1542
Politics
Catherine Howard Executed
Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII, was executed at the Tower of London for adultery and treason. She was approximately 17-19 years old at the time of her death.
On This Day in History
1633
Science
Galileo Arrives in Rome for Inquisition Trial
Galileo Galilei arrived in Rome to face the Roman Inquisition for supporting the heliocentric model of the solar system. He would be forced to recant and spend the rest of his life under house arrest.
1689
Politics
William and Mary Proclaimed Joint Rulers of England
William III and Mary II were proclaimed joint sovereigns of England after the Glorious Revolution overthrew James II. This established the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.
1866
Crime
Jesse James Commits First Bank Robbery
Jesse James and his gang robbed the Clay County Savings Association in Liberty, Missouri. It was the first daytime bank robbery in the United States during peacetime.
1920
Politics
League of Nations Recognizes Swiss Neutrality
The newly formed League of Nations formally recognized Switzerland's perpetual neutrality. This status, dating back to the Congress of Vienna in 1815, has defined Swiss foreign policy ever since.
1945
War & Conflict
Bombing of Dresden Begins
Allied forces began a controversial bombing campaign against the German city of Dresden. Over three days of raids, an estimated 25,000 people were killed and much of the historic city was destroyed.
2000
Culture
Final Peanuts Comic Strip Published
The last original Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz appeared in newspapers, one day after Schulz's death. The beloved strip had run for nearly 50 years.