1152
Politics
Frederick Barbarossa Elected King of Germany
Frederick I, known as Barbarossa for his red beard, was elected King of Germany. He would become one of the most powerful Holy Roman Emperors and a leader of the Third Crusade.
On This Day in History
1681
Politics
William Penn Receives Charter for Pennsylvania
King Charles II granted William Penn a charter for the Province of Pennsylvania. Penn established the colony on principles of religious freedom and democratic governance.
1789
Politics
U.S. Constitution Takes Effect
The United States Constitution officially took effect as the new framework of government. The first Congress convened, though it took weeks to achieve a quorum.
1861
Politics
Abraham Lincoln Inaugurated as President
Lincoln was inaugurated as the 16th President with seven states already having seceded. His inaugural address sought to reassure the South while firmly opposing secession.
1877
Culture
Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake Premieres
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's ballet Swan Lake premiered at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. Though initially poorly received, it became one of the most beloved ballets in history.
1933
Politics
FDR Inaugurated During Great Depression
Franklin Roosevelt was inaugurated during the worst economic crisis in American history. His famous declaration that 'the only thing we have to fear is fear itself' rallied a desperate nation.
2018
Crime
Sergei Skripal Poisoned in Salisbury
Former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned with a nerve agent in Salisbury, England. Britain attributed the attack to Russian intelligence, causing a major diplomatic crisis.