1940
Entertainment
John Lennon Born
The co-founder of the Beatles and iconic peace activist was born in Liverpool, England. Lennon's music and activism made him one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century.
On This Day in History
1967
Politics
Che Guevara Executed
Argentine revolutionary Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was executed by Bolivian soldiers. His iconic image became a global symbol of rebellion and revolution, adorning countless posters and T-shirts.
1874
Technology
Universal Postal Union Founded
Twenty-two nations established the Universal Postal Union in Bern, Switzerland. The organization created a single postal territory for the international exchange of mail.
1446
Culture
Korean Alphabet Promulgated
King Sejong the Great of Korea promulgated Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The phonetic writing system was designed to be easy to learn and remains one of the most scientific alphabets ever created.
1962
Politics
Uganda Gains Independence
Uganda gained independence from Britain with Milton Obote as prime minister. The East African nation's early promise was later overshadowed by the brutal dictatorship of Idi Amin.
1776
Exploration
Spanish Missionaries Found San Francisco
Spanish missionaries established Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) in present-day San Francisco. The mission became the foundation of one of America's most iconic cities.
2009
Politics
Obama Wins Nobel Peace Prize
President Barack Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his 'extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy.' The award, given early in his presidency, sparked both praise and controversy.