 "History Today: TIME Magazine was published for the first time in 1923")
March 3, 1923, is an iconic day as it is the day that one of the most influential news publications TIME magazine hit the stands for the first time. It was a weekly news magazine, started in the United States, to present news concisely with an aim to make it easier for readers to stay informed.
If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers’ ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events.
In 1974, a Turkish Airlines jetliner crashed near Paris on this day, killing 345 people. This incident is considered to be the deadliest air disaster of all time. Meanwhile, the Star-Spangled Banner was adopted as the national anthem of the United States on this day in 1931.
Here are some of the most important events that took place on this day across the world.
TIME magazine publishes its first issue
There are very few people in this world who are unaware of the iconic red-bordered magazine - TIME. Founded by Briton Hadden and Henry Luce, the first issue of the magazine was published on March 3, 1923.
Yale alumni Henry Luce and Briton Hadden sought to revolutionize news delivery by creating TIME, a publication that offered concise and informative articles. In contrast to traditional newspapers, TIME’s format was designed to help busy readers stay informed on major events through engaging, condensed stories.
The first issue of the magazine featured Joseph G Cannon, a former Speaker of the US House of Representatives, on the cover. With the magazine’s motto “Take Time – It’s Brief,” it became popular for its unique style, featuring authoritative reporting and striking cover images.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTIME magazine introduced the unique “ Person of the Year" feature in 1927. This is an annual tradition that recognises an individual, group or concept that has had the most significant impact, both positive or negative, on the world during the year.
TIME’s long history includes coverage of pivotal moments such as World War II and the civil rights movement, as well as evolving trends like technology and social media. It remains a vital source for insightful and thought-provoking journalism.
Turkish Airlines flight crashes near Paris
On this day in 1974, the worst air disaster in history took place near Paris, killing 345 people onboard. The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 was travelling from Istanbul to London and had a stopover at Paris.
Moments after its 12:32 pm departure from Orly Airport, a witness reported hearing an explosion and seeing the tail fall off the Turkish Airlines flight 981, according to the New York Times. A cargo door malfunction caused an explosive decompression. The resulting cabin floor collapse severed control cables and within minutes, the uncontrollable aircraft crashed into Ermenonville Forest, 37 kilometres northeast of Paris.
Rescue workers from the Red Cross and Protection Civile along with fire and ambulance crews reached the spot within half an hour of the incident - but alas, there was nobody to rescue. All there was left to be done was to collect the bodies and take them to a nearby church in Senlis from where they were transferred in Army trucks to a medical centre in Paris to be examined by forensics.
The tragedy led to major changes in aviation safety. The DC-10’s cargo doors were redesigned and global aircraft safety regulations were strengthened. Now, Airlines were also required to implement stricter maintenance and inspection procedures.
US adopts the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem
It was on this day in 1931 that President Herbert Hoover signed a congressional resolution officially designating “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the national anthem of the United States.
The song’s lyrics were taken from a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry”, written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812. Inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying at dawn, he penned the now-famous words that celebrated American resilience and patriotism.
The push to recognise “The Star-Spangled Banner” as the official anthem gained momentum in the early 20th century, particularly after it was commonly played at military ceremonies and baseball games. Congress passed a bill approving the designation in 1931 and President Hoover signed it into law.
Since then, “The Star-Spangled Banner” has been a powerful symbol of American identity, played at national celebrations, sporting events and official ceremonies.
This Day, That Year
On this day in 2018, English neurologist Roger Bannister died at the age of 88.
The first episode of the sitcom Moonlighting aired on American television on this day in 1985.
In 1671, the Paris Opera first opened with a performance of Pomone by composer Robert Cambert.
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