37
Ancient
Roman Senate Declares Caligula Emperor
The Roman Senate declared Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, known as Caligula, as the new emperor. His early reign was popular, but he became known for cruelty and extravagance.
On This Day in History
1766
Politics
Stamp Act Repealed
The British Parliament repealed the Stamp Act after widespread colonial protests and boycotts. However, Parliament simultaneously passed the Declaratory Act, asserting its right to tax the colonies.
1871
Politics
Paris Commune Established
The Paris Commune was established following France's defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. The revolutionary government lasted only two months before being brutally suppressed.
1922
Civil Rights
Gandhi Sentenced to Six Years in Prison
Mahatma Gandhi was sentenced to six years in prison for civil disobedience against British rule in India. He told the judge that noncooperation was a 'sacred duty.'
1937
Disaster
New London, Texas School Explosion
A natural gas leak caused an explosion at the New London School in Texas, killing approximately 300 students and teachers. It remains the deadliest school disaster in U.S. history.
1965
Space
Alexei Leonov Performs First Spacewalk
Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov became the first person to walk in space, floating outside the Voskhod 2 spacecraft for 12 minutes. He nearly died when his spacesuit inflated in the vacuum.
1974
Politics
OPEC Oil Embargo Ends
Most OPEC member nations ended their oil embargo against the United States and other Western nations. The embargo had caused gas shortages, long lines, and a severe economic recession.