HistoryPod | 'On This Day' History Podcast and Videos

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23rd September 1949: President Truman announces the USSR’s first nuclear test

‘The eventual development of this new force by other nations was to be expected. This probability has always been taken into account by us’.Read more

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22nd September 1776: Nathan Hale hanged by the British for spying for the Continental Army during the American Revolution

Hale volunteered to gather intelligence on British troop movements and strategies but was captured, swiftly subjected to a trial by British authorities, found guilty of spying, and condemned to death as an illegal combatant.Read more

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21st September 1931: Britain abandons the gold standard after Parliament passes the Gold Standard (Amendment) Act

After consultations with the Bank of England, the Treasury issued a statement announcing its intention to suspend the gold standard on Sunday 20 September, and parliament approved the Bill the next day.Read more

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20th September 1973: Billie Jean King defeats Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ tennis match

Female tennis player Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs, a former World No. 1 men’s player, in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’.Read more

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19th September 1870: The Siege of Paris began during the Franco-Prussian War when the city was encircled by forces of the North German Confederation

The German forces reached the outskirts of the French capital on 15 September and General Helmuth von Moltke, the commander of the Prussian army, gave the order to begin surrounding the city.Read more

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18th September 1812: The Fire of Moscow burnt out five days after it began, leaving Napoleon in possession of the city

On September 18, five days after it began, the fire was finally brought under control thanks to calmer winds and a fortuitously timed rain shower that helped the troops working to extinguish the flames.Read more

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17th September 1862: Explosion at the Allegheny Arsenal in Pennsylvania sees the largest single civilian loss of life during the American Civil War

More than 1,100 people worked at the Arsenal, 78 of whom died while many more were injured.More than 1,100 people worked at the Arsenal, 78 of whom died while many more were injured.Read more

24th September 1952: Kentucky Fried Chicken opens its first franchise in Salt Lake City, Utah

25th September 1066: Battle of Stamford Bridge fought between King Harold Godwinson of England and the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada