1922
Politics
Soviet Union Established
The Treaty on the Creation of the USSR was signed, formally establishing the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The communist superstate would shape global politics for nearly seven decades.
On This Day in History
1903
Disaster
Iroquois Theatre Fire
A fire at the Iroquois Theatre in Chicago killed over 600 people, making it the deadliest single-building fire in US history. The disaster led to sweeping reforms in theater fire safety.
1853
Politics
Gadsden Purchase Signed
The United States purchased a strip of land from Mexico for $10 million, completing the continental boundaries of the lower 48 states. The land was needed for a southern transcontinental railroad route.
1816
Culture
Percy Shelley Marries Mary Godwin
Poet Percy Bysshe Shelley married Mary Godwin, who would write Frankenstein and become one of the most important literary figures of the 19th century.
1936
Politics
Flint Sit-Down Strike Begins
Workers at the General Motors plant in Flint, Michigan, began a sit-down strike that lasted 44 days. The strike's success established the United Auto Workers as a major union.
1896
Politics
José Rizal Executed
Filipino nationalist and polymath José Rizal was executed by Spanish colonial authorities. His death galvanized the Philippine independence movement and he became the country's national hero.
2006
Politics
Saddam Hussein Executed
Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging for crimes against humanity. His execution, filmed on mobile phones, provoked controversy about the manner of his death.