1649
Politics
King Charles I Executed
King Charles I of England was beheaded at Whitehall. His execution marked the triumph of Parliament over the monarchy and led to the Commonwealth under Cromwell.
On This Day in History
1790
Invention
First Lifeboat Tested
The first purpose-built lifeboat, designed by Henry Greathead, was tested on the River Tyne. The design saved hundreds of lives over the following decades.
1882
Politics
Franklin D. Roosevelt Is Born
FDR was born in Hyde Park, New York. He would serve as President for four terms, leading the nation through the Great Depression and World War II.
1933
Politics
Adolf Hitler Appointed Chancellor of Germany
President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as Chancellor. Within months, Hitler dismantled democratic institutions and established a totalitarian dictatorship.
1948
Civil Rights
Mahatma Gandhi Assassinated
Gandhi was shot and killed by Nathuram Godse, a Hindu nationalist, in New Delhi at age 78. The leader who guided India to independence through nonviolence was mourned worldwide.
1969
Culture
The Beatles' Last Public Performance
The Beatles performed their last public concert on the rooftop of Apple Corps in London. The performance was broken up by police after about 42 minutes.
2020
Disaster
WHO Declares COVID-19 Global Health Emergency
The World Health Organization declared the novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The pandemic would go on to affect every nation on Earth.