The tapestry of history is interwoven with events of significance that have shaped and moulded our present. The 17th of September is one such date, and throughout the annals of history, it has borne witness to both the monumental and the sombre. This exploration will dive deep into the events of 17 September, bringing to the forefront the relevance of this day.
Today in History: 17 September
1. 1630: Boston Founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony
On this day, the capital city of Massachusetts, Boston, was founded by English Puritans. These settlers, in their pursuit of religious freedom, laid down the foundations for one of the most historic cities in the United States. Boston would later play a pivotal role in the American Revolution, being the site of several major events such as the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. The city’s establishment heralded the start of a significant chapter in the American narrative.
2. 1787: The U.S. Constitution is Signed
In a room in Philadelphia’s State House, which is now known as Independence Hall, 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution. This remarkable document has been a beacon of democratic governance, setting forth the roles and powers of the federal government and serving as the supreme law of the land. It was a landmark in the history of democratic thought and would come into effect in 1789 after ratification by nine states.
3. 1862: Battle of Antietam – The Bloodiest Single Day of the American Civil War
A crucial clash during the American Civil War, the Battle of Antietam, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, saw the Union forces under General George B. McClellan confront the Confederate troops of General Robert E. Lee. The battle is particularly noted for its staggering casualties, with over 22,000 dead, wounded, or missing. Though tactically inconclusive, it had significant strategic implications. President Abraham Lincoln utilized this battle as a pretext to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in Confederate-held territory would be free.
4. 1939: Soviet Union Invades Poland
While Poland was already grappling with a German invasion from the west, the Soviet Union launched an invasion from the east. This act was a consequence of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty secretly dividing Eastern Europe between Germany and the Soviet Union. Poland was eventually partitioned between the two invaders.
5. 1947: James V. Forrestal is Sworn in as the First U.S. Secretary of Defense
Post World War II, in a move to streamline and unify the military departments, the position of Secretary of Defense was created. James V. Forrestal, formerly Secretary of the Navy, became the inaugural Secretary of Defense, thereby heading the newly formed National Military Establishment, later renamed the Department of Defense.
6. 1978: Camp David Accords are Signed
The Camp David Accords, mediated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter and signed by Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, marked a pivotal step in the Middle East peace process. This framework would eventually lead to the 1979 peace treaty between Israel and Egypt – the first recognition of the State of Israel by an Arab country.
7. 2011: Occupy Wall Street Movement Begins
Starting as a protest against economic inequality, the Occupy Wall Street movement commenced in Zuccotti Park, located in New York City’s Wall Street financial district. The activists’ slogan, “We are the 99%,” highlighted the growing income and wealth disparity in the U.S. The movement soon spread to cities around the world, becoming a global phenomenon.
Notable Births on 17 September:
- 1930: Edgar Mitchell was born. An American naval officer and aviator, test pilot, aeronautical engineer, ufologist, and NASA astronaut, he was the sixth person to walk on the Moon as part of the Apollo 14 mission.
- 1931: Anne Bancroft, the American actress, was born. Renowned for her role as Mrs. Robinson in “The Graduate”, she had a distinguished career in film, television, and theater, winning an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globes, two Tony Awards, and two Emmy Awards.
Notable Deaths on 17 September:
- 1868: Roman Nose, a distinguished Cheyenne warrior and battle strategist, died in the Battle of Beecher Island during the Indian Wars.
- 1983: Humberto Sousa Medeiros, a Portuguese-American Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church, passed away. He served as Archbishop of Boston from 1970 until his death.
Conclusion:
The chronicles of the 17th of September present a mosaic of events, ranging from foundational moments in the establishment of democratic institutions to pivotal battles that shaped nations. It’s a testament to the ever-evolving course of human history and the indomitable spirit of perseverance, innovation, and the quest for justice. Through these events, we gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies and interconnections that define our shared human story.