1386
Politics
Treaty of Windsor Signed
England and Portugal signed the Treaty of Windsor, establishing the oldest alliance still in force in the world. The treaty formalized a friendship dating back to 1373.
On This Day in History
1502
Exploration
Columbus Departs on Fourth and Final Voyage
Christopher Columbus set sail from Cadiz, Spain, on his fourth and final voyage to the Americas. He would explore Central America before being stranded in Jamaica for a year.
1671
Crime
Colonel Blood Attempts to Steal Crown Jewels
Thomas Blood, an Irish adventurer, attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. He was captured but pardoned by King Charles II, who was amused by his audacity.
1926
Exploration
Richard Byrd Claims to Fly Over North Pole
American aviator Richard Byrd claimed to have flown over the North Pole with pilot Floyd Bennett. Though the claim has been disputed, Byrd was awarded the Medal of Honor.
1936
War & Conflict
Italy Annexes Ethiopia
Fascist Italy formally annexed Ethiopia after a brutal invasion that included the use of poison gas. Emperor Haile Selassie fled into exile and appealed to the League of Nations.
1960
Science
FDA Approves the Birth Control Pill
The FDA approved Enovid as the first oral contraceptive pill. 'The Pill' revolutionized family planning and had profound effects on women's rights and social norms.
1974
Politics
House Judiciary Committee Opens Nixon Impeachment Hearings
The House Judiciary Committee began formal impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal. Nixon would resign three months later.