474
Ancient
Zeno Becomes Byzantine Emperor
Zeno was crowned Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire in Constantinople. His reign saw the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476, after which he became the sole Roman Emperor.
On This Day in History
1775
Politics
British Parliament Declares Massachusetts in Rebellion
The British Parliament declared that Massachusetts was in a state of rebellion against the Crown. This declaration paved the way for military action against the American colonies.
1825
Politics
John Quincy Adams Elected President by House
The House of Representatives elected John Quincy Adams as the sixth President after no candidate won an Electoral College majority. The 'corrupt bargain' controversy haunted his presidency.
1861
War & Conflict
Jefferson Davis Elected Confederate President
Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was elected President of the Confederate States of America. He would lead the Confederacy through the entire Civil War.
1942
Disaster
Normandie Catches Fire in New York Harbor
The former French ocean liner SS Normandie, being converted to a troop transport, caught fire and capsized at Pier 88 in New York. The loss of the ship was a significant blow during wartime.
1943
War & Conflict
Guadalcanal Campaign Ends
Japanese forces completed their evacuation of Guadalcanal, ending one of the first major Allied offensives in the Pacific Theater. The six-month campaign marked a turning point against Japan.
1964
Culture
Beatles Appear on Ed Sullivan Show
The Beatles made their historic American television debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, watched by approximately 73 million viewers. The performance is considered a watershed moment in American pop culture.