Today in History

Historical Events

2012

Queen Elizabeth II officially opens the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. It was the 3rd time London had hosted the multi-event international sports event. The ceremony was called Isles of Wonder and was directed by Danny Boyle.

1985

Coup in Uganda. Tito Lutwa Okello, an Ugandan military officer successfully staged a coup against president Milton Obote. He was ousted by current president Yoweri Museveni 6 months later.

1955

Austrian State Treaty came to force. The treaty re-established Austria as a democratic and sovereign country after World War II. It also ended the allied occupation of the country.

1940

Bugs Bunny's official debut. Bugs Bunny made his official debut in A Wild Hare.

1890

Vincent Van Gogh shoots himeslf. The famed painter, shot himself in the chest. He died of his wounds two days later.

Famous Births

Born on this day

Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler

1980

American wrestler

Alex Rodriguez

Alex Rodriguez

1975

American baseball player

Triple HAmerican wrestler, actor

Triple HAmerican wrestler, actor

1969

Hilaire Belloc

Hilaire Belloc

1870

English writer

Alexandre Dumas, fils

Alexandre Dumas, fils

1824

French author

Famous Deaths

Died on this day

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

2015

Indian scientist, politician, 11th President of India

Bob Hope

Bob Hope

2003

English/American actor, singer, producer

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

Mohammad Reza Pahlavi

1980

Shah of Iran

Joe Tinker

Joe Tinker

1948

American baseball player

Gertrude Stein

Gertrude Stein

1946

American poet, art collector