Historical Events tagged with "technology"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Science & Technology

First Long-Distance Public Television Broadcast

April 7th, 1927 97 years ago

Herbert Ives accomplished a major feat by transmitting the first long-distance public television broadcast from Washington, D.C., to New York City. The broadcast featured an image of Herbert Hoover, who was then the Commerce Secretary. This pioneering event showcased the potential of television as a medium for communication across great distances, marking a significant milestone in media history.

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Politics & Government

Calvin Coolidge Establishes Federal Radio Commission

February 23rd, 1927 98 years ago

Calvin Coolidge signed a bill establishing the Federal Radio Commission, which was created to regulate radio frequencies in the United States. This legislation came in response to the chaos in the radio broadcasting industry, marked by frequency interference and unregulated stations competing for airwaves. The Federal Radio Commission aimed to provide order and fairness in radio usage, thereby benefiting both broadcasters and listeners. This commission ultimately laid the groundwork for future regulatory bodies like the Federal Communications Commission.

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Technology & Innovation

First Transatlantic Commercial Telephone Service Begins

January 7th, 1927 98 years ago

The first commercial telephone service connecting New York City to London was established. This groundbreaking development revolutionized communication between the United States and Europe, enabling businesses and individuals to communicate over vast distances in real-time. The service utilized innovative technologies of the time and marked a significant step forward in telecommunications. The initiative was spearheaded by the American Telephone and Telegraph Company (AT&T), which saw the potential for increased international business and collaboration.

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Arts & Culture

Establishment of NHK in Japan

August 20th, 1926 98 years ago

Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK), Japan's public broadcasting organization, was established as a crucial communication medium. Founded to promote education and cultural dissemination, NHK began as a radio broadcaster and played a vital role in informing the Japanese public. Its mission was to provide reliable news and educational programming, ensuring access to information across the nation. NHK's establishment marked a significant shift in Japan's media landscape, leading to the expansion of broadcast technologies.

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Arts & Culture

First Public Screening Using Vitaphone Process

August 6th, 1926 98 years ago

The first public screening using the Vitaphone process showcased the synchronized sound technology developed by Warner Bros. Held at the Strand Theater in New York City, the event featured a short film titled 'Don Juan,' starring John Barrymore. This screening was a landmark moment in cinema history, demonstrating the capabilities of sound film and setting the stage for the future of the industry.

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Arts & Culture

Fox Film Acquires Movietone Sound System Patents

July 23rd, 1926 98 years ago

Fox Film Corporation completed a significant acquisition by purchasing the patents for the Movietone sound system, which was pivotal in synchronizing sound with motion pictures. This technology enabled filmmakers to record sound onto film, revolutionizing the film industry. The move was aimed at incorporating sound into films more effectively and at a larger scale, reinforcing Fox's position in the entertainment sector as silent films began to give way to talkies. This acquisition took place in the backdrop of cinematic innovation, particularly focusing on improving the audience's experience.

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Space Exploration

Goddard launches first liquid-fueled rocket

March 16th, 1926 99 years ago

Robert Goddard successfully launched the world's first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts. The rocket, fueled by gasoline and liquid oxygen, reached an altitude of 41 feet (12.5 meters) and traveled for a total flight time of 2.5 seconds. This groundbreaking event marked a pivotal moment in rocketry, laying the groundwork for future space exploration. Goddard's innovative approach showcased the potential of liquid propulsion systems, which would become the standard in modern rocketry.

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Technology & Innovation

First Public Demonstration of Television

January 26th, 1926 99 years ago

John Logie Baird successfully demonstrated the first working television system to an audience in London. The event took place at the Baird home where he showcased his invention by transmitting live images, capturing public interest. The demonstration marked a significant milestone in the development of television technology, as Baird's system utilized a combination of mechanical and electronic methods to transmit and receive images.

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Economics & Industry

Name Change from CTR to IBM

February 14th, 1924 101 years ago

The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company rebranded as International Business Machines Corporation, marking a significant shift in the identity and scope of the company. Founded in 1911, the company had been focused primarily on time recording and punch card machines. Under the leadership of Thomas J. Watson, the new name reflected an ambitious vision to expand into broader business solutions and computer technology, setting the stage for future innovations. This transformation took place in New York, a city that was becoming a hub for technological advancement.

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