962
Politics
Otto I Crowned Holy Roman Emperor
Pope John XII crowned Otto I of Germany as Holy Roman Emperor in Rome. This event established the Holy Roman Empire, which would endure in various forms for over 800 years.
On This Day in History
1536
Exploration
Buenos Aires Founded
Spanish conquistador Pedro de Mendoza founded the settlement of Buenos Aires on the banks of the Rio de la Plata. The city would eventually become the capital and largest city of Argentina.
1848
War & Conflict
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo Signed
The United States and Mexico signed the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War. Mexico ceded nearly half its territory, including California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of several other states.
1876
Sports
National League of Baseball Founded
The National League of Professional Baseball Clubs was founded with eight charter teams. It is the oldest surviving professional sports league in the world.
1943
War & Conflict
Battle of Stalingrad Ends
The last German forces at Stalingrad surrendered to the Soviet Red Army after months of brutal fighting. The battle was a decisive turning point of World War II, costing over 2 million casualties.
1971
Science
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Signed
The Convention on Wetlands was signed in Ramsar, Iran, establishing the first modern intergovernmental environmental treaty. It protects wetlands of international importance worldwide.
1990
Civil Rights
F.W. de Klerk Lifts Ban on ANC
South African President F.W. de Klerk announced the lifting of the ban on the African National Congress and other anti-apartheid organizations. He also announced the imminent release of Nelson Mandela.