DailyTimeCapsule brief
September 18, 1955
On September 18, 1955, Syria took a significant step in managing its oil resources by establishing an Oil Revision Unit. This move reflected the growing importance of oil in geopolitical and economic strategies during a time when Middle Eastern nations were asserting their control over natural resources. Meanwhile, in Canada, a census revealed a surprising trend: the Indigenous population was not declining, but rather increasing, challenging narratives of cultural vanishing. In the arts, American art critic James Thrall Soby published a comprehensive review of the works of Italian painter Giorgio de Chirico, highlighting the evolution of modern art in post-war society. This day underscored a period of cultural and political shifts that were influencing both national identities and global relations.
Key developments
-
On September 18, 1955, Syria announced the formation of the Oil Revision Unit, referred to as 3-Min com. This unit was tasked with negotiating the revision of existing agreements with foreign oil companies operating in Syria. The move aimed to gain greater control over the country's oil resources and increase national revenue.
-
On September 18, 1955, reports revealed a 15,000 (11%) increase in the Indigenous population in Canada between 1950 and 1955, as shown by the census. This statistic highlighted a notable rise in the population since 1901. The findings challenged prior notions about Indigenous peoples vanishing from the landscape of Canadian society.
-
A Vision That Faded; GIORGIO DE CHIRICO. By James Thrall Soby. 267 pp. Illustrated. New York: The Museum of Modern Art. Distributed by Simon & Schuster. $7.50.
