Today in History
Historical Events
IRA Army Council Announces End to Armed Campaign. The Provisional Irish Republican Army, also known as IRA, announced an end to its armed campaign in the group's effort to free Northern Ireland from United Kingdom's rule.
National Aeronautics and Space Act is passed by the US Congress. The act established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
IX Summer Olympics open. The IX Summer Olympics opened in Amsterdam
IX Summer Olympics open. The IX Summer Olympics opened in Amsterdam
Peru declares independence. The Peruvian War of Independence against Spain began in 1811 and ended with a declaration of independence under the leadership of José de San Martín.
Famous Births
Born on this day

Soulja Boy
1990
American rapper, producer, actor

Hugo Chávez
1954
Venezuelan military officer, politician, President of Venezuela

Alberto Fujimori
1938
Peruvian politician

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
1929
American book editor, 37th First Lady of the United States

Karl Popper
1902
Austrian/English philosopher
Famous Deaths
Died on this day

Francis Crick
2004
English biologist, biophysicist, neuroscientist, Nobel Prize laureate

Otto Hahn
1968
German chemist, Nobel Prize laureate

Johann Sebastian Bach
1750
German organist, composer

Antonio Vivaldi
1741
Italian violinist, composer

Thomas Cromwell
1540
English statesman