1314
War & Conflict
Battle of Bannockburn Begins
Scottish forces under Robert the Bruce engaged the English army at Bannockburn. The decisive Scottish victory the next day secured Scottish independence for centuries.
On This Day in History
1683
Politics
William Penn Signs Treaty with Lenape
William Penn signed a peace treaty with the Lenape people under an elm tree at Shackamaxon. The treaty was notable for its fairness and helped maintain peace in Pennsylvania.
1757
War & Conflict
Battle of Plassey
British forces under Robert Clive defeated the Nawab of Bengal at the Battle of Plassey. The victory established British dominance in India for the next two centuries.
1868
Invention
Christopher Sholes Patents the Typewriter
Christopher Latham Sholes received a patent for his practical typewriter, which featured the QWERTY keyboard layout. The design remains standard on modern keyboards.
1912
Science
Alan Turing Is Born
Alan Turing was born in London. The mathematician and computer scientist would break the Enigma code during WWII and lay the theoretical foundations for modern computing.
1956
Politics
Nasser Elected President of Egypt
Gamal Abdel Nasser was elected President of Egypt in the country's first presidential election. His leadership would transform Egyptian and Middle Eastern politics.
2016
Politics
United Kingdom Votes for Brexit
British voters chose to leave the European Union in a historic referendum, with 51.9% voting to leave. The decision triggered years of complex withdrawal negotiations.