1502
Religion
Forced Conversion of Muslims in Spain
Queen Isabella I of Castile issued a decree forcing all remaining Muslims in the Crown of Castile to convert to Christianity or leave. This ended centuries of Muslim presence in Spain.
On This Day in History
1554
Politics
Lady Jane Grey Executed
Lady Jane Grey, the 'Nine Days' Queen' of England, was executed at the Tower of London at age 16. She had been placed on the throne by Protestant nobles but was quickly deposed by Mary I.
1809
Science
Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin Born
Both Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin were born on this date. Lincoln would preserve the American Union and abolish slavery; Darwin would revolutionize biology with his theory of evolution.
1818
Politics
Chile Declares Independence
Chile formally declared independence from Spain, led by Bernardo O'Higgins. The declaration came after years of conflict during the Chilean War of Independence.
1909
Civil Rights
NAACP Founded
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded in New York City. The organization would become the most influential civil rights organization in American history.
1924
Culture
Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue Premieres
George Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' premiered at Aeolian Hall in New York City. The composition bridged the worlds of classical music and jazz, becoming an American musical landmark.
2002
Crime
Slobodan Milosevic Trial Begins
Former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic went on trial at The Hague for war crimes and genocide. It was the first time a former head of state was tried by an international tribunal.