1533
Politics
Henry VIII Secretly Marries Anne Boleyn
King Henry VIII secretly married Anne Boleyn, made possible by England's break with the Catholic Church. The marriage would produce the future Queen Elizabeth I.
On This Day in History
1759
Culture
Robert Burns Is Born
Scotland's national poet Robert Burns was born in Alloway. His works, including 'Auld Lang Syne,' celebrate Scottish culture and are beloved worldwide.
1890
Exploration
Nellie Bly Completes Round-the-World Trip
Journalist Nellie Bly completed her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days. She beat the fictional record in Jules Verne's 'Around the World in Eighty Days.'
1915
Invention
First Transcontinental Telephone Call
Alexander Graham Bell in New York and Thomas Watson in San Francisco made the first transcontinental telephone call. Bell repeated: 'Mr. Watson, come here, I want you.'
1924
Sports
First Winter Olympic Games Open
The first Winter Olympic Games opened in Chamonix, France, with 258 athletes from 16 nations. Events included skiing, skating, bobsled, and ice hockey.
1945
War & Conflict
Battle of the Bulge Ends
The Battle of the Bulge, the last major German offensive on the Western Front, ended after six weeks. The Allies suffered over 80,000 casualties but the German army was critically weakened.
2011
Politics
Egyptian Revolution Begins
Mass protests erupted across Egypt demanding the end of Mubarak's 30-year rule. The uprising drew hundreds of thousands to Tahrir Square.