1506
Politics
Swiss Guard Arrives at the Vatican
The first contingent of Swiss Guards arrived to protect Pope Julius II. Over 500 years later, the Swiss Guard continues to serve as the pope's personal bodyguard.
On This Day in History
1879
War & Conflict
Battle of Rorke's Drift
About 150 British soldiers successfully defended Rorke's Drift against approximately 4,000 Zulu warriors. Eleven Victoria Crosses were awarded, the most for a single action.
1901
Politics
Queen Victoria Dies
Queen Victoria died at age 81 after reigning for 63 years. Her death ended the Victorian Era and she was succeeded by Edward VII.
1905
Politics
Bloody Sunday in St. Petersburg
Russian troops fired on peaceful demonstrators marching to petition Tsar Nicholas II. The massacre ignited the Russian Revolution of 1905.
1944
War & Conflict
Allied Forces Land at Anzio, Italy
Allied forces launched an amphibious landing at Anzio behind German lines. The failure to advance quickly led to a prolonged four-month battle.
1970
Invention
First Boeing 747 Commercial Flight
Pan Am operated the first commercial 747 flight from New York to London. The 'Jumbo Jet' revolutionized air travel by making long-distance flights affordable.
1973
Civil Rights
Roe v. Wade Decided by Supreme Court
The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the Constitution protected a woman's right to an abortion. The landmark decision was overturned in 2022.