1947
Politics
UN Votes to Partition Palestine
The United Nations General Assembly voted to partition Palestine into Jewish and Arab states. The resolution led to the establishment of Israel and decades of conflict in the Middle East.
On This Day in History
1929
Exploration
Byrd Flies Over South Pole
American Admiral Richard Byrd and his crew completed the first flight over the South Pole. The 19-hour round trip from their base at Little America was a landmark in polar exploration.
1877
Technology
Edison Demonstrates Phonograph
Thomas Edison publicly demonstrated his phonograph for the first time, playing back a recording of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' Spectators were amazed by the machine that could record and reproduce human speech.
1530
Politics
Cardinal Wolsey Dies
Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII's powerful Lord Chancellor, died while traveling to London to face treason charges. His fall from power cleared the way for Thomas Cromwell and the English Reformation.
1864
War & Conflict
Sand Creek Massacre
US Army troops attacked a peaceful Cheyenne and Arapaho encampment at Sand Creek, Colorado, killing over 150 people, mostly women and children. The massacre remains one of the most shameful episodes in American history.
2001
Entertainment
George Harrison Dies
Former Beatle George Harrison died of cancer at age 58. The 'quiet Beatle' was responsible for songs like 'Something' and 'Here Comes the Sun' and helped popularize Indian music in the West.
1963
Politics
Warren Commission Established
President Lyndon Johnson established the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy. The commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.