1. 1825 – The U.S. House of Representatives chooses John Quincy Adams as President of the United States
In the election of 1824, none of the candidates secured a majority of the electoral votes, which led the decision to be made by the House of Representatives. John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, William Crawford, and Henry Clay were the main contenders. Although Andrew Jackson had more popular and electoral votes, he did not have a majority. The House selected Adams as president, a decision that was controversial and led to accusations of a “corrupt bargain” because Henry Clay, Speaker of the House, supported Adams and was later appointed Secretary of State. This event marked a significant moment in U.S. political history, highlighting the complexities of the electoral process.
2. 1900 – The Gold Standard Act is ratified in the United States
The Gold Standard Act officially placed the United States on the gold standard, meaning that the value of the dollar was directly linked to gold. This act was significant in stabilizing the U.S. economy after years of debate about monetary policy. The gold standard helped to curb inflation by limiting the amount of money that could be printed. However, it also restricted the government’s ability to respond to economic crises. The act remained in effect until the Great Depression, when the country moved away from gold-backed currency.
3. 1964 – The Beatles appear on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time
The Beatles’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show marked a turning point in the British Invasion of American music. Over 70 million viewers tuned in to watch the band perform “All My Loving,” “Till There Was You,” and “She Loves You.” Their performance helped to catapult the Beatles to international superstardom and changed the landscape of pop music forever. The event also symbolized the growing cultural exchange between the United States and the United Kingdom during the 1960s. This appearance is often credited with igniting Beatlemania in the United States.
4. 1943 – The Battle of Guadalcanal ends during World War II
The Battle of Guadalcanal was a crucial campaign in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It marked the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Japanese Empire. The battle lasted for several months, with intense fighting on land, sea, and air. Its conclusion marked a turning point as the Allies gained the strategic initiative in the Pacific. The victory at Guadalcanal significantly weakened Japanese forces and boosted Allied morale.
5. 1895 – William G. Morgan invents volleyball
William G. Morgan invented volleyball as a less physically demanding alternative to basketball. Originally called “mintonette,” the game was designed for people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy indoor sports. Volleyball quickly gained popularity in schools, YMCA centers, and community organizations. The sport emphasizes teamwork, agility, and strategic play. Today, volleyball is an internationally recognized sport with millions of players worldwide.
6. 1971 – The Apollo 14 mission returns to Earth
Apollo 14 was the eighth crewed mission in the Apollo program and the third to land on the Moon. Astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell conducted extensive scientific experiments and collected lunar samples. Shepard famously hit two golf balls on the lunar surface, adding a human touch to the mission. The safe return of Apollo 14 helped restore confidence in NASA after the near-disaster of Apollo 13. The mission contributed valuable data that enhanced understanding of the Moon’s geology.
7. 1849 – The first American drugstore chain, A.S. Harris & Co., opens
A.S. Harris & Co. established the first drugstore chain, revolutionizing the way pharmaceuticals were sold in the United States. This innovation made medicines more accessible to the public and set a precedent for future retail pharmacy models. The chain expanded rapidly, introducing standardized pricing and a wide range of health products. It helped professionalize the pharmacy industry by promoting trained pharmacists. This development laid the groundwork for modern drugstores and pharmacies.
8. 1913 – The Sixteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is ratified
The Sixteenth Amendment granted Congress the power to levy an income tax without apportioning it among the states or basing it on the U.S. Census. This amendment was critical in providing the federal government with a reliable source of revenue. It allowed for progressive taxation, which helped fund various government programs and services. Prior to this amendment, the federal government relied heavily on tariffs and excise taxes. The income tax system has since become a cornerstone of American fiscal policy.
9. 1950 – The first jet-to-jet combat occurs during the Korean War
On February 9, 1950, the first jet-to-jet dogfight took place between U.S. and Soviet-built MiG-15 jets. This marked a new era in aerial combat, as jet aircraft dramatically changed the speed and tactics of warfare. The Korean War was the first conflict to feature widespread use of jet fighters, highlighting the technological advancements in military aviation. The engagements over Korea influenced future air combat strategies and aircraft design. This combat underscored the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
10. 1934 – The first prisoners arrive at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary
Alcatraz, located on a small island in San Francisco Bay, was designated as a maximum-security federal prison. It was designed to house the most dangerous and escape-prone criminals in the United States. The prison’s isolated location and strict security measures made it nearly impossible to escape. Over the years, Alcatraz became infamous for its harsh conditions and notable inmates like Al Capone. It operated as a federal prison until 1963 and remains a popular historical site and tourist attraction today.