558
Disaster
Dome of Hagia Sophia Collapses
The original dome of the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople collapsed during an earthquake. Emperor Justinian immediately ordered its reconstruction with a higher, more stable design.
On This Day in History
1718
Exploration
New Orleans Founded
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville founded the city of New Orleans on the Mississippi River. The city would become a crucial port and a unique cultural melting pot.
1824
Culture
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony Premieres
Ludwig van Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, featuring the famous 'Ode to Joy,' premiered in Vienna. The completely deaf composer had to be turned around to see the audience's thunderous applause.
1915
War & Conflict
Lusitania Sunk by German U-Boat
A German submarine torpedoed the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, killing 1,198 people including 128 Americans. The sinking helped turn American opinion against Germany.
1945
War & Conflict
Germany Surrenders Unconditionally
General Alfred Jodl signed the unconditional surrender of all German forces at Reims, France. The surrender ended World War II in Europe after nearly six years of conflict.
1954
War & Conflict
Battle of Dien Bien Phu Ends
French forces at Dien Bien Phu surrendered to the Viet Minh after a 57-day siege. The defeat ended French colonial rule in Indochina and set the stage for American involvement in Vietnam.
1998
Invention
Daimler-Benz and Chrysler Merge
German automaker Daimler-Benz and American Chrysler Corporation announced a $36 billion merger. The 'merger of equals' ultimately proved unsuccessful and was dissolved in 2007.