Historical Events tagged with "us"

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.

Space Exploration

Apollo 14 Launches to the Moon's Highlands

January 31st, 1971 54 years ago

Astronauts Alan Shepard, Stuart Roosa, and Edgar Mitchell launched aboard a Saturn V rocket for their Apollo 14 mission targeting the Fra Mauro Highlands on the Moon. This mission marked the third successful manned lunar landing and utilized advanced lunar exploration techniques. The astronauts aimed to gather scientific data and samples from the Apollo lunar landing site, enhancing human understanding of the Moon's geology. The launch took place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, showcasing the continued American efforts in space exploration during the Apollo program.

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Military & Warfare

Operation Jefferson Glenn Launches in Vietnam

September 5th, 1970 54 years ago

Operation Jefferson Glenn involved the United States 101st Airborne Division and the South Vietnamese 1st Infantry Division as they initiated military operations in Thừa Thiên–Huế Province. This combined effort aimed to disrupt enemy supply lines and establish control in the region as part of ongoing efforts to combat North Vietnamese forces. The operation was strategically significant in bolstering the defensive capabilities of South Vietnamese troops while aiming to secure the area from communist infiltration.

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Military & Warfare

US and South Vietnamese Forces Invade Cambodia

April 29th, 1970 54 years ago

In a significant military action, United States and South Vietnamese forces launched an incursion into Cambodia to target Viet Cong sanctuaries. The operation, known as Operation Rock Crusher, was aimed at disrupting the movements of the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops using Cambodian territory as a base. This incursion was part of a broader strategy to weaken the enemy's supply lines and reduce attacks in South Vietnam. The decision was controversial as it expanded the conflict into a neighboring country.

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Politics & Government

Lyndon Johnson and The Wise Men Discuss Vietnam

November 2nd, 1967 57 years ago

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson met with a group of influential advisors known as 'The Wise Men' to discuss the ongoing Vietnam War. During this meeting, they concluded that the American public would benefit from more optimistic reports regarding the progress of military operations in Vietnam. This decision was influenced by growing public dissent and media coverage that painted a more negative picture of the war's outcomes.

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Politics & Government

Lyndon B. Johnson Signs Freedom of Information Act

July 4th, 1966 58 years ago

Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Freedom of Information Act into law, promoting transparency in government. This landmark legislation aimed to ensure that the public could access government records and documents, thus fostering accountability. The act officially came into effect the following year, providing American citizens a legal mechanism to obtain information held by federal agencies. Johnson’s efforts were rooted in the belief that informed citizens are essential for a functioning democracy, marking a significant shift toward greater governmental transparency.

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Military & Warfare

Pentagon's Troop Increase Recommendation

November 27th, 1965 59 years ago

In late November, military leaders conveyed to President Lyndon B. Johnson the critical need to escalate U.S. troop levels in Vietnam from 120,000 to 400,000 personnel. This assessment from the Pentagon suggested that without a significant increase, planned military operations against North Vietnamese forces would likely falter. The recommendation was influenced by mounting challenges in the conflict, including growing enemy activity and the increasing complexity of the battlefield situation.

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Military & Warfare

Johnson Orders Troop Increase in Vietnam

July 28th, 1965 59 years ago

U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announced a significant increase in the number of American troops stationed in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000 as part of his administration's efforts to combat the growing influence of North Vietnam and the Viet Cong. This decision came amid escalating violence and political instability in the region, following the Gulf of Tonkin incident. Johnson's announcement, made in a televised address, aimed to reassure the American public and U.S. allies about the commitment to South Vietnam’s defense.

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Military & Warfare

B-52 Bombers Strike South Vietnam Guerrillas

June 18th, 1965 59 years ago

The United States Air Force deployed B-52 bombers to conduct aerial bombardments against guerrilla fighters in South Vietnam. This marked an escalation in U.S. military involvement, utilizing heavy bombers to support ground troops and target insurgent positions. The operation aimed to weaken the Viet Cong's capabilities and includes strategic bombings designed to disrupt their supply lines and operations in the region.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of the SS Georgiana Wreck Site

March 19th, 1965 59 years ago

Teenage diver E. Lee Spence discovers the wreck of the SS Georgiana, the most powerful Confederate cruiser, valued at over $50 million. Located off the coast of South Carolina, the ship was lost during the Civil War, and its discovery marks a significant milestone in underwater archaeology.

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