MAY 18, 1945

Full News Archive

• Headline: Marines' Strategic Victory in Okinawa. Impact: The predawn surprise attack not only pushed back Japanese forces but also led to a series of strategic military tactics that would inspire future military planners, who would then write a bestselling book on how to do surprise attacks—featuring chapters like 'Always Attack Before Breakfast' and 'Forget About the Element of Surprise, Just Be Loud.'. Fact: Did you know that the 6th Marine Division later became famous for their love of sugar? Not just on the battlefield, but they apparently had a penchant for sweetening their coffee. True story!.
• Headline: Milan Hosts Roman Delegation Amid Tensions. Impact: The Roman leaders' visit to Milan was the beginning of a series of diplomatic mishaps, leading to an accidental game of political 'hot potato' that would see officials trading awkward small talk for centuries to come.. Fact: Did you know that this meeting was so full of tension that even the pasta in the local restaurants was undercooked? Talk about high stakes!.
• Headline: BIDDLE, CLAYTON ASK CARTEL CURBS; They Support O'Mahoney Bill, Which Would Bar Secrecy in International Agreements. Impact: The push for cartel curbs led to a ripple effect where international trade agreements became so public that they could have their own reality TV show. 'Keeping Up with the Agreements' became a hit, but no one really cared about the plot.. Fact: Did you know that the only thing more complicated than international agreements is trying to explain them to your grandmother? Good luck with that!.
• Headline: Carrier Wrecked by Bombs, Gets Home Despite Big Loss; AMERICAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER ABLAZE IN THE PACIFIC. Impact: The bombing of the USS Franklin led to a series of naval improvements that eventually resulted in the creation of more robust aircraft carriers, which then inspired a line of action figures. Because who doesn’t want a toy that blows up?. Fact: Did you know that the USS Franklin was so famous, they almost considered making it the star of its own reality show? 'Survivor: Aircraft Carrier Edition' was in talks for a while..
• Headline: LIMITATION EASED ON FARM MACHINES; WPB Also Revokes Several of Its Curbs on Manufacture of Industrial Equipment. Impact: Easing limitations on farm machines resulted in farmers having a field day—literally. This led to an agricultural revolution that had farmers everywhere boasting about their shiny new tractors, while their children just wanted to play in the dirt.. Fact: Did you know that farmers often argue about whose tractor is the best? It’s basically the agricultural version of a car show..
• Headline: ACCEPTS QUOTA IN DRIVE; Law Firms Division of New York Fund to Raise $75,000. Impact: The acceptance of quotas by law firms was the start of a long tradition of dragging their feet on everything, ensuring that paperwork would still be the biggest thrill in the legal world for decades to come.. Fact: Did you know that law firms are the only places where people celebrate 'getting things done' like it’s a national holiday? Cue the confetti and legal briefs!.
• Headline: CHARLES MARTEL, 85, LIBRARY AUTHORITY. Impact: Charles Martel's role as a library authority would lead to a series of epic battles over book bans and library funding, making libraries the new hotbed for political drama. Who knew Dewey Decimal could be so controversial?. Fact: Did you know that even at 85, Martel was probably still arguing about the best way to organize books? Spoiler: he was team Dewey..
• Headline: Jitterbugs 'Steal' Party Given Koneff by Bradley. Impact: The jitterbugs at the party were the catalyst for dance crazes that would sweep the nation, leading to an unending cycle of awkward dance moves that would put the Macarena to shame decades later.. Fact: Did you know that jitterbugging is basically just an excuse for people to flail around on the dance floor? It’s like cardio, but with more fun and less structure..