Movie Stars Hit Streets to Sell War Bonds
On April 8, 1918, Charlie Chaplin and Douglas Fairbanks held a war bond drive on Wall Street to bolster support for the war effort.
World War I
German Spring Offensive
On March 21, 1918, Germany launched its Spring Offensive in the hopes of tipping the scales of the war before American troops and supplies could reach the front.
Birth of General Joseph Stilwell
Joseph Warren Stilwell was born on March 19, 1883 in Palatka, Florida. “Uncle Joe” served and led with distinction during World War I and II, earning some of the military’s highest honors.
Narcotic Tax Stamps
On February 25, 1919, a Narcotic Tax was officially instated. Initially created to help fund World War I, they remained in use for over 50 years.
The Zimmermann Telegram
On February 24, 1917, British officials shared the Zimmermann Telegram with US President Woodrow Wilson, revealing a German plot to incite a war between the US and Mexico.
Birth of W.E.B. Du Bois
William Edward Burghardt Du Bois was born on February 23, 1868, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. A founding member of the NAACP, he was a leading civil rights activist.
Pluto Discovered
On February 18, 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto after nearly a year of searching. It would be another 85 years before the US sent its first space probe there – inspired by a postage stamp!
USS Maine Explodes – Ignites War
On February 15, 1898, the USS Maine mysteriously exploded in Havana Harbor, leading the US to declare war on Spain two months later. Special Revenue stamps depicting the Maine were produced to fund the Spanish-American War and the event had a significant impact on US postage stamps.
New Mexico Admitted as 47th State
On January 6, 1912, New Mexico became the 47th state admitted to the Union.