 "History Today: When Rishi Sunak became Britain’s first prime minister of colour")
October 25, 2022, was a historic day for Britain as the country elected its first prime minister of colour - Rishi Sunak. At 42, he was also the youngest PM in more than two hundred years.
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.
On this day in 1983, the United States invaded Grenada in a military operation codenamed “Operation Urgent Fury.”
Here is all that took place on this day.
Rishi Sunak became Britain’s first prime minister of colour
It was a historic moment when Rishi Sunak became Britain’s first prime minister of colour on October 25, 2022. His appointment marked a significant moment in British politics. Sunak succeeded Liz Truss, who resigned after just 45 days in office following economic turmoil triggered by her mini-budget.
Sunak was born in Southampton to Indian parents who had emigrated from East Africa. Educated at Oxford University and Stanford University, he built a successful career in finance before entering politics as a member of the Conservative Party. In 2015, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Richmond, North Yorkshire, and later gained prominence as Chancellor of the Exchequer under Prime Minister Boris Johnson, particularly during the Covid pandemic when he introduced economic support schemes like the “furlough” program.
As prime minister, Sunak faced daunting challenges which included stabilising the economy amid inflation, restoring party unity after months of political chaos, and regaining public trust ahead of the next general election. His ascent to power was historic not only because of his Indian heritage and Hindu faith but also because it came during Diwali.
Sunak’s rise underscored Britain’s complex relationship with multiculturalism and colonial history. While his appointment was hailed as a milestone for representation, critics pointed out that symbolic progress must be matched by tangible social change.
US invaded Grenada
The United States invaded Grenada in a military operation codenamed “Operation Urgent Fury” on this day in 1983. The invasion was launched by President Ronald Reagan following a violent coup on the Caribbean island that had overthrown and executed Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, sparking fears of instability and growing Soviet-Cuban influence in the region.
Grenada, a small island nation with a population of about 90,000, had been under the rule of Bishop’s leftist New Jewel Movement since 1979. Bishop had maintained close ties with Cuba and the Soviet Union, which alarmed Washington during the height of the Cold War. In mid-October 1983, Bishop was deposed and killed by hardline Marxist members of his own government, leading to chaos and the establishment of a military council.
The Reagan administration cited several reasons for the invasion which included protecting the lives of nearly 600 American medical students studying at St George’s University, restoring democratic governance, and countering perceived communist expansion. On October 25, approximately 7,000 US troops, along with forces from Caribbean nations under the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), landed on the island.
The operation lasted less than a week but was marked by intense fighting between US troops and Grenadian and Cuban forces. By early November, the US had taken control of the island, and a pro-American government was installed. Officially, 19 US soldiers, 45 Grenadians, and 25 Cubans were killed.
This Day, That Year
On this day in 1964, the British rock band the Rolling Stones made its first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show.
The first domestic microwave ovens went on sale in 1950.
Germany and Italy established the Rome-Berlin Axis in 1936.
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