The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history.
1. South Africa implemented the Group Areas Act
On this day in history in 1950 South Africa implemented the Group Areas Act. The law assigned geographically separate residential and business areas for different racial groups, forcing non-whites from the most developed areas. It was a major pillar of the apartheid system of racial segregation and oppression.
2. The New York Times published the Pentagon Papers
On this day in history in 1971 The New York Times published the Pentagon Papers. The secret study of the United States’ involvement in the Vietnam War revealed the government’s lies concerning the scale of U.S. activities in Vietnam and neighboring countries. Daniel Ellsberg, an employee of the RAND Corporation, leaked the documents to the New York Times, and he was later tried but not convicted of espionage.
3. Pioneer 10 became the first man-made object to leave the central solar system
On this day in history in 1983 Pioneer 10 becomes the first man-made object to leave the central solar system. The U.S. space probe crossed the orbit of Neptune, which at the time was classified as the furthest planet from the Sun.
4. The leaders of South Korea and North Korea met in an historic summit
On this day in history 2000 The leaders of South Korea and North Korea met in an historic summit. The talks were initiated by then President of South Korea, Kim Dae-jung. For the implementation of his “Sunshine Policy”, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2000.
5. The United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
On this day in history in 2002 The United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The ABM Treaty was signed in 1972 by the Soviet Union and the United States. It regulated the establishment of anti-ballistic missile shields against nuclear missiles. Critics bemoaned the treaty’s termination for its potential negative effect on nuclear proliferation.
