OCTOBER 7 WORLD EVENTS

1. Women Admitted to Oxford University as Full Members, October 7, 1920: 

Introduction:

On October 7, 1920, women became eligible for admission as full members of Oxford University and were imparted the right to take degrees. A significant milestone in the fight for gender equality in education.

Historical Background:

Women had been studying at Oxford University for decades before 1920, but they had not been able to take degrees or participate as full-time students at the university. They were only allowed to attend Oxford as students of Somerville College, Lady Margaret Hall, and St Hugh's College, which were all women's colleges. They were not allowed to take degrees or to participate in the full life of the university.

The Campaign for Full Membership:

In 1884, Oxford University established the Association for the Education of Women (AEW). The AEW was responsible for providing women with access to Oxford's libraries and laboratories. However, women were still not allowed to take degrees.

The campaign for women to be admitted as full members of Oxford began in the early 20th century. which was led by a number of prominent women, including Emily Penrose, the principal of Somerville College, and Henrietta Jex-Blake, the founder of the London School of Medicine for Women.

The Vote to Admit Women:

In 1920, the university's Congregation, which is its governing body, voted to admit women as full members by a margin of 148 to 41.

Conclusion:

The admission of women to Oxford University as full members on October 7, 1920, was a major victory for the women's suffrage movement. It was a sign that society was finally beginning to accept the concept that women were just as capable as men of achieving academic excellence.

2. Luna 3: First Photographs of the Dark Side of the Moon

Introduction:

On 7th October 1959, the USSR spacecraft Luna 3 became the first spacecraft to photograph the dark side of the Moon. The spacecraft took 29 photos of the sunlit far side of the Moon from a distance of 63,500 km.

The Luna 3 Mission:

Luna 3 was launched on October 4, 1959. It was a small spacecraft, weighing only about 279 kilograms. Luna 3 was equipped with a camera and a radio transmitter. On October 7, 1959, Luna 3 passed behind the Moon and it took 29 photographs of the far side. The photographs were taken over a period of 40 minutes and were developed onboard the spacecraft. After developing the photographs, Luna 3 transmitted them back to Earth and was received on October 18, 1959.

3. Infrared Photography: A Revolution in Medical and Aerial Photography

Introduction:

On 7th October 1931, the Eastman Kodak Research Laboratories in Rochester, New York, took the first U.S. short-exposure infrared photograph of a large group of people in apparently total darkness. The photograph was taken in a room that was flooded with invisible infrared light.

Applications of Infrared Photography:

Infrared photography is used in a variety of applications, including:

1. Medical imaging: Infrared photography can be used to image blood vessels, tumours, and other internal structures.

2. Aerial photography: Infrared photography can be used to identify vegetation, camouflage, and other objects that are difficult to see in visible light.

3. Security: Infrared photography can be used to detect intruders and other security threats.

4. Second Battle of Saratoga: 

Introduction:

On October 7, 1777, American forces defeated British forces under General John Burgoyne in the Second Battle of Saratoga. This victory was a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, as it led to the surrender of Burgoyne's army and convinced France to enter the war on the side of the Americans.

The Battle:

The Second Battle of Saratoga took place near the village of Saratoga Springs in New York. Burgoyne wants to capture Albany. Burgoyne launched an attack on the American positions on Bemis Heights on October 7, 1777. The attack was initially successful, but the Americans were able to rally and drive the British back. The battle ended in a stalemate, but the British suffered heavy casualties. Burgoyne surrendered his army to the Americans. 

5. Operation Enduring Freedom: Global War on Terror

Introduction:

The global military campaign was launched by the United States and its allies in response to the September 11 attacks. Operation Enduring Freedom was the longest war in American history, lasting from 2001 to 2021 and was a part of the Global War on Terror initiated by the US.

Goals of Operation Enduring Freedom:

The primary goals of OEF were to:

1. Destroy al-Qaeda, the terrorist organization responsible for the September 11 attacks.

2. Remove the Taliban regime from power in Afghanistan.

3. Prevent Afghanistan from being used as a safe haven for terrorists.

Course of the War:

1. Start:

OEF began on October 7, 2001, with airstrikes against al-Qaeda and Taliban targets in Afghanistan. The United States also deployed ground troops to Afghanistan to help the Afghan Northern Alliance fight the Taliban.

2. Achievement:

In December 2001, the Taliban regime was overthrown and al-Qaeda leaders fled the country. However, al-Qaeda and the Taliban continued to operate in Afghanistan and the war dragged on for two decades.

3. End:

OEF officially ended on December 31, 2014, but the United States continued to maintain a small military presence in Afghanistan to support the Afghan government and security forces.

4. Post-war:

The United States withdrew all of its remaining troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, after the Taliban regained control of the country.