553
Religion
Second Council of Constantinople Opens
The Fifth Ecumenical Council of the Christian Church opened in Constantinople. The council addressed theological controversies about the nature of Christ.
On This Day in History
1818
Politics
Karl Marx Is Born
Karl Marx was born in Trier, Prussia. His theories on capitalism, communism, and class struggle would profoundly influence political thought and world history.
1862
War & Conflict
Battle of Puebla (Cinco de Mayo)
Mexican forces under General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. Though the French later occupied Mexico, the victory became a symbol of Mexican resistance.
1925
Science
Scopes 'Monkey Trial' Begins
Biology teacher John Scopes was charged with violating Tennessee law by teaching evolution. The trial became a national sensation and a landmark case in the debate between science and religion.
1945
War & Conflict
Denmark and Netherlands Liberated
Canadian and British forces liberated Denmark and the Netherlands from German occupation. Celebrations erupted across both countries as five years of Nazi rule ended.
1961
Space
Alan Shepard Becomes First American in Space
Astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American in space aboard Freedom 7. His 15-minute suborbital flight reached an altitude of 116 miles.
1981
Politics
Bobby Sands Dies on Hunger Strike
Irish republican Bobby Sands died in the Maze Prison after 66 days on hunger strike. His death and that of nine other hunger strikers drew worldwide attention to the Northern Ireland conflict.