Today in History

Historical Events

2002

George W. Bush coins the term “axis of evil” as part of his State of the Union Address. The term used to describe “regimes that sponsor terror” became exemplary for the terminology used by the Bush administration to promote its “war on terror”.

1996

France stops nuclear testing. President Jaques Chirac announced the “definite end” to France's nuclear testing program just 1 day after the country exploded a nuclear device in the South Pacific.

1967

The Mantra-Rock Dance takes place in San Francisco. The event is considered to have been the major spiritual event of the San Francisco hippy era.

1886

German engineer Carl Benz patents the first modern automobile. His “Benz Patent-Motorwagen Nummer 1” was the first gasoline-driven car.

1845

Edgar Allan Poe's “The Raven” is published. The narrative poem first appeared in the New York Evening Mirror.

Famous Births

Born on this day

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey

1954

American talk show host, actress, producer, founded the OWN Network, Harpo Productions

Luigi Nono

Luigi Nono

1924

Italian composer

Frederick Delius

Frederick Delius

1862

English composer

Anton Chekhov

Anton Chekhov

1860

Russian physician, author

William Mc

William Mc

1843

KinleyAmerican politician, 25th President of the United States

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

Milton Babbitt

Milton Babbitt

2011

American composer

Janet Frame

Janet Frame

2004

New Zealand author

Robert Frost

Robert Frost

1963

American poet, playwright

Ioannis Metaxas

Ioannis Metaxas

1941

Greek general, politician, 130th Prime Minister of Greece

George III of the United Kingdom

George III of the United Kingdom

1820