625
Religion
Battle of Uhud
The forces of Mecca defeated the Muslim community of Medina at the Battle of Uhud. Despite the setback, the Muslim community recovered and eventually conquered Mecca.
On This Day in History
1775
Politics
Patrick Henry's 'Give Me Liberty' Speech
Patrick Henry delivered his famous speech at St. John's Church in Richmond, Virginia, declaring 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' The speech helped rally support for American independence.
1806
Exploration
Lewis and Clark Begin Return Journey
The Lewis and Clark expedition began their return journey from Fort Clatsop on the Pacific Coast. Their epic exploration of the American West had taken nearly two years.
1839
Culture
First Use of 'OK' in Print
The abbreviation 'OK' appeared in print for the first time in the Boston Morning Post. The expression, short for 'oll korrect,' became the most widely recognized word in the world.
1919
Politics
Mussolini Founds Fascist Movement
Benito Mussolini founded the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento in Milan, the beginning of the Fascist movement. He would seize power in Italy three years later.
1983
Politics
Reagan Proposes Strategic Defense Initiative
President Reagan proposed the Strategic Defense Initiative, a space-based missile defense system dubbed 'Star Wars.' The ambitious plan accelerated the arms race with the Soviet Union.
2001
Space
Mir Space Station Deorbited
The Russian space station Mir was deliberately deorbited and broke apart over the South Pacific after 15 years in space. It had served as humanity's home in orbit before the International Space Station.