Nov 20,1942 - Present
THE 46TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
1054 In the year 1054, Siward, Earl of Northumbria, made his mark on history by invading Scotland. His forces clashed with Macbeth, the King of Scotland, in a fierce battle somewhere north of the picturesque Firth of Forth, ultimately emerging victorious.
1189 The pages of history turn to the year 1189 when Friedrich Barbarossa, a prominent figure of the Third Crusade, arrived in Niš. This Serbian city, the capital ruled by King Stefan Nemanja, witnessed the arrival of this renowned leader during a crucial period in history.
1202 In the year 1202, significant events unfolded in the Georgian region. While the specific details of this event are not available, it represents a pivotal moment in Georgian history, which undoubtedly left a lasting impact.
1214 The year 1214 witnessed a pivotal moment in European history known as the Battle of Bouvines. Here, Philip II of France displayed his military prowess by decisively defeating the combined forces of the Imperial, English, and Flemish armies. This victory effectively marked the end of John of England's Angevin Empire.
1299 The year 1299 holds great significance in the history of the Ottoman Empire. It is believed to be the founding day of the Ottoman state when Osman I, according to the accounts of Edward Gibbon, first ventured into the territory of Nicomedia. This event laid the foundation for a powerful empire.
1302 The year 1302 saw the Battle of Bapheus, a significant conflict that led to a decisive Ottoman victory over the Byzantine forces. This victory opened up new avenues for Turkish conquest, shaping the course of history in the region.
1549 On this day in 1549, the renowned Jesuit priest, Francis Xavier, embarked on a historic journey as his ship reached the shores of Japan. This event marked the beginning of Xavier's influential mission and left a lasting impact on Japan's history and culture.
1663 In 1663, the English Parliament made a significant move by passing the second Navigation Act. This act mandated that all goods destined for the American colonies had to be shipped exclusively in English vessels from English ports. This legislative decision had far-reaching consequences, including its later inclusion of Scotland after the Acts of Union 1707.
1689 The Battle of Killiecrankie, fought in 1689 during the Glorious Revolution, stands as a testament to the Jacobite cause. On this day, the Jacobites emerged victorious, securing a notable win that left a lasting mark on the course of history during this tumultuous period.
1694 In 1694, a significant milestone was achieved in the world of finance and banking. A royal charter was granted to the Bank of England, establishing its authority and role as a central financial institution. This event laid the foundation for modern banking practices in the United Kingdom.
1714 The year 1714 witnessed a crucial naval battle during the Great Northern War. The Russian Navy secured its first significant victory in the naval battle of Gangut, defeating the Swedish Navy near the Hanko Peninsula. This victory marked a turning point in the war's maritime theater.
1775 The Second Continental Congress took a historic step in 1775 by passing legislation that led to the founding of the U.S. Army Medical Department. This move was aimed at establishing a hospital to cater to the healthcare needs of an army consisting of 20,000 men, a significant development during the American Revolution.
1778 The American Revolution witnessed its share of historic moments, including the First Battle of Ushant in 1778. On this day, British and French fleets engaged in a fierce battle that ultimately ended in a standoff, reflecting the intensity of the conflict.
1789 The foundations of diplomacy and foreign affairs in the United States were laid in 1789 when the first federal government agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, was established. This agency would later be renamed the Department of State, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's foreign policy.
1794 The year 1794 was marked by a turbulent phase in the French Revolution. Maximilien Robespierre, a central figure, was arrested for his role in encouraging the execution of over 17,000 perceived "enemies of the Revolution." This event had profound implications for the course of the Revolution.
1816 The Battle of Negro Fort in 1816 was a significant moment in the Seminole Wars. A hot shot cannonball fired by US Navy Gunboat No. 154 struck the fort's Powder Magazine, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that claimed the lives of approximately 275 individuals. This single cannon shot remains a somber record in U.S. history.
