395
Ancient
Roman Empire Permanently Divides
Following the death of Emperor Theodosius I, the Roman Empire was permanently split into Western and Eastern halves. This division had profound consequences for the next millennium.
On This Day in History
1773
Exploration
Captain Cook Crosses the Antarctic Circle
Captain James Cook and his crew became the first known humans to cross the Antarctic Circle. The expedition proved that no temperate southern continent existed.
1893
Politics
Hawaiian Monarchy Overthrown
American and European businessmen, backed by U.S. Marines, overthrew Queen Liliuokalani of Hawaii. The coup led to eventual American annexation in 1898.
1912
Exploration
Robert Falcon Scott Reaches the South Pole
British explorer Scott and his team reached the South Pole, only to discover Amundsen had arrived 34 days earlier. Scott and his four companions perished on the return journey.
1945
War & Conflict
Soviets and Poles Liberate Warsaw
Soviet and Polish forces liberated Warsaw from German occupation. The city had been largely destroyed, particularly after the failed Warsaw Uprising of 1944.
1961
Politics
Eisenhower Warns of Military-Industrial Complex
President Eisenhower delivered his farewell address, warning about the growing influence of the 'military-industrial complex.' It became one of the most quoted presidential addresses.
1994
Disaster
Northridge Earthquake Strikes Los Angeles
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the Northridge area of Los Angeles, killing 57 people and causing $20 billion in damage. It was one of the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history.