1944
War & Conflict
Liberation of Paris
French and American forces liberated Paris from German occupation. General Charles de Gaulle led a triumphant march down the Champs-Élysées, restoring French national pride after four years of occupation.
On This Day in History
1916
Politics
National Park Service Founded
President Woodrow Wilson signed the act creating the National Park Service to manage America's national parks and monuments. The NPS now oversees over 400 sites preserving the nation's natural and cultural heritage.
1609
Science
Galileo Demonstrates Telescope
Galileo Galilei demonstrated his improved telescope to Venetian senators, showing its ability to spot ships at sea long before they were visible to the naked eye. He would soon turn it to the heavens.
1825
Politics
Uruguay Declares Independence
Uruguay declared independence from Brazil, beginning a three-year war for sovereignty. The small South American nation emerged as a buffer state between Brazil and Argentina.
1989
Science
Voyager 2 Reaches Neptune
NASA's Voyager 2 made its closest approach to Neptune, the last planet on its grand tour. The spacecraft revealed Neptune's Great Dark Spot and discovered six new moons.
1580
War & Conflict
Battle of Alcântara
Spanish forces under the Duke of Alba defeated the Portuguese army, leading to the Iberian Union. Spain and Portugal were united under one crown for the next 60 years.
2012
Science
Neil Armstrong Dies
The first person to walk on the Moon died at age 82. Armstrong's modesty and quiet dignity after his historic achievement made him one of the most admired figures of the 20th century.