Today in History
Historical Events
A massive earthquake strikes Chile. The tremor measured 8.8 on the Richter scale and left more than 500 people dead and thousands injured.
A Muslim mob set fire to a train carrying Hindu pilgrims. The attack killed 59 people, including many women and children.
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.
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.
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
1994
Chinese chess player

Ralph Nader
1934
American lawyer, author, activist

Elizabeth Taylor
1932
English/American actress

John Steinbeck
1902
American author, Nobel Prize laureate

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
1807
American poet
Famous Deaths
Died on this day

Frank Buckles
2011
American soldier

William F. Buckley, Jr.American publisher, author, founded the National Review
2008

Spike Milligan
2002
Indian/Irish actor, singer, screenwriter, author

Konrad Lorenz
1989
Austrian zoologist, Nobel Prize laureate

Ivan Pavlov
1936
Russian physiologist, Nobel Prize laureate