After Titanic sinks, US Congress passes Radio Act of 1912

Following the sinking of the Titanic in April 1912, the United States Congress passed the Radio Act of 1912 to enhance maritime safety and improve radio communication regulations. This landmark legislation mandated that all radio stations in the U.S. be licensed by the federal government and that shipboard radio operators maintain a continuous watch for distress signals. It also required that amateur radio operators be licensed and assigned specific wavelengths to prevent interference with commercial and emergency communications. The Radio Act of 1912 marked the beginning of federal regulation of radio communication, laying the groundwork for future legislation and significantly shaping the development and organization of the amateur radio community.