1918: Grand Duchess Elisabeth of Russia Burned Alive
On this day in 1918, the Bolsheviks killed Elisabeth of Russia, who was a member of the imperial family. A day before Elisabeth’s execution, her sister Empress Alex...
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1979: Saddam Hussein Became President of Iraq
Saddam Hussein became President of Iraq on this day in 1979. He was born in the village of Al-Awja on the Tigris River (in 2003, he was arrested just a few kilometers fro...
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1913: The Longest-lived United States President
On this day in 1913 Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, was born. He is particularly interesting for his longevity because he was the longest-lived of a...
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1962: The British “Night of the Long Knives” – Prime Minister Harold Macmillan Dismisses Seven Members of his Cabinet
On this day in 1962, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan sacked seven members of his cabinet. It was the largest dismissal of Ministers in such a short time in Britis...
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1174: Scottish King William “The Lion” Captured in Battle
A very dramatic event in the history of Scotland took place on this day. The British were able to capture the Scottish King William I, known under the nickname “The...
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1940: Marshal Pétain Becomes the Chief of the French State
On this day Marshal Philippe Pétain took over the function of Chief of the French State (French: Chef de l’État Français). In practice, he was the head of the so-ca...
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1973: The Bahamas Gain Independence
The Bahamas gained independence from the UK on this day in 1973. Although an independent state, this island country is formally under the control of the British queen (si...
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1940: Vichy France – An Ally of Adolf Hitler
On this day in 1940, a Parliament meeting of great significance that voted for the transfer of power to the so-called Vichy government of Marshal Philippe Pétain took pla...
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