This Day In History, October 18th.
Five Historical Events That Happened on October 18th
Alaska is legally handed from Russia to the United States in 1867, with a ceremony in Sitka celebrating the occasion.
On this day in 1922, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is created, and its first radio program is transmitted.
Thomas Edison, one of history's most prolific innovators, dies at the age of 84 in West Orange, New Jersey.
1967: The Soviet Union launches Venera 4, the first spacecraft to successfully return data from another planet's atmosphere (Venus).
After years of self-imposed exile, former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returns to Pakistan, but her convoy is ambushed by a suicide bomber, killing over 130 people.
1867: Alaska is formally transferred from Russia to the United States, with a ceremony in Sitka marking the transfer of authority.
The transfer of Alaska from Russia to the United States was formally concluded on October 18, 1867, with a ceremony in Sitka, the capital of the Alaska Territory at the time. Negotiations between the United States and Russia had been continuing for several years prior to the transfer. The United States agreed to pay Russia $7.2 million for Alaska, which was a large sum of money at the time. The purchase of Alaska was contentious at the time, and it was dubbed "Seward's Folly" after U.S. Secretary of State William Seward, who was an outspoken supporter of the purchase. However, Alaska has proven to be a valuable addition to the United States over time, both in terms of natural resources and strategic significance.
1922: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is founded, with its first radio broadcast airing on this date.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the United Kingdom's public service broadcaster and one of the world's oldest and most regarded broadcasting companies. On October 18, 1922, it was created with the objective of delivering unbiased public service radio to the people of the United Kingdom. On the same day, the BBC launched its inaugural radio transmission, which consisted of a news bulletin and some light music. Since then, the BBC has grown to encompass television, web, and other digital services, and it is still one of the world's most prominent broadcasters today.
1931: Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors in history, dies at the age of 84 in West Orange, New Jersey.
Thomas Edison was an American inventor and businessman widely regarded as one of history's most influential inventors. He is most known for inventing various products that have had a significant impact on people's lives all around the world, including as the phonograph, the motion picture camera, and the long-lasting, practical electric light bulb. He died at the age of 84 on October 18, 1931, at his home in West Orange, New Jersey. His death was deeply lamented, and he was hailed as one of history's greatest inventors and innovators.
1967: The Soviet Union launches Venera 4, the first spacecraft to successfully send data back from the atmosphere of another planet (Venus).
Venera 4 was a Soviet space mission launched on June 12, 1967, with the primary goal of researching Venus's atmosphere. The spacecraft successfully entered Venus's atmosphere and relayed data back to Earth on October 18, 1967, becoming the first spacecraft to do so. Venera 4's data helped scientists better grasp Venus's environment, such as its atmospheric composition, pressure, temperature, and other characteristics. The mission's accomplishment set the door for future investigation of Venus and other planets in our solar system.
2007: Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto returns to Pakistan after years in self-imposed exile, but her convoy is attacked by a suicide bomber, killing over 130 people.
Benazir Bhutto has returned to Pakistan to run in the upcoming general elections in early 2008. Due to corruption accusations, she has been living in self-imposed exile for several years. However, upon her return, her convoy was attacked in Karachi by a suicide bomber, killing over 130 people and injuring hundreds more. In the attack, Benazir Bhutto was also assassinated. The incident provoked huge demonstrations and bloodshed in Pakistan, and it continues to be a contentious and contentious subject in Pakistani politics to this day.