1857 In 1857, during the Indian Rebellion, a remarkable and heroic stand was made by sixty-eight men. They valiantly held out for eight days against a formidable force consisting of 2,500 to 3,000 mutinying sepoys and 8,000 irregular forces, showcasing extraordinary courage in the face of adversity.
1865 In 1865, a group of Welsh settlers embarked on a journey that led them to Chubut in Argentina. This migration marked the beginning of a new chapter in Welsh-Argentine history, as these settlers established a presence in a distant land.
1866 The year 1866 witnessed a monumental achievement in the realm of communication. The first permanent transatlantic telegraph cable was successfully completed, stretching from Valentia Island, Ireland, to Heart's Content, Newfoundland. This technological marvel transformed global communication.
1880 The Second Anglo-Afghan War witnessed a pivotal moment in 1880 known as the Battle of Maiwand. Afghan forces, led by Mohammad Ayub Khan, achieved a historic victory against the British Army near Maiwand, Afghanistan. This battle had significant implications for the course of the war.
1890 The year 1890 marked a tragic moment in the world of art. Vincent van Gogh, the renowned Dutch painter, tragically shot himself on this day, ultimately passing away two days later. His life and art continue to captivate and inspire the world.
1900 In 1900, Kaiser Wilhelm II made a memorable speech in which he drew a comparison between Germans and Huns. This speech had a lasting impact, and for years afterward, "Hun" became a disparaging term for Germans, reflecting the complexities of European politics at the time.
1917 World War I witnessed a crucial moment in 1917 during the Battle of Passchendaele. The Allies reached the Yser Canal, marking an important phase in the conflict. This battle was part of the larger struggle on the Western Front.
1919 The year 1919 saw the eruption of the Chicago Race Riot, a tragic incident that unfolded following a racial confrontation on a South Side beach. This riot resulted in 38 fatalities and 537 injuries over a five-day period, leaving a deep impact on the city and its residents.
1921 In 1921, a groundbreaking discovery was made by researchers at the University of Toronto, led by biochemist Frederick Banting. Their work demonstrated the crucial role of the hormone insulin in regulating blood sugar levels, revolutionizing the treatment of diabetes and saving countless lives.
1929 The year 1929 witnessed a significant international agreement with the signing of the Geneva Convention. This convention, signed by 53 nations, addressed the treatment of prisoners of war and played a vital role in establishing humanitarian standards during armed conflicts.
1940 A moment of entertainment history was created in 1940 with the release of the animated short film "A Wild Hare." This iconic film introduced the beloved character of Bugs Bunny, who would go on to become a timeless and cherished figure in animation.
1942 The year 1942 marked a significant turning point in World War II as Allied forces successfully halted the final Axis advance into Egypt. This pivotal moment in the North African campaign played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the war.
1947 In Vatican City, Rome, a momentous event occurred in 1947 with the canonization of Catherine Labouré. She is remembered as the saint whose apparitions of the Virgin Mary originated the worldwide diffusion of the Miraculous Medal, an enduring symbol of faith and devotion.
1949 The aviation world reached new heights in 1949 with the initial flight of the de Havilland Comet, the world's first jet-powered airliner. This groundbreaking achievement revolutionized air travel and set the stage for the modern era of commercial aviation.
1953 The Korean War reached a significant milestone in 1953 when the cessation of hostilities was achieved. The United States, China, and North Korea signed an armistice agreement, bringing an end to the active conflict. However, South Korea's President, Syngman Rhee, refused to sign but pledged to observe the armistice.
1955 The year 1955 marked a momentous occasion in diplomatic history with the signing of the Austrian State Treaty. This treaty restored Austrian sovereignty, allowing the nation to regain its independence and shape its own destiny after a period of post-war occupation.
1955 Tragedy struck the skies in 1955 when El Al Flight 402 was shot down by two fighter jets after accidentally straying into Bulgarian airspace. This devastating incident resulted in the loss of all 58 people on board, leaving a somber mark on aviation history.
