On This Day in History

September 18

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1959
Science

Launch of Vanguard 3 Satellite

The United States launched Vanguard 3, a scientific satellite designed to study Earth's magnetic field and radiation.

๐Ÿ“ Cape Canaveral, Florida, United States

Science Space Exploration United States
1954
Culture

Burger King Founded

Burger King was founded in Miami, Florida, growing into one of the largest fast-food chains in the world.

๐Ÿ“ Miami, Florida, United States

Culture Business United States
1947
Politics

First Flight of the U.S. Air Force as an Independent Service

The United States Air Force was officially established as a separate branch of the military, marking a new era in aerial warfare.

๐Ÿ“ Washington D.C., United States

Politics Military United States
1945
Politics

Chile Joins the United Nations

Chile became a founding member of the United Nations, supporting post-war global cooperation efforts.

๐Ÿ“ Santiago, Chile

Politics United Nations Chile
1943
Politics

Formation of the United Nations

The foundation for the United Nations was laid with the Moscow Conference agreement between major Allied powers during World War II.

๐Ÿ“ Moscow, Soviet Union

Politics United Nations WWII
1933
Culture

First Ever FIFA World Cup Qualifying Match Played

The first FIFA World Cup qualifying match was held, establishing the system that determines participants in the global football tournament.

๐Ÿ“ Stockholm, Sweden

Culture Sports Football
1931
War

Japan Invades Manchuria, Starting the Mukden Incident

The Mukden Incident marked the beginning of Japan's invasion of Manchuria, escalating tensions leading to World War II in Asia.

๐Ÿ“ Manchuria, China

War Asia WWII
1924
Invention

First Electric Traffic Lights Installed in Europe

The first electric traffic lights in Europe were installed in Paris, modernizing urban traffic control.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Invention Transport France
1923
Culture

First Use of the Word 'Robot' in English

Karel ฤŒapek's play *R.U.R.* introduced the word 'robot' to the English-speaking world, influencing science fiction and technology.

๐Ÿ“ London, United Kingdom

Culture Literature Technology
1918
Invention

First Use of Airmail Stamps in the United States

The U.S. Postal Service issued its first airmail stamps, marking the formalization of airborne postal delivery.

๐Ÿ“ United States

Invention Communication United States
1911
Science

First Use of Fingerprints in a U.S. Criminal Case

Fingerprint evidence was used for the first time in a U.S. court, revolutionizing forensic science.

๐Ÿ“ Chicago, Illinois, United States

Science Forensics Law
1903
Invention

First Diesel-Powered Ship Launched

The worldโ€™s first diesel-powered ship, the *Vulcanus*, was launched in Germany, revolutionizing marine engineering.

๐Ÿ“ Kiel, Germany

Invention Transport Germany
1896
Invention

First Use of Escalator in Public Space

The first public escalator was installed at Coney Island, introducing a new era in automated transportation.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Invention Technology United States
1887
Invention

First Modern Bicycle Patented

The first patent for the modern bicycle design was granted, influencing personal transport worldwide.

๐Ÿ“ London, United Kingdom

Invention Transport United Kingdom
1885
Invention

Worldโ€™s First Gasoline-Powered Automobile Demonstrated

Karl Benz demonstrated the first gasoline-powered automobile, a key milestone in automotive history.

๐Ÿ“ Mannheim, Germany

Invention Automotive Germany
1851
Culture

First Advertisement Appears in The New York Times

The New York Times published its first advertisement, marking the beginning of modern newspaper advertising.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Culture Media Advertising
1842
Culture

First Ever Comic Book Published

*The Adventures of Obadiah Oldbuck* was published, considered the first comic book, laying the foundation for a global industry.

๐Ÿ“ United States

Culture Comics Publishing
1817
Science

First Use of Chlorophyll Discovered

Chlorophyll was formally named and described by French chemists, advancing the study of plant biology.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Science Biology France
1791
Politics

First French Parliament Convenes

The first session of the French Parliament was held following the French Revolution, marking a shift toward constitutional monarchy.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Politics French Revolution France
1639
Invention

First Printing Press Established in North America

The first printing press in North America was set up in Cambridge, Massachusetts, revolutionizing communication in the New World.

๐Ÿ“ Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States

Invention Printing United States