The federal government under Roosevelt (above) decided
to limit the production of certain crops such as wheat to “stabilize” supplies and prices.
On this day in 1943 In a wartime rationing effort, the US
government banned the sale of sliced bread—in theory,
to conserve wax paper and the steel used in bread-
slicing machines.
After huge backlash, they rescind the order in less than
two months.
CAMILLE BOHANNON
On January 17, 1953, a prototype Chevrolet Corvette sports
car made its debut at General Motors’ Motorama auto show
at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.
The Corvette, named for a fast type of naval warship, would
eventually become an iconic American muscle car and
remains in production today.
President George H.W. Bush announcing the start of the
Persian Gulf war.
At midnight in Iraq, the United Nations deadline for the Iraqi
withdrawal from Kuwait expires, and the Pentagon prepares
to commence offensive operations to forcibly eject Iraq from
its five-month occupation of its oil-rich neighbor.
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting
the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating
liquors for beverage purposes,” was ratified by the
requisite number of states on January 16, 1919.
The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in
the early 19th century, when Americans concerned
about the adverse effects of drinking began forming
temperance societies.
By the late 19th century, these groups had become a
powerful political force, campaigning on the state level
and calling for total national abstinence.
In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, also known
as the Prohibition Amendment, was passed by Congress
and sent to the states for ratification.
