26 September 1933

As gangster Machine Gun Kelly surrenders to the FBI, he shouts out, “Don’t shoot, G-Men!”, which becomes a nickname for FBI agents.

Machine Gun Kelly was an infamous American gangster during the Prohibition era, best known for his involvement in organized crime, particularly kidnapping and bootlegging. His real name was George Kelly Barnes, and he was born on July 18, 1895, in Memphis, Tennessee. He earned the nickname “Machine Gun Kelly” because of his notorious use of a Thompson submachine gun, also known as a “Tommy gun,” during his criminal activities.

25 September 1237

England and Scotland sign the Treaty of York, establishing the location of their common border.

The Treaty of York, signed in 1237, was a significant agreement between England and Scotland that established the Anglo-Scottish border. The treaty was negotiated between King Henry III of England and King Alexander II of Scotland, and it marked a resolution of territorial disputes between the two kingdoms, particularly regarding lands in the northern regions of England.

Key points about the Treaty of York include:

Border Definition: The treaty defined the boundaries between England and Scotland, which, for the most part, remain in place to this day. It solidified English control over certain territories south of the border, such as Northumberland and Cumberland, while Scotland recognized those areas as part of England.

Peaceful Relations: The treaty sought to establish peaceful relations between the two kingdoms by resolving territorial tensions and clarifying ownership of disputed lands, reducing the likelihood of conflict in the region.

Scottish Holdings in England: Although the treaty did not grant Alexander II any additional territories in England, it confirmed certain privileges for Scottish lords who held lands within England.

24 September 1946

The top-secret Clifford-Elsey Report on the Soviet Union is delivered to President Truman.

The Clifford-Elsey Report was a significant document written in 1946 for President Harry S. Truman, offering a comprehensive analysis of U.S.-Soviet relations and helping shape U.S. Cold War policy. It was authored primarily by Clark Clifford, Truman’s Special Counsel, and George Elsey, an aide to the president. This report marked an important moment in the evolution of American foreign policy, especially concerning the Soviet Union, at a time when tensions were escalating between the two superpowers.

23 September 1905

Norway and Sweden sign the Karlstad Treaty, peacefully dissolving the Union between the two countries.

The Karlstad Treaty, signed on September 23, 1905, was a key agreement that marked the peaceful dissolution of the union between Sweden and Norway. The union, which had existed since 1814, was dissolved after growing tensions between the two nations, particularly over Norway’s desire for more autonomy and equal standing with Sweden.

22 September 1965

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ends after the United Nations calls for a ceasefire.

The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 was a significant military conflict between India and Pakistan that took place between August and September 1965. It was the second major war fought between the two countries after their independence from British rule in 1947, and it was primarily driven by the long-standing dispute over the Kashmir region.

Causes of the War:

Territorial Dispute over Kashmir: The central cause of the war was the conflict over the region of Kashmir, which both India and Pakistan claimed as their own. The Kashmir issue had been unresolved since the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-48, resulting in a UN-mediated ceasefire and the establishment of the Line of Control (LoC), but no permanent resolution.

Operation Gibraltar: In early 1965, Pakistan initiated a covert operation called Operation Gibraltar, aimed at infiltrating forces into Indian-administered Kashmir to incite insurgency among the local Muslim population and cause instability. Pakistan believed that the Kashmiri people would rise up against Indian control, leading to an international intervention in its favor.

Escalation of Border Clashes: Initial skirmishes took place in the Rann of Kutch (April 1965) in the southern part of the Indo-Pakistani border, which set the stage for a larger conflict. By August 1965, fighting escalated along the Kashmir border, with India launching retaliatory attacks after Pakistani infiltrations.

21 September 1942

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress makes its maiden flight.

The Boeing B-29 Superfortress was a four-engine, propeller-driven heavy bomber developed by the United States during World War II. It is best known for its advanced technology and for its role in the Pacific Theater, including the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which helped bring an end to the war.

20 September 1586

A number of conspirators in the Babington Plot are hanged, drawn and quartered

The Babington Plot was a conspiracy in 1586 to assassinate Queen Elizabeth I of England and replace her with her Catholic cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots. The plot was named after its central figure, Anthony Babington, a young Catholic nobleman who was sympathetic to Mary and opposed to Elizabeth’s Protestant rule.

19 September 1970

Michael Eavis hosts the first Glastonbury Festival.

The Glastonbury Festival is one of the largest and most famous music and performing arts festivals in the world. Held annually in Pilton, Somerset, England, it features a wide range of musical acts, from rock, pop, indie, electronic, and hip-hop to other performing arts such as dance, comedy, theatre, and circus performances.

First organized in 1970 by farmer Michael Eavis, it started with just 1,500 people. Today, it attracts over 200,000 attendees. The festival typically lasts for five days in June and includes multiple stages, with its iconic Pyramid Stage being the centerpiece for major performances.

Beyond music, Glastonbury emphasizes sustainability, charity, and activism. It supports causes like Oxfam, Greenpeace, and WaterAid, and its organizers strive to reduce the festival’s environmental impact.

Glastonbury also has a legendary reputation for unpredictable weather—muddy fields are a common feature when rain hits, which has become part of its charm!

18 September 1809

The Royal Opera House in London opens.

The Royal Opera House (ROH) in Covent Garden, London, is one of the most prestigious and historic performing arts venues in the world.

Rich History: Established in 1732, the Royal Opera House has a long and illustrious history, initially functioning as a playhouse before transitioning into a world-class opera and ballet venue. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt several times due to fires but has consistently remained a center for performing arts.

Home to Leading Companies: ROH is the home of both The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, two of the most respected and internationally acclaimed opera and ballet companies. It is known for its high-caliber performances and artistic excellence.

Iconic Architecture: The building itself is architecturally significant, blending 19th-century elements with modern design following a major renovation in the 1990s. The auditorium, with its classical horseshoe shape, is renowned for its acoustics and grandeur. The Paul Hamlyn Hall, a beautiful glass atrium, is another iconic feature.

World-Class Productions: The ROH is renowned for staging not only classical works of opera and ballet but also innovative contemporary performances. It attracts some of the finest artists in the world, including singers, dancers, conductors, and directors.

Cultural Influence: It is a significant cultural institution, contributing to the development and promotion of both British and international opera and ballet. Many famous productions and premieres have taken place here, influencing global trends in these art forms.

Education and Outreach: The ROH is dedicated to engaging with the public, offering educational programs, outreach initiatives, and accessible performances. It is a vital part of London’s cultural life, supporting new talent and making the arts more inclusive.

17 September 1861

Argentine Civil Wars: The State of Buenos Aires defeats the Argentine Confederation at the Battle of Pavón.

The Argentine Civil Wars were a series of conflicts that took place in Argentina from 1814 to 1880, following the country’s independence from Spain. These wars were primarily struggles for political control and involved rival factions with differing visions for the country’s future. The two main groups were:

Unitarians: They sought a centralized government based in Buenos Aires, where power would be concentrated. They generally represented the interests of the city and were often associated with European-style liberalism and a strong central authority.

Federalists: They advocated for a federal system in which the provinces would retain significant autonomy and power. Federalists represented the interests of the rural provinces and favored a more decentralized approach to governance.