footage'

(Tuesday, March 5, 1946, around 4:00 p.m. CST) — In what is considered one of the opening volleys of the Cold War, former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill condemned the Soviet Union’s policies in Europe today during a speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, declaring “From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the continent, allowing police governments to rule Eastern Europe.” Continue reading Winston Churchill delivers his ‘Iron Curtain’ speech 80 years ago this hour (Mar 5 1946)

New ‘famine’ board asks U.S. cut wheat use by a fourth 80 years ago this hour (Mar 1 1946)


Video: 'Herbert Hoover Biography' (Hoover with Truman at 21:13)

(Friday, March 1, 1946, 3:15 p.m. EST) — An appeal to all Americans to deny themselves a substantial part of their daily bread “so that millions may survive who are otherwise doomed to death by starvation,” was voiced today by a newly formed Famine Emergency Committee under the honorary chairmanship of former U.S. President Herbert Hoover following its first meeting with President Harry Truman at the White House.

U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower says he will seek re-election despite stroke 70 years ago (Feb 29 1956)


Video: 'Dwight D Eisenhower's Decision to Seek a Second Term oval office address (February 29, 1956) [CBS]'

(Leap day, Wednesday, February 29, 1956, 10:00 p.m. EST) — Speaking slowly and in a slightly hoarse voice, President Dwight D. Eisenhower explained tonight why he had agreed this morning to seek a second term in a television report to the nation. Continue reading U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower says he will seek re-election despite stroke 70 years ago (Feb 29 1956)

U.S. President George Washington proclaims Jay’s Treaty in effect 230 years ago (Feb 29 1796)


Video: '29th February 1796: Jay Treaty begins ten years of peaceful trade between the US and Britain'

(Monday, February 29, 1796) — U.S. President George Washington today proclaimed Jay’s Treaty, a treaty between the United States and Great Britain that is credited with averting war, in effect.

Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford winners in New Hampshire primary 50 years ago this hour (Feb 24 1976)


Video: 'NH Primary Vault: Jimmy Carter's stunning NH Primary win in 1976'

(Tuesday, February 24, 1976, polls closed at 8:00 p.m. EST) — Former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, a little-known Washington outsider, won the New Hampshire Democratic presidential primary today, defeating Arizona Rep. Mo Udall 28.57% to 22.87% in the Democratic race. Continue reading Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford winners in New Hampshire primary 50 years ago this hour (Feb 24 1976)

U.S. President Gerald Ford revokes wartime order behind Japanese-American internment 50 years ago this hour (Feb 19 1976)

(Thursday, February 19, 1976, 11:54-11:59 a.m. EST) — U.S. President Gerald Ford President Ford today formally revoked a World War II–era executive order that authorized the internment of Japanese Americans, calling the action a necessary step toward acknowledging a grave injustice in the nation’s history. Continue reading U.S. President Gerald Ford revokes wartime order behind Japanese-American internment 50 years ago this hour (Feb 19 1976)

Margot Frank born in Frankfurt 100 years ago today (Feb 16 1926)


Video: 'Her End in Conc. Camp Was WORSE Than You Think: Margot Frank'

(Tuesday, February 16, 1926)Margot Frank, the elder daughter of Otto Frank and Edith Frank and the elder sister of Anne Frank, was born Margot Betti Frank today in Frankfurt, Germany. Continue reading Margot Frank born in Frankfurt 100 years ago today (Feb 16 1926)

U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shoots companion during quail-hunting trip in Texas 20 years ago today (Feb 11 2006)


Video: 'Dick Cheney Hunting Accident'

(Saturday, February 11, 2006) — U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney today shot Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old Texas attorney, while participating in a quail hunt on a ranch in Riviera, Texas. Continue reading U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney accidentally shoots companion during quail-hunting trip in Texas 20 years ago today (Feb 11 2006)