1527
Politics
Florence Expels the Medici
The citizens of Florence expelled the Medici family and reestablished the republic. The Medici had dominated the city for nearly a century.
On This Day in History
1770
Politics
Marie Antoinette Marries Louis XVI
14-year-old Marie Antoinette married 15-year-old Louis-Auguste, the future Louis XVI, at Versailles. Their marriage alliance between Austria and France would end in revolution and execution.
1868
Politics
Senate Fails to Convict Andrew Johnson
The U.S. Senate voted to acquit President Andrew Johnson by a single vote, falling one short of the two-thirds majority needed for conviction. It was the closest an impeachment vote had ever come.
1918
Politics
Sedition Act Passed
Congress passed the Sedition Act, making it illegal to criticize the U.S. government, the military, or the flag during wartime. The act severely curtailed free speech during World War I.
1929
Culture
First Academy Awards Ceremony
The first Academy Awards ceremony was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The event lasted about 15 minutes, and the winners had been announced three months earlier.
1943
War & Conflict
Dam Busters Raid
RAF bombers attacked German dams in the Ruhr Valley using Barnes Wallis's bouncing bombs. The dramatic 'Dam Busters' raid became one of the most famous air operations of World War II.
1966
Politics
Cultural Revolution Begins in China
Mao Zedong launched the Cultural Revolution in China, aiming to purge capitalist and traditional elements from society. The movement caused widespread chaos and suffering for a decade.