1929
Politics
Black Tuesday
The stock market crashed in the most devastating day in Wall Street history, with 16 million shares traded in panic selling. The crash triggered the Great Depression, the worst economic crisis of the 20th century.
On This Day in History
1969
Technology
First ARPANET Message Sent
The first message on ARPANET, the predecessor to the internet, was sent from UCLA to Stanford. The system crashed after transmitting just two letters—'LO' of 'LOGIN'—but the internet was born.
1923
Politics
Turkey Becomes a Republic
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed the Republic of Turkey, ending over 600 years of Ottoman rule. His sweeping reforms transformed Turkey into a secular, modern nation-state.
1618
Politics
Sir Walter Raleigh Executed
The English explorer, poet, and adventurer was beheaded at the Palace of Westminster on charges of treason. Raleigh reportedly told the executioner, 'Strike, man, strike!'
1998
Science
John Glenn Returns to Space
At age 77, Senator John Glenn returned to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery, 36 years after becoming the first American to orbit Earth. He became the oldest person to fly in space.
1787
Entertainment
Don Giovanni Premieres
Mozart's opera Don Giovanni premiered at the Estates Theatre in Prague to great acclaim. The work is considered one of the greatest operas ever written.
2012
Disaster
Hurricane Sandy Makes Landfall
Superstorm Sandy struck the northeastern United States, causing $71 billion in damage. The hurricane killed 233 people and devastated coastal communities from New Jersey to New York.