1184
War & Conflict
Siege of Crema Ends
The siege of the Italian city of Crema by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa ended after six months. Barbarossa controversially used hostages as human shields during the siege.
On This Day in History
1704
Culture
The Boston News-Letter First Published
The Boston News-Letter became the first continuously published newspaper in British North America. It reported news from London and the colonies for over 70 years.
1800
Culture
Library of Congress Established
President John Adams signed legislation establishing the Library of Congress with an initial budget of $5,000. It has grown into the largest library in the world.
1898
War & Conflict
Spain Declares War on the United States
Spain declared war on the United States after the U.S. demanded Spanish withdrawal from Cuba. The Spanish-American War would last only a few months.
1915
War & Conflict
Armenian Genocide Begins
The Ottoman government arrested and executed hundreds of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople. This marked the beginning of the Armenian Genocide, which killed an estimated 1.5 million people.
1916
War & Conflict
Easter Rising Begins in Dublin
Irish republicans launched an armed insurrection against British rule in Dublin on Easter Monday. Though quickly suppressed, the execution of its leaders galvanized Irish independence.
1990
Space
Hubble Space Telescope Launched
The Space Shuttle Discovery deployed the Hubble Space Telescope into orbit. Despite initial mirror problems, Hubble has provided stunning images and revolutionized astronomy.