1606
Crime
Guy Fawkes Executed for Gunpowder Plot
Guy Fawkes was executed for his role in the Gunpowder Plot to blow up Parliament. He jumped from the scaffold to avoid the full punishment of being hanged, drawn, and quartered.
On This Day in History
1865
Civil Rights
13th Amendment Passed by Congress
The U.S. House passed the 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery. President Lincoln considered it his crowning achievement. It was ratified by the states in December.
1876
Civil Rights
All Native Americans Ordered onto Reservations
The U.S. government ordered all Native Americans to move onto reservations. Refusal led to increased military campaigns including the Battle of Little Bighorn.
1930
Invention
3M Begins Marketing Scotch Tape
3M began selling Scotch brand cellulose tape, invented by Richard Drew. The transparent adhesive tape became one of the most ubiquitous household products.
1944
War & Conflict
Battle of Kwajalein Begins
U.S. forces invaded Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands during WWII. The operation demonstrated improved amphibious assault tactics in the Pacific.
1958
Space
Explorer 1 Launched
The United States launched Explorer 1, the first American artificial satellite. The mission discovered the Van Allen radiation belts surrounding Earth.
1971
Space
Apollo 14 Launches for the Moon
Apollo 14 launched with astronauts Shepard, Roosa, and Mitchell. Shepard became the fifth person to walk on the Moon and famously hit golf balls on the surface.