National Security Act Amendment reorganizes U.S. military

National Security Act Amendment reorganizes U.S. military

August 10, 2009 03:00:00 am

On August 10, 1949, the National Security Act Amendment was signed into law. It replaced the Department of War with the Department of Defense (DoD) and pulled all military service branches directly under the supervision of the DoD.

Learn more about the National Security Act from the U.S. State Department.

THIS DAY @ LAW

French king revoked Edict of Nantes on religious freedom

On October 22, 1685, the Edict of Nantes, which permitted religious freedom in France, was revoked by King Louis XIV, prompting thousands of French Protestants, Huguenots, to flee the country. Read the instrument of revocation in English.

President Kennedy announces blockade of Cuba

On October 22, 1962, President John Kennedy announced a naval blockade of Cuba. After six days of negotiations, the Soviet Union agreed to remove its missiles from Cuba, ending the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Learn more about the Cuban Missile Crisis from the George Washington University.