1381
Politics
Peasants' Revolt Reaches London
English peasants led by Wat Tyler reached London during the Peasants' Revolt of 1381. They demanded an end to serfdom and excessive taxation.
On This Day in History
1665
Politics
New York City Incorporated
The English renamed the former Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam as New York, in honor of the Duke of York. The city was officially incorporated with a municipal government.
1776
Politics
Virginia Declaration of Rights Adopted
The Virginia Convention adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights, drafted primarily by George Mason. The document profoundly influenced the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
1898
Politics
Philippine Independence Declared
Filipino revolutionaries declared independence from Spain. However, the United States had already negotiated with Spain for control of the Philippines.
1942
Culture
Anne Frank Receives Her Diary
Anne Frank received a red-and-white checkered diary for her 13th birthday. She would fill it during two years of hiding from the Nazis, creating one of the most famous documents of the Holocaust.
1963
Civil Rights
Medgar Evers Assassinated
Civil rights leader Medgar Evers was shot and killed in the driveway of his home in Jackson, Mississippi. His murder galvanized the civil rights movement.
1987
Politics
Reagan Challenges Gorbachev at Berlin Wall
President Reagan delivered his famous speech at the Brandenburg Gate, demanding 'Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!' The Berlin Wall fell two years later.