350
Ancient
Battle of Mursa Major
Roman Emperor Constantius II defeated the usurper Magnentius at one of the bloodiest battles in Roman history. An estimated 54,000 soldiers were killed.
On This Day in History
1559
Politics
Henry II of France Mortally Wounded in Tournament
King Henry II of France was mortally wounded when a lance pierced his eye during a jousting tournament. His death led to a period of instability and the French Wars of Religion.
1860
Science
Oxford Evolution Debate
Thomas Huxley and Bishop Samuel Wilberforce debated Charles Darwin's theory of evolution at Oxford. The exchange became a famous moment in the history of science versus religion.
1908
Disaster
Tunguska Event in Siberia
A massive explosion flattened approximately 80 million trees over 830 square miles of remote Siberian forest. The event is generally attributed to an air burst from a comet or asteroid.
1934
War & Conflict
Night of the Long Knives
Adolf Hitler ordered the purge of the SA leadership and political opponents in Nazi Germany. An estimated 85 to 200 people were killed, consolidating Hitler's absolute power.
1953
Invention
First Corvette Produced
The first Chevrolet Corvette rolled off the assembly line in Flint, Michigan. America's first sports car became an automotive icon.
1971
Civil Rights
26th Amendment Ratified
The 26th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18. The amendment responded to the argument that those old enough to fight should be old enough to vote.