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Ancient
Octavian Becomes Augustus
The Roman Senate granted Gaius Octavius the title Augustus, marking the beginning of the Roman Empire. As the first Emperor, Augustus transformed the republic into an imperial system.
On This Day in History
1547
Politics
Ivan the Terrible Crowned First Tsar of Russia
Ivan IV was crowned the first Tsar of all Russia at the Kremlin. His reign saw both the expansion of Russian territory and a period of terror against the nobility.
1707
Politics
Scottish Parliament Ratifies Act of Union
The Scottish Parliament voted to ratify the Act of Union with England, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain. The decision ended centuries of Scottish political independence.
1920
Politics
Prohibition Takes Effect in the United States
The 18th Amendment went into effect, banning the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. Prohibition would last 13 years and lead to widespread organized crime.
1945
War & Conflict
Adolf Hitler Moves into the Fuhrerbunker
Hitler took up permanent residence in the bunker beneath the Reich Chancellery in Berlin. He would remain there for the final months of WWII.
1969
Space
Soviet Spacecraft Soyuz 4 and 5 Dock in Orbit
Soyuz 4 and Soyuz 5 performed the first docking of two crewed spacecraft. Cosmonauts spacewalked between the two capsules.
1991
War & Conflict
Gulf War Begins with Operation Desert Storm
A massive U.S.-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm against Iraq. The operation aimed to liberate Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded the previous August.