1469
Culture
Niccolo Machiavelli Is Born
Niccolo Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy. His political treatise 'The Prince' became one of the most influential works on political power and statecraft.
On This Day in History
1791
Politics
Polish Constitution Adopted
Poland adopted the Constitution of May 3rd, the first modern constitution in Europe. It reformed the government but was overturned when Russia and Prussia partitioned Poland.
1802
Politics
Washington, D.C. Incorporated as a City
Washington, D.C. was officially incorporated as a city. The capital had been established on the Potomac River as a compromise between northern and southern states.
1937
Culture
Margaret Mitchell Wins Pulitzer for 'Gone with the Wind'
Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for 'Gone with the Wind.' The epic novel about the Civil War South had already become the bestselling American novel.
1945
War & Conflict
British Forces Liberate Rangoon
British forces recaptured Rangoon (Yangon), the capital of Burma, from the Japanese. The liberation came after years of fighting in the brutal Burma campaign.
1947
Politics
Japanese Constitution Takes Effect
Japan's postwar constitution took effect, renouncing war and establishing a democratic government. Article 9 prohibited Japan from maintaining military forces for war.
1999
Disaster
Oklahoma City Tornado Outbreak
A devastating tornado outbreak struck Oklahoma, with an F5 tornado hitting Bridge Creek and Moore. The tornado had wind speeds of 318 mph, the highest ever recorded.