On This Day in History

October 2

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2007
Culture

International Day of Non-Violence Established

The United Nations established the International Day of Non-Violence, observed on Gandhi's birthday to promote peace worldwide.

📍 Global

Culture United Nations Peace
1986
Culture

First World Habitat Day Observed

The United Nations observed the first World Habitat Day to reflect on the state of towns and cities and the right to adequate shelter.

📍 Global

Culture United Nations Environment
1971
Invention

Concorde Breaks Speed Record

The Concorde supersonic jet broke the speed record for commercial aircraft, showcasing advancements in aviation.

📍 France

Invention Aviation France
1969
Invention

First Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Installed in Canada

Canada installed its first ATM, revolutionizing banking and personal finance accessibility.

📍 Toronto, Canada

Invention Finance Canada
1967
Politics

Thurgood Marshall Sworn in as First African American Supreme Court Justice

Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first African American justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, marking a milestone in civil rights history.

📍 Washington D.C., United States

Politics Civil Rights United States
1963
Invention

First Satellite Telephone Call Made

The first telephone call via satellite was successfully made, marking a breakthrough in global communications.

📍 Global

Invention Communication Global
1962
Politics

First U.S. State to Mandate Seat Belts in Cars

Wisconsin became the first U.S. state to require seat belts in new cars, pioneering automotive safety regulations.

📍 Wisconsin, United States

Politics Safety United States
1958
Invention

First Jet Airliner Service Begins in the U.S.

The Boeing 707 began the first U.S. jet airliner service, revolutionizing commercial aviation.

📍 New York City, United States

Invention Aviation United States
1954
Invention

First U.S. Nuclear Submarine, USS Nautilus, Launched

The USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, was launched, transforming naval warfare.

📍 Groton, Connecticut, United States

Invention Military United States
1952
Science

First Live Telecast of a U.S. Atomic Bomb Test

The United States conducted the first live telecast of an atomic bomb test, marking a new era in media and military transparency.

📍 Nevada Test Site, United States

Science Military United States
1950
Culture

Peanuts Comic Strip Debuts

*Peanuts*, the iconic comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, debuted, becoming a global cultural phenomenon.

📍 United States

Culture Comics United States
1950
War

First British Troops Deployed to Korea

British troops were deployed to Korea, joining United Nations forces in the Korean War.

📍 Korea

War Korean War United Kingdom
1949
Invention

First Patent for a Bar Code System Filed

The first patent for a bar code system was filed, revolutionizing retail and inventory management worldwide.

📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Invention Technology United States
1929
Culture

First Public Screening of a Sound Film in France

France held its first public screening of a sound film, marking the transition from silent films to talkies.

📍 Paris, France

Culture Film France
1928
Invention

First Zeppelin Airship Flight in the U.S.

The German Zeppelin LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin completed its first flight in the United States, symbolizing advances in airship travel.

📍 Lakehurst, New Jersey, United States

Invention Aviation Germany
1923
Culture

First Public Radio Broadcast in Germany

Germany aired its first public radio broadcast, marking the beginning of mass communication in the country.

📍 Berlin, Germany

Culture Media Germany
1914
War

First Aerial Photography Used for Military Reconnaissance

Aerial photography was used for the first time in military reconnaissance during World War I.

📍 Western Front, Europe

War WWI Technology
1902
Invention

First Automatic Tea-Making Machine Patented

The first automatic tea-making machine, known as a teasmade, was patented in Britain, automating morning routines.

📍 London, United Kingdom

Invention Household United Kingdom
1895
Culture

First Women's Golf Tournament Held

The first women's golf tournament was held in the United States, advancing women's participation in sports.

📍 Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Culture Sports United States
1869
Politics

Mahatma Gandhi Born

Mahatma Gandhi, leader of India's nonviolent independence movement and global symbol of peace, was born.

📍 Porbandar, India

Politics Independence India