Today in History

Historical Events

2010

A massive earthquake strikes Chile. The tremor measured 8.8 on the Richter scale and left more than 500 people dead and thousands injured.

2002

A Muslim mob set fire to a train carrying Hindu pilgrims. The attack killed 59 people, including many women and children.

1943

Non-violent protests in Berlin prevent the deportation of 2000 jews. The “Rosenstrasse protest” was carried out by the “Aryan” wives and relatives of detained Jewish men.

1933

Germany's parliament building is set on fire. The Nazis used the Reichstag fire to justify harsh repression against political opponents. The event is considered pivotal in the establishment of Nazi Germany.

1932

The neutron is discovered. English physicist James Chadwick was later awarded the Nobel Prize for his discovery.

Famous Births

Born on this day

Hou Yifan

Hou Yifan

1994

Chinese chess player

Ralph Nader

Ralph Nader

1934

American lawyer, author, activist

Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor

1932

English/American actress

John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck

1902

American author, Nobel Prize laureate

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

1807

American poet

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

Frank Buckles

Frank Buckles

2011

American soldier

William F. Buckley, Jr.American publisher, author, founded the National Review

William F. Buckley, Jr.American publisher, author, founded the National Review

2008

Spike Milligan

Spike Milligan

2002

Indian/Irish actor, singer, screenwriter, author

Konrad Lorenz

Konrad Lorenz

1989

Austrian zoologist, Nobel Prize laureate

Ivan Pavlov

Ivan Pavlov

1936

Russian physiologist, Nobel Prize laureate