History Today: How Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt

On March 30, 1981, then-US President Ronald Reagan was shot and seriously injured in an assassination attempt outside a hotel in Washington, DC.

The act was not motivated by politics.

The shooter, identified as 25-year-old John Hinckley Jr, was inspired only by his wish to win over Hollywood star Jodie Foster.

Back in the 19th century, the United States signed a Treaty of Cession with Russia to purchase Alaska, then known as Russian America.

This day also marked the opening of Starbucks, the biggest chain of coffee shops in America, in Seattle, more than 50 years ago.

Here’s a detailed look at these significant historical events in Firstpost Explainers’ History Today series.

More from Explainers

Why is Trump seeking sponsors for the annual White House Easter Egg Roll? US intelligence: Ukraine and Russia likely to extend war rather than accept bad peace deal

Ronald Reagan assassination attempt

On January 20, 1981, Republican Ronald Reagan became the 40th President of the United States.

He was shot and severely injured on March 30, 1981, as he was making his way back to his motorcade following a speech at the Hilton Hotel in Washington.

The president and his agents did not wear bulletproof vests since the distance between the hotel and his limousine was so small.

John Hinckley Jr. fired six rounds from his Röhm RG-14.22 LR blue steel revolver as Reagan and his entourage passed a gathered crowd. The “Devastator” rounds that were put into the gun were made to detonate upon contact.

Those close by of Reagan were struck by the first five bullets: District of Columbia police officer Thomas Delahanty was shot in the neck and shoulder, White House press secretary James Brady was shot in the head, and Secret Service member Tim McCarthy was shot in the stomach.

Editor’s Picks

1

History Today: When Saudi Arabia's King Faisal was assassinated by his nephew 50 years ago

Reagan, 70, was wounded when the sixth bullet struck its mark, clipping a rib and lodging in his lung.

Brady suffered a lifelong brain injury that left him paralysed on one side and with slurred speech after just the bullet that struck him detonated. He died in 2014 as a result of his injuries.

The president was hurried to the hospital at George Washington University.

Reagan reportedly tried to keep the atmosphere pleasant even though he had lost at least 40 per cent of his blood.

He reportedly told his doctors, “I sure hope all of you out there are all Republicans”, to which they responded, “Today, Mister President, we are all Republican.”

Hinckley would be found not guilty because of insanity and held at a psychiatric hospital until his supervised release in 2016.

The Treaty of Cession signed between US and Russia

The Treaty of Cession of Russian America was signed by the United States and Russia on this day in 1867.

According to the terms of the deal, Russia would get $7.2 million in gold from the US in exchange for its territory, or around two cents per acre.

On October 18, 1867, the deal was finalised after the US Senate approved the pact.

In the late 18th century, Alaska was managed by the Russian American Company, a government-chartered company, and had explorers and fur traders as its settlers. At the time, it was known as Russian America.

Due to economic challenges, Russia was finding it more and more difficult to provide for its colonies in Alaska. The huge geographical distance between Alaska and the Russian mainland made defence and governance even more difficult.

It was in 1859 when the Russian officials began negotiations with the US about selling Alaska. The negotiations were primarily conducted by Russian minister to the US, Eduard de Stoeckl, and US Secretary of State William H Seward.

The US government took over the administration of Alaska, and it became a Department of the US government in 1884.

The territory eventually became a state on January 2, 1959, making it the 49th state of the country.

Starbucks debut in Seattle

Starbucks, one of the most well-known coffee chains in the world, opened its first store around 54 years ago.

With just one employee, the business launched its first store, a 1,000-square-foot commercial space, at Seattle’s famous Pike Place Market on March 30, 1971, offering freshly brewed hot coffee and premium roasted coffee beans.

The company’s founders were Gordon Bowker, Zev Siegl, and Gerald Baldwin – three coffee lovers in their twenties who met at the University of San Francisco.

They called their firm “Starbucks” after the first mate in the book Moby Dick in homage to Seattle’s maritime heritage and the coffee industry.

They thought of naming the company “Pequod,” after the ship from Moby Dick, but didn’t think it sounded appealing.

Siegl was the only employee at their first store as his partners continued to work during the day.

Due to its extraordinary success in creating America’s premium coffee market since 1971, Starbucks has grown into a powerful emblem of Western consumer culture.