This day in history: 30 september

Europa

• Munich Agreement (1938):
  On September 30, 1938, a pivotal event in European history took place: the signing of the Munich Agreement. Leaders from Italy, Britain, France, and Germany met in Munich and agreed to allow Germany’s annexation of the Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia with a significant ethnic German population. Notably, Czechoslovakia was not invited to participate in the negotiations and was compelled to accept the terms. This act of appeasement was intended to prevent a larger conflict, but it ultimately emboldened Nazi Germany and is widely regarded as a failed attempt to maintain peace in Europe.
• Galtuer, Austria: Alpine Cheese Olympics, a culinary event celebrating regional cheese traditions, is held on September 30.
• Various European Cities: Late September is a vibrant period for festivals, marathons, and cultural events across Europe, such as autumn markets, wine festivals, and marathons in cities like Wiesbaden, Cologne, Berlin, and Warsaw, though not all fall precisely on September 30.

America

• Hoover Dam Dedicated (1935)
  On September 30, 1935, the Hoover Dam, a monumental engineering project on the border between Arizona and Nevada, was officially dedicated. The dam remains a critical source of hydroelectric power and water for the American Southwest.
• First Centrally Located Hydroelectric Power Plant (1882)
  On September 30, 1882, the first centrally located electric lighting plant using the Edison system and the first hydroelectric central station in the United States began operation in Appleton, Wisconsin. This innovation marked a major milestone in the use of hydroelectric power in America.
• Babe Ruth Hits 60 Home Runs (1927)
  On this day in 1927, baseball legend Babe Ruth became the first player to hit 60 home runs in a single Major League Baseball season, setting a record that stood for decades.
• USS Nautilus Commissioned (1954)
  The USS Nautilus, the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, was commissioned by the U.S. Navy at Groton, Connecticut, on September 30, 1954. This event marked a new era in naval technology.
• James Dean Dies (1955)
  On September 30, 1955, iconic American actor James Dean died in a car crash in California at just 24 years old. His death cemented his status as a cultural legend.
• The Flintstones Premieres (1960)
  The animated television series “The Flintstones” premiered on September 30, 1960. It became a beloved classic and was the first prime-time animated TV show in the U.S..
• Berlin Airlift Ends (1949)
  After 15 months and over 2 million tons of supplies delivered, the Berlin Airlift—largely led by American forces—ended on September 30, 1949. This operation was a significant episode of the early Cold War.

Asia

• The September 30th Movement in Indonesia (1965)
  On September 30, 1965, Indonesia experienced a dramatic and violent turning point known as the September 30th Movement (Gerakan 30 September, or G30S). A faction within the Indonesian military attempted a coup in Jakarta by kidnapping and murdering six senior army generals in the early hours of October 1. The conspirators claimed their actions were to prevent a supposed coup by a council of generals against President Sukarno. However, the coup attempt quickly failed, largely due to the swift response of General Suharto, who took control of the army and neutralized the movement by the evening of October 1.
• 2009 Sumatra Earthquake: On September 30, 2009, a devastating earthquake struck western Sumatra, Indonesia, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people.
• 1947 – Pakistan joins the United Nations: On this day, Pakistan was admitted as a member of the UN, marking a significant moment in the country’s early history.

Africa

• Botswana Gains Independence (1966)
  On September 30, 1966, Botswana achieved independence from British colonial rule. Seretse Khama became the first head of state, marking a peaceful transition and the birth of a new nation in southern Africa. Botswana’s independence stands out as a significant moment in the continent’s decolonization process.
• French Occupation of Antananarivo, Madagascar (1895)
  On September 30, 1895, French troops occupied Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar, after Prime Minister Rainilaiarivony refused to submit to French authority. This event marked a decisive step in the colonization of Madagascar by France.