Today in History - October 1st

1800 - On this day in History, Spain gave Louisiana back to France. The USA later purchased the property and doubled its size while at it.
1936 - General Francisco Franco Bahamonde was declared the leader of Spain. Franco was to stay in power until his death in 1978, creating the longest dictatorship in history.
1949 - Mao Tse-Tung raised the first flag of the People's Republic of China. The Father of the Chinese Revolution became one of the most powerful men in the world.

1985 - The PLO's headquarters in Tunisia was targeted by Israeli fighters. The long struggle between Israel and Palestine gained momentum.
1988 - On This day in History, Mikhail Gorbachev took over the Soviet presidency and helped bring an end to both the Soviet Union and the Cold War.
1999 - The 50th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China was feted in Beijing. Along with the Cuban Revolution, this was one of the longest-lasting, most successful Communist regimes on earth.

SPORTS - Today in History, October 1st

1903 - On this day in History, The first World Series transpired, placing the Boston Pilgrims against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
1933 - Babe Ruth pitched for the last time (all nine innings, hit a home run in the 5th inning.)
1946 - The first baseball play-off game was played for a league championship. The St. Louis Cardinals won over the Brooklyn Dodgers, 4-2.
1961 - On this day in History, Roger Maris (New York Yankees) hit his 61st home run of the season, beating Babe Ruth’s 60th.
1994 - NFL team owners began an unprecedented lockout of the players that lasted 103 days.

1880 - Thomas Edison began production of electric lamps. And the world had artificial light at dusk for the first time.
1908 - The Model T was introduced by Henry Ford at retail for $850.00, creating the beginning of the modern auto craze and a conduit to gridlock.

1962 - Johnny Carson started hosting the "Tonight" show on NBC. Carson would become the longest-serving late-night host in history.
1964 - The Free Speech Movement began at UC Berkeley. We still struggle with Free Speech today.
1971 - On this day in History, Walt Disney World opened its doors to adoring fans in Orlando, FL. The California property was rivaled by Disney in Orlando and its many theme parks, hotels, resorts --visitors from all over the world.
1980 - Robert Redford became the first male to grace the cover of "Ladies' Home Journal" –alone! The era of male objectification had begun in the media.

1880 - John Philip Sousa was named the director of the United States Marine Corps Band. His compositions have since graced every parade and military event of our times.
1928 - Duke Ellington and his Cotton Club Orchestra recorded "The Mooche." Elllington classified himself “beyond category” and embraced the definition of “American Music” instead of that of jazz.
1967 - Pink Floyd arrived in New York to begin their first U.S. tour, to great applause and crowds everywhere.
1977 - On this day in History, Elton John became the first rock & roll artist to be featured in New York's Madison Square Garden Hall of Fame.
1996 – Nirvana’s "From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah" was released. Kurt Cobain, soul of the band, had died of an overdose April 5, 1994.