1911
Politics
Wuchang Uprising
A military uprising in Wuchang, China, began the Xinhai Revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. The revolution ended over 2,000 years of imperial rule and established the Republic of China.
On This Day in History
1845
War & Conflict
US Naval Academy Opens
The United States Naval Academy opened in Annapolis, Maryland, with 50 midshipmen and seven professors. The academy has since trained generations of naval officers and leaders.
732
War & Conflict
Battle of Tours
Charles Martel's Frankish forces halted the northward advance of Muslim forces from Spain at Tours in central France. The battle is considered a turning point in European history.
1973
Politics
Spiro Agnew Resigns
Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned after pleading no contest to charges of tax evasion. His resignation, followed by Nixon's the next year, was unprecedented in American political history.
1868
War & Conflict
Cuba's Ten Years' War Begins
Cuban revolutionaries began a ten-year independence war against Spain. Though unsuccessful, it laid the groundwork for Cuba's eventual independence with American intervention in 1898.
680
Religion
Battle of Karbala
Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, was killed by forces of the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I at Karbala in modern Iraq. His martyrdom became the central event of Shia Islam.
1964
Sports
Tokyo Olympics Opens
The Summer Olympics opened in Tokyo, the first to be held in Asia. The games showcased Japan's postwar recovery and introduced innovations like electronic timing and satellite broadcasting.