311
Religion
Edict of Toleration Issued by Galerius
Roman Emperor Galerius issued the Edict of Toleration, officially ending the persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire. This was a precursor to Constantine's Edict of Milan.
On This Day in History
1789
Politics
George Washington Inaugurated as First President
George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States on the balcony of Federal Hall in New York City. He took the oath of office on a Bible borrowed from a Masonic lodge.
1803
Politics
Louisiana Purchase Completed
The United States completed the Louisiana Purchase from France for $15 million, doubling the size of the nation. The territory stretched from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains.
1900
Culture
Casey Jones Dies in Train Crash
Railroad engineer Casey Jones died in a train crash near Vaughan, Mississippi, while trying to slow his locomotive. His heroic efforts saved the passengers, and he became a folk legend.
1939
Culture
World's Fair Opens in New York
The 1939 New York World's Fair opened in Flushing Meadows, Queens. With the theme 'The World of Tomorrow,' it introduced Americans to television and other futuristic technologies.
1945
War & Conflict
Adolf Hitler Commits Suicide
Adolf Hitler killed himself in his underground bunker in Berlin as Soviet forces closed in. His death effectively ended the Nazi regime and World War II in Europe.
1975
War & Conflict
South Vietnam Surrenders
South Vietnamese President Duong Van Minh delivered an unconditional surrender to North Vietnamese forces. The surrender reunified Vietnam under communist rule.