1959 The world of baseball received news in 1959 with the announcement of the Continental League as "baseball's third major league" in the United States. This announcement marked a significant development in the sport's history, adding a new dimension to the national pastime.
1963 In 1963, the Puijo observation tower opened its doors to the general public at Puijo Hill in Kuopio, Finland. This iconic tower offered breathtaking views and became a cherished landmark in the region, providing a unique perspective on the Finnish landscape.
1964 The year 1964 witnessed a notable escalation of the Vietnam War. Approximately 5,000 additional American military advisers were sent to South Vietnam, bringing the total number of United States forces in Vietnam to 21,000. This marked a significant step in the U.S. involvement in the conflict.
1974 The Watergate scandal, a defining moment in American political history, saw a critical development in 1974. The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee voted 27 to 11 to recommend the first article of impeachment against President Richard Nixon, specifically for obstruction of justice. This marked a pivotal point in the scandal that ultimately led to Nixon's resignation.
1975 In 1975, a tragic incident unfolded as Mayor Alfred Duraiappah, a former MP, was shot dead. This act of violence had far-reaching implications and left a significant impact on the political landscape and society in Jaffna.
1981 Tragedy struck in 1981 when Aeromexico Flight 230 overshot the runway while landing at Chihuahua International Airport. This devastating accident claimed the lives of thirty-two of the 66 passengers and crew on board the DC-9, leaving a somber mark on aviation history.
1983 The year 1983 witnessed a tragic event during Black July. Eighteen Tamil political prisoners at the Welikada high-security prison in Colombo were mercilessly massacred by Sinhalese prisoners. This brutal act marked the second such massacre in just two days, highlighting the deep-seated tensions in Sri Lanka.
1989 In 1989, a tragic aviation accident occurred when Korean Air Flight 803 attempted to land at Tripoli International Airport in Libya. The flight crashed just short of the runway, resulting in the loss of seventy-five of the 199 passengers and crew on board, as well as four people on the ground. This marked the second accident involving a DC-10 in less than two weeks, underscoring the challenges faced by the aviation industry.
1990 The year 1990 witnessed a historic declaration as the Supreme Soviet of the Belarusian Soviet Republic asserted the independence of Belarus from the Soviet Union. This significant step led to the celebration of Independence Day in Belarus, marking a new chapter in the nation's history.
1990 In 1990, Trinidad and Tobago faced a critical moment when the Jamaat al Muslimeen attempted a coup d'état. This event posed a significant challenge to the nation's stability and had lasting repercussions on its political landscape.
1995 The year 1995 witnessed a momentous occasion in the United States with the dedication of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. This memorial served as a poignant tribute to the veterans who served during the Korean War, honoring their sacrifice and service to the nation.
1996 In 1996, a tragic incident occurred during the Centennial Olympic Park bombing in Atlanta, United States. A pipe bomb exploded, resulting in casualties and injuries. This event cast a shadow over the Olympic Games and remains etched in the collective memory.
1997 The year 1997 witnessed a devastating tragedy in Algeria known as the Si Zerrouk massacre. Approximately 50 people lost their lives in this tragic event, which had a profound impact on the local community and highlighted the challenges facing the region.
2002 A somber day unfolded in 2002 with the Ukraine airshow disaster. During an air show in Lviv, Ukraine, a Sukhoi Su-27 fighter crashed, resulting in the loss of 77 lives and injuring over 500 others. This tragic incident remains the deadliest air show disaster in history, serving as a solemn reminder of the risks associated with aviation events.
2005 In 2005, NASA faced a critical situation during the STS-114 mission. An incident involving the shedding of foam insulation from the external fuel tank led to the grounding of the Space Shuttle pending an investigation. This decision underscored the importance of safety in space exploration.
2015 A tragic event unfolded in 2015 when gunmen attacked an Indian police station in Punjab, resulting in the loss of at least seven lives and numerous injuries. This act of violence had a profound impact on the affected community and raised concerns about security in the region.
