491
Ancient
Odoacer's Forces Defeated by Theodoric
Ostrogothic forces defeated the army of Odoacer, the Germanic king who had deposed the last Western Roman Emperor. Theodoric would establish the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy.
On This Day in History
1689
Politics
William and Mary Crowned in England
William III and Mary II were officially crowned as joint sovereigns of England at Westminster Abbey after the Glorious Revolution. The coronation established the principle of constitutional monarchy.
1814
War & Conflict
Napoleon Abdicates for First Time
Napoleon Bonaparte abdicated the French throne and was exiled to the island of Elba. He would escape the following year for the Hundred Days before his final defeat at Waterloo.
1899
War & Conflict
Treaty of Paris Ratified, Ending Spanish-American War
The U.S. Senate ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Spanish-American War. Spain ceded the Philippines, Guam, and Puerto Rico to the United States.
1945
War & Conflict
Buchenwald Concentration Camp Liberated
American forces liberated the Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany. They found over 20,000 emaciated prisoners and evidence of systematic murder.
1961
War & Conflict
Trial of Adolf Eichmann Begins
The trial of Adolf Eichmann, a key architect of the Holocaust, began in Jerusalem. His trial raised profound questions about obedience and personal responsibility.
1968
Civil Rights
Civil Rights Act of 1968 Signed
President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which included the Fair Housing Act prohibiting discrimination in housing. It was signed one week after MLK's assassination.