September 15th: All Facts & Events That Happened Today In History

HISTORICAL EVENTS

• 1776: The British forces occupy New York City during the American Revolutionary War.
• 1835: Charles Darwin reaches the Galapagos Islands aboard the HMS Beagle.
• 1916: The first tank, named Little Willie, is unveiled by the British Army.
• 1940: The Battle of Britain enters a critical phase as the German Luftwaffe launches a massive bombing campaign against London.
• 2008: Lehman Brothers files for bankruptcy, causing a global financial crisis.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS

• 1830: William Huskisson becomes the first casualty of a railway accident when he is struck by a locomotive during the opening of the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.
• 1916: German physicist Albert Einstein publishes his general theory of relativity.
• 1959: The Soviet spacecraft Luna 2 becomes the first human-made object to reach the Moon.
• 1977: The Voyager 1 spacecraft is launched by NASA, beginning its journey to explore the outer solar system.
• 1997: NASA’s Mars Global Surveyor successfully enters orbit around Mars, beginning its mission to study the planet’s surface.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

• 1789: The U.S. Department of State is established as the country’s first executive department.
• 1949: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) is established.
• 1959: Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev arrives in the United States for an official visit, marking the first time a Soviet leader sets foot on American soil.
• 1990: The Soviet Union formally recognizes the independence of the Baltic states: Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
• 2008: Icelandic Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde resigns amid protests over the financial crisis in the country.

CULTURAL EVENTS

• 1890: The Sherlock Holmes novel “The Sign of the Four” is published by Arthur Conan Doyle.
• 1935: The Nuremberg Laws are enacted in Nazi Germany, depriving German Jews of citizenship and imposing racial segregation.
• 1965: The popular sitcom “Green Acres” premieres on CBS.
• 1998: The film “Saving Private Ryan,” directed by Steven Spielberg, is released, depicting the events of the D-Day invasion during World War II.
• 2009: The television series “Glee” premieres on Fox, becoming a cultural phenomenon.

BIRTHS

• 1857: William Howard Taft, American politician and the 27th President of the United States.
• 1890: Agatha Christie, English author known for her detective novels.
• 1938: Gaylord Perry, American baseball player and Hall of Famer.
• 1956: Tommy Lee Jones, American actor and Academy Award winner.
• 1984: Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and member of the British royal family.

NOTABLE DEATHS

• 1821: Mateo Pumacahua, Peruvian rebel leader in the War of Independence.
• 1949: Frank Morgan, American actor best known for his role as the Wizard in “The Wizard of Oz.
• 1973: Gustav Heinemann, German politician and the third President of West Germany.
• 2008: Richard Wright, English musician and member of the band Pink Floyd.
• 2013: Sid Caesar, American comedian and actor.

Conclusion

September 15th has witnessed significant historical events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, cultural events, and the birth and demise of notable individuals. From the British occupation of New York City during the American Revolutionary War to the unveiling of the first tank by the British Army, this date holds a range of significant events. Scientific milestones include the publication of Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity and the launch of the Voyager 1 spacecraft. In terms of political significance, the independence of the Baltic states from the Soviet Union and the establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are notable events. Culturally, the release of the film “Saving Private Ryan” and the premiere of the television series “Glee” have had a lasting impact. Births of influential figures such as William Howard Taft, Agatha Christie, Tommy Lee Jones, and Prince Harry also occurred on this day. We also remember the notable deaths, including Frank Morgan and Sid Caesar. September 15th is undoubtedly a day with a rich and diverse historical tapestry.

FAQs

Q: What other significant events occurred in history on September 15th?

A: Some other notable events that happened on September 15th include the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1713, ending the War of the Spanish Succession, and the death of William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, in 1930.

Q: Are there any famous birthdays on September 15th?

A: Yes, notable individuals born on September 15th include the philosopher and economist T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, in 1888, and the Academy Award-winning actor Tom Hardy in 1977.

Q: What scientific discoveries were made on September 15th?

A: On September 15th, 1830, English chemist Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, laying the foundation for the development of electric generators and transformers.

Q: Were there any major political incidents on September 15th?

A: Yes, on September 15th, 1963, four African American girls were killed in the bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, a tragic act of racially motivated violence during the Civil Rights Movement.

Q: Which famous musicians were born on September 15th?

A: Notable musicians born on September 15th include British singer-songwriter and guitarist Phil Everly of the Everly Brothers in 1939 and American musician and producer Dan Treacy of the Television Personalities in 1960.