On this day, September 14 - Know what happened today in history

Today in History, September 14

On September 14, history marked significant technological, cultural, and political milestones. From technological advancements to historic television debuts, this day highlights moments that have shaped the modern world. With important figures born and lost on this day, their legacies continue to influence and inspire across various fields.

Historical Events on September 14
2000: Microsoft Launches Windows ME
Microsoft introduced the Millennium Edition (ME) as the final operating system in the Windows 9x series. While not its most acclaimed release, Windows ME bridged the gap between earlier consumer versions and the more advanced Windows XP.

1985: The Golden Girls Premieres on TV
The beloved American sitcom, The Golden Girls, made its debut on NBC, captivating audiences with the comedic yet heartfelt lives of four older women sharing a home in Miami. The show’s stars—Beatrice Arthur, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, and Betty White—each won Emmy Awards for their roles, while the series itself garnered several accolades, including two Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Comedy Series.

1979: Afghan President Assassinated
Nur Muhammad Taraki, who had taken office less than a year prior, was assassinated under the orders of his political rival, Hafizullah Amin. Amin succeeded Taraki as president but ruled for only three months before Soviet forces deposed and executed him during Operation Storm-333.

1959: First Man-Made Object Lands on the Moon
The Soviet space probe, Luna 2, became the first human-made object to reach the Moon, crash-landing east of Mare Serenitatis. This monumental achievement in space exploration set the stage for future missions to Earth's natural satellite.

1956: IBM 305 RAMAC Released
IBM unveiled the 305 RAMAC, the first computer featuring a disk drive. Designed for businesses handling real-time transactions, the RAMAC was an innovative leap in data storage and processing, introducing the Random Access Method of Accounting and Control. It marked the end of the vacuum tube era and was soon replaced by more advanced models like the IBM 1401.

Notable Births on September 14

• 1985: Aya Ueto – Japanese, versatile, actress and singer
• 1983: Amy Winehouse – English, soulful, singer-songwriter
• 1965: Dmitry Medvedev – Russian, influential, politician and former president
• 1879: Margaret Sanger – American, pioneering, activist
• 1769: Alexander von Humboldt – German, renowned, geographer and explorer

• 1982: Grace Kelly – American, iconic, actress
• 1936: Irving Thalberg – American, visionary, screenwriter and producer
• 1901: William McKinley – American, tragic, 25th president of the United States
• 1852: Arthur Wellesley – Irish/English, formidable, field marshal and British prime minister
• 1836: Aaron Burr – American, controversial, third vice president of the United States