Helen Keller learned to communicate through touch with Anne Sullivan, who also had vision problems. The Star Spangled Banner became the US national anthem in 1931, while the US Marine Corps made its first amphibious landing in 1776. Switzerland joined the UN in 2002, and TIME magazine was first published in 1923. The Freedman’s Bureau oversaw the transition of black slaves to freedom in 1865, and oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia in 1938. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk ended Russia’s involvement in WWI in 1918, and Carmen debuted in 1875. Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, was born in 1847.
Helen Keller met Anne Sullivan. (1887) Sullivan’s innovative “teaching of touch” was what finally allowed Keller to speak and understand the connection between words and objects. Sullivan, too, had vision problems as a child, and it is here that she learned to communicate with a classmate with a manual alphabet. She and Keller remained together for the rest of their lives and even formed a vaudeville act to raise money for socialism and racial and sexual equality.
The United States has adopted the Star Spangled Banner as its national anthem. (1931) Although the song’s lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key, the music was actually the tune of a popular English drinking song, To Anacreon in Heaven. Before the song became the national anthem, several others, including Hail, Columbia and My Country, ‘Tis of Thee, were used as anthems.
The United States Marine Corps made its first amphibious landing. (1776) Although the American naval fleet was supposed to patrol the coast of Virginia, its boss, Esek Hopkins, decided to go to the Bahamas instead. There he attempted to land at Nassau with the Marines, but was repulsed by British forces. When he returned to America, he was relieved of his command and censured by Congress.
Switzerland has joined the United Nations. (2002) Voters in Switzerland approving of the nation’s UN membership narrowly beat out those opposed to the nation’s membership. It was the first break in formal neutrality in over 200 years.
TIME magazine was first published. (1923) The inaugural issue featured retired Speaker of the House, Joseph Cannon, as the cover image. Five years later, the editors of Time began to nominate “Person of the Year” and, finally, “Person of the Century” – Albert Einstein.
The Freedman’s Bureau was created. (1865) This federal agency oversaw the transition of many black slaves to freedom. Although the office’s work was ultimately hampered by a combination of underfunding and attacks by the KKK, it was an important symbolic step in the government’s attitude towards civil rights.
Oil was discovered in Saudi Arabia (1938) Prior to the discovery of oil, the country was relatively unknown in world affairs, but it rapidly transformed and became a major player in the world’s oil industry. At the beginning of the 21st century, about 75% of the country’s budget came from oil.
The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk is signed. (1918) This treaty between Russia and the Central Powers ended Russia’s involvement in World War I. Although it lasted just under a year, the treaty affirmed the independence of many central European nations.
Carmen made her debut. (1875) George Bizet’s world-famous opera had its Paris premiere on this day despite intense controversy surrounding its opening. The story was considered too salacious for the general public, and Bizet had trouble getting even an actress to agree to play the title role.
Alexander Graham Bell is born. (1847) Bell was a prolific inventor, but he is best known for inventing the telephone. He was also a founding member of the National Geographic Society.
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