A closer look at key historic events that took place on September 22:
In 2002, a Protest Against Foxhunting Takes Place in London
Hundreds of thousands of protesters gathered in London to oppose a ban on foxhunting, a traditional British sport. The protest highlighted the deep divide between rural communities, who saw it as part of their heritage, and animal rights activists, who condemned it as cruel. Two years later, the House of Commons banned the activity in England and Wales.
In 1994, Friends Airs for the First Time
The popular TV sitcom Friends debuted on NBC on September 22. The show, centered around six friends living in New York City, became a cultural phenomenon and remains one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history.
In 1980, the Iran-Iraq War Begins
The Iran-Iraq War broke out after Iraqi President Saddam Hussein launched an invasion of Iran. The conflict, which lasted eight years, resulted in significant casualties and economic damage for both countries, ending in a stalemate.
In 1980, Solidarity is Formed
Solidarity, an independent trade union, was officially formed in Poland after mass strikes by workers at the Lenin Shipyard in Gdańsk. Led by Lech Wałęsa, Solidarity became a major force in challenging Communist rule in Poland and later contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union.
In 1888, the First Issue of National Geographic Magazine is Published
Known for its stunning photography and in-depth articles on science, geography, and world cultures, the magazine became an iconic source of global information.
In 1692, Eight People Were Hanged as Part of the Salem Witch Trials
Eight individuals were hanged in Salem, Massachusetts, in one of the last executions of the infamous Salem witch trials. The trials, fueled by hysteria and accusations of witchcraft, led to the execution of 20 people before the wave of paranoia subsided.
