1914
War & Conflict
Britain Enters World War I
Britain declared war on Germany after the invasion of neutral Belgium, bringing the British Empire into World War I. The decision transformed a European conflict into a truly global war.
On This Day in History
1944
War & Conflict
Anne Frank's Hiding Place Discovered
The Gestapo discovered the secret annex in Amsterdam where Anne Frank and seven others had hidden for two years. They were arrested and deported to concentration camps; only Anne's father Otto survived.
1790
Politics
US Coast Guard Founded
Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton established the Revenue Cutter Service, the predecessor of the US Coast Guard. It became the nation's oldest continuous seagoing service.
1977
Politics
Department of Energy Created
President Carter signed legislation creating the Department of Energy, consolidating various federal energy programs. The department oversees nuclear weapons, energy policy, and scientific research.
1892
Culture
Lizzie Borden Murders
Andrew and Abby Borden were found hacked to death in their Fall River, Massachusetts home. Andrew's daughter Lizzie was tried and acquitted, but the case became one of America's most famous unsolved murders.
1693
Culture
Dom Pérignon Invents Champagne
According to legend, Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon exclaimed 'I am drinking the stars!' upon perfecting the method of making sparkling wine. While historically debatable, he did greatly improve champagne production.
1961
Politics
Barack Obama Born
The 44th President of the United States was born in Honolulu, Hawaii. Obama would become the first African American president, serving two terms and enacting landmark healthcare reform.