History has recorded this date as one marked by conflict, transformation, innovation and cultural milestones. From medieval persecution during the Black Death to major political turning points and sporting achievements, these events reflect how societies have evolved across generations. Deshwale presents a chronological account of the most significant moments associated with this day.
Black Death Massacre – 1349
During the height of the Bubonic Plague, Jewish communities in Freiburg im Breisgau and Strasbourg were brutally targeted after being falsely accused of poisoning water sources. Thousands were burned alive, with only pregnant women and children spared. These killings formed part of a wider wave of pogroms that swept across Western Europe amid widespread fear and panic.
Execution of Oliver Cromwell – 1661
Two years after his death, former Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell was posthumously punished following the restoration of the English monarchy. His remains were exhumed, publicly hanged and beheaded in a symbolic act intended to reinforce royal authority and condemn the legacy of republican rule.
William Kidd Captures Quedagh Merchant – 1698
English pirate William Kidd seized the wealthy Indian merchant ship Quedagh Merchant, marking the most valuable capture of his career. The incident disrupted international trade and triggered an extensive global manhunt that would later lead to Kidd’s arrest and