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As we step into September 8th, we reflect on the moments in history that have marked times of change and transformation. Throughout the years, this date has witnessed events that shifted the course of nations, challenged norms, and sparked new beginnings. In this edition, we explore the key historical events that occurred on September 8th, uncovering the impact they had on the world and the lessons they continue to offer. Join us as we delve into these moments of change and examine how they have shaped the course of history and continue to influence our present.
Today’s Video: https://youtu.be/Q-qk90bkNrs
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“I’ve had my fill of Hitler. These conferences called by the ringing of a bell are not to my liking. The bell is rung when people call their servants. And besides, what kind of conferences are these? For five hours I am forced to listen to a monologue which is quite fruitless and boring” – To his son-in-law on June 10th, 1941 - Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini
What’s to Come
1939: German troops burned 200 Jews alive in a synagogue and executed 30 Jews in the public square in Bedzin, Poland.
Synagogue burning
Surrounded
1941: Leningrad in northern Russia became completely surrounded as German troops reached Lake Ladoga at Orekhovets. German aircraft attacked the city with primary targets being warehouses that might be holding food.
Soviet civilians leaving destroyed houses after a German bombardment during the Siege
The End
1943: The Italians formally announced their unconditional surrender to the Allies, leading to German reserve forces crossing the border into Italy.
Italian General Giuseppe Castellano signing the armistice on behalf of Badoglio, with General Walter Bedell Smith (on his right) at Fairfield military camp in Cassibile.
New Era
1944: The third German V-2 rocket fired in anger became the first to successfully hit the intended target, hitting an area in the suburbs of Paris, France. The fourth and fifth rockets, aimed at London, England, United Kingdom, also found their targets. The fourth rocket fired at 1738 hours London time or 1838 hours German time landed in the Borough of Chiswick at 1843 hours London time; it landed on Staveley Road, collapsed three houses, killed 3 civilians and 1 off-duty Royal Engineers soldier, and made a crater 40 feet wide and between 10 and 20 feet deep. The fifth rocket landed 16 seconds later in Epping, which was 18 miles northeast of Whitehall and 20 miles from Chiswick; this rocket destroyed some wodden huts and made a crater 30 feet wide and 16 feet deep. The British government censored all these incidents in fear of potential demoralizing effects.
Peenemünde Museum replica of V2
Photo of the Day
TBM-3E Avenger of Marine Squadron VMTB-132 prepares for catapult launch from USS Cape Gloucester (CVE-109) for a mission over Kyushu, Japan, 8 Sept 1945
Bonus Photo
Japanese bomber crew preparing bombs before a mission in Hunan Province, China, 8 Sep 1944; bomb on right of photo noted 'gift for Chiang Kaishek'
As we conclude this edition on September 8th, we reflect on the moments of change we've explored together. The stories of this day remind us that history is defined by turning points, where new paths are forged and the future is shaped. These moments of transformation serve as powerful reminders of the enduring impact of the past on our present and future. Thank you for joining us in this journey through history. Until our next edition, may we continue to learn from the lessons of the past as we navigate the changes of our own time.
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Have a great week :)
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