On this day, September 18 - Know what happened today in history

September 18 is marked by pivotal historical events that shaped the world. From technological advancements to major political moves, this day holds a special place in history.

Sheetal Kumari

September 18, 2024 / 06:01 IST

Today in history, September 18

September 18 is marked by pivotal historical events that shaped the world. From technological advancements to major political moves, this day holds a special place in history. It also saw the birth of famous figures and the passing of legendary individuals.

1998: ICANN is Established
On this day, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was founded. Esther Dyson became its first chairperson. Originally overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce, ICANN now operates as a non-profit. It manages the Domain Name System (DNS), which is vital to how the internet functions. By 2009, ICANN gained full independence from the U.S. government.

1973: West Germany Adopts the Deutsche Mark
West Germany officially adopted the Deutsche Mark, replacing the East German Mark. This currency shift helped unify the economies of East and West Germany, pushing forward the reunification process.

1959: Vanguard 3 Launches into Orbit
Vanguard 3, a geocentric satellite, was launched into Earth's orbit by a Vanguard rocket. The rocket was constructed by Glenn L. Martin Company, now known as Lockheed-Martin. Vanguard 3 was essential for scientific research and tracking Earth's environmental changes.

1934: USSR Joins the League of Nations
The Soviet Union officially became a member of the League of Nations. However, its membership was short-lived, as it was expelled a few years later for its invasion of Finland.