1085
War & Conflict
Alfonso VI Captures Toledo from the Moors
King Alfonso VI of Castile and Leon captured the city of Toledo from the Moorish rulers. Toledo's fall was a major milestone in the Christian Reconquista of Spain.
On This Day in History
1521
Religion
Diet of Worms Issues Edict Against Luther
The Diet of Worms issued the Edict of Worms, declaring Martin Luther a heretic and outlaw. The edict banned his writings and ordered his arrest.
1787
Politics
Constitutional Convention Opens
The Constitutional Convention opened at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. Over the next four months, delegates would draft the United States Constitution.
1895
Civil Rights
Oscar Wilde Convicted of Gross Indecency
Irish playwright Oscar Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years of hard labor for homosexuality. The trial destroyed his career and health.
1935
Sports
Jesse Owens Breaks Four World Records in 45 Minutes
Jesse Owens broke four world records in 45 minutes at a track meet in Ann Arbor, Michigan. His performance is considered the greatest single day in track and field history.
1961
Space
JFK Sets Goal of Moon Landing
President Kennedy told Congress that America should commit to 'landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth' before the decade's end. The Apollo program achieved this in 1969.
2020
Civil Rights
George Floyd Killed by Minneapolis Police
George Floyd was killed during an arrest in Minneapolis when officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for over nine minutes. His death sparked worldwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality.