On this day: October 18
October 18, 1867 – United States takes possession of Alaska
On October 18, 1867, the United States formally took possession of Alaska from Russia in a ceremony in Sitka. The purchase of Alaska, known as “Seward’s Folly” at the time, has since proven to be a very valuable acquisition for the United States, both in terms of its rich natural resources and strategic importance.
October 18, 1922 – British Broadcasting Company (BBC) is founded
The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) was founded on October 18, 1922, and has since become one of the most well-known and respected broadcasting organizations in the world. The BBC has played a significant role in shaping British culture and society through its radio and television programming.
October 18, 1967 – Soviet Union launches Venera 4 spacecraft
On October 18, 1967, the Soviet Union successfully launched the Venera 4 spacecraft towards Venus. Venera 4 became the first spacecraft to successfully enter the atmosphere of another planet and send back data. This mission marked a significant milestone in the exploration of space.
October 18, 1977 – German Autumn terrorist attacks
On October 18, 1977, a series of terrorist attacks known as the German Autumn took place in Germany. The attacks were carried out by the Red Army Faction, a left-wing militant group, and targeted prominent political and business figures. The German Autumn was a dark chapter in German history and led to a heightened sense of security in the country.
October 18, 2007 – Bhutan becomes a democracy
On October 18, 2007, Bhutan transitioned from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy, with the King voluntarily abdicating power to establish a democratic government. This historic event marked a significant step towards modernization and political reform in the small Himalayan kingdom.
October 18, 2019 – NASA astronauts conduct first all-female spacewalk
On October 18, 2019, NASA astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir conducted the first all-female spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The historic event was a milestone in space exploration and a significant achievement for women in STEM fields.
