1917
War & Conflict
Mata Hari Executed
Dutch exotic dancer and accused German spy Margaretha Zelle, known as Mata Hari, was executed by firing squad in France. She blew a kiss to the firing squad and refused a blindfold.
On This Day in History
1815
Politics
Napoleon Arrives at Saint Helena
Napoleon Bonaparte began his final exile on the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. He would spend the last six years of his life there, dying in 1821.
1764
Culture
Edward Gibbon Conceives History of Rome
While sitting among the ruins of the Capitol in Rome, Edward Gibbon was inspired to write The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. The six-volume work became a landmark of historical writing.
1878
Technology
Edison Electric Light Company Founded
Thomas Edison founded the Edison Electric Light Company to develop and commercialize electric lighting. The company, backed by J.P. Morgan, would bring electric light to the world.
2003
Science
China's First Human Spaceflight
Yang Liwei became the first Chinese astronaut (taikonaut) to travel to space aboard Shenzhou 5. China became the third nation, after Russia and the US, to independently send humans into orbit.
1582
Culture
Gregorian Calendar Takes Effect
The Gregorian calendar replaced the Julian calendar in Catholic countries. October 4 was followed by October 15, correcting the accumulated 10-day error in the old calendar.
1880
Culture
Cologne Cathedral Completed
Cologne Cathedral was completed after 632 years of construction. The Gothic masterpiece, begun in 1248, became the tallest structure in the world upon completion.