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    On This Day in Tech History

    Stories Published December 24 Throughout History

    2024

    Historic Tech Events

    Apollo 8 Orbited the Moon

    Apollo 8 Orbited the Moon
    1968

    On December 24, 1968, the crew of NASA's Apollo 8 mission achieved a historic milestone as they became the first humans to enter the Moon's orbit. The three-person crew, consisting of Commander Frank Borman, Command Module Pilot Jim Lovell, and Lunar Module Pilot William Anders, traveled nearly 238,855 miles to reach the Moon's orbit. This achievement was a significant step forward in the space race, as the United States aimed to demonstrate its technological and scientific capabilities against the Soviet Union. The Apollo 8 mission also provided stunning photographs of the Earthrise from the Moon, which helped inspire a new perspective on our planet's place in the universe.

    The Treaty of Ghent is Signed

    The Treaty of Ghent is Signed
    1814

    The Treaty of Ghent, signed in Belgium, on December 24th, 1814, ended the War of 1812 between the United States and the United Kingdom. The treaty restored the pre-war borders between the two countries and settled disputes over trade and maritime rights. Despite being inconclusive in terms of territorial gains or losses, the treaty is regarded as a diplomatic victory for both sides and marked the beginning of improved relations between the two nations. The end of the war also helped solidify a sense of national identity in the United States and laid the groundwork for the country's expansion westward.

    The First Radio Broadcast is Completed

    The First Radio Broadcast is Completed
    1906

    On Christmas Eve 1906, Reginald Fessenden made history by broadcasting the first-ever radio transmission. He beamed a "Christmas concert" to the crews of ships from the United Fruit Company in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. This event marked a significant breakthrough in communication technology and paved the way for the radio's widespread use in the coming years.

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