1265
Politics
First English Parliament with Commoners
Simon de Montfort summoned the first English parliament to include elected representatives of towns and counties. This precedent helped establish the model for representative government.
On This Day in History
1649
Politics
Trial of Charles I Begins
King Charles I of England went on trial for treason. He was found guilty and executed on January 30, making England a republic under Oliver Cromwell.
1841
Politics
Hong Kong Ceded to Britain
The island of Hong Kong was ceded to Britain following the First Opium War. It would remain a British colony for over 150 years until 1997.
1942
War & Conflict
Wannsee Conference Plans the Holocaust
Senior Nazi officials met at a villa in Wannsee to coordinate the 'Final Solution.' The conference formalized plans for the systematic genocide of European Jews.
1961
Politics
John F. Kennedy Inaugurated as President
JFK was inaugurated as the 35th President at age 43. His inaugural address, urging Americans to 'ask not what your country can do for you,' became one of the most famous speeches.
1981
Politics
Iran Hostages Released
The 52 American hostages held in Iran for 444 days were released, minutes after Ronald Reagan was inaugurated as president. The crisis had dominated the final year of Carter's presidency.
2009
Civil Rights
Barack Obama Inaugurated as 44th President
Barack Obama was inaugurated as the first African American president of the United States. An estimated 1.8 million people gathered on the National Mall.