1945
Politics
Nuremberg Trials Begin
The international military tribunal began trying 24 major Nazi war criminals at Nuremberg, Germany. The trials established the principle that individuals could be held accountable for crimes against humanity.
On This Day in History
1910
Politics
Mexican Revolution Begins
Francisco Madero's call for revolution against dictator Porfirio Díaz launched the Mexican Revolution. The decade-long conflict killed over one million people and transformed Mexican society.
1947
Culture
Elizabeth and Philip Wedding
Princess Elizabeth married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey, watched by 200 million radio listeners. Their marriage would last over 73 years until Philip's death in 2021.
1820
Culture
Essex Sunk by Whale
The whaling ship Essex was attacked and sunk by a sperm whale in the Pacific Ocean. The harrowing ordeal of the survivors inspired Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick.
284
Politics
Diocletian Becomes Roman Emperor
Diocletian was proclaimed Emperor, beginning a reign that would stabilize the crisis-ridden Roman Empire. His reforms, including dividing the empire into four parts, prolonged its survival.
1985
Technology
Microsoft Windows 1.0 Released
Microsoft released Windows 1.0, its first graphical user interface for IBM-compatible personal computers. Though initially limited, Windows would eventually dominate the PC operating system market.
1998
Science
International Space Station Assembly Begins
Russia launched the Zarya module, beginning the assembly of the International Space Station in orbit. The ISS became the largest international scientific cooperation project in history.