1497
Exploration
Amerigo Vespucci Departs on First Voyage
Amerigo Vespucci set sail on his first voyage to the New World. His explorations and writings would lead cartographers to name the Americas after him.
On This Day in History
1774
Politics
Louis XVI Becomes King of France
Louis XVI ascended to the French throne at age 19. His inability to manage France's financial crisis contributed to the French Revolution and his eventual execution.
1869
Invention
Transcontinental Railroad Completed
The first transcontinental railroad was completed at Promontory Summit, Utah, when the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads met. The Golden Spike was driven to mark the occasion.
1872
Civil Rights
Victoria Woodhull Nominated for President
Victoria Woodhull became the first woman nominated for President of the United States by the Equal Rights Party. Her nomination came nearly 50 years before women gained the right to vote.
1933
War & Conflict
Nazi Book Burning Campaign
Nazi students and supporters burned thousands of books by Jewish, communist, and other 'un-German' authors in cities across Germany. The book burnings foreshadowed the horrors to come.
1940
War & Conflict
Germany Invades France and the Low Countries
Nazi Germany launched its invasion of France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. The Blitzkrieg offensive would lead to France's defeat in just six weeks.
1994
Civil Rights
Nelson Mandela Inaugurated as President
Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first Black president of South Africa. The ceremony in Pretoria marked the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new democratic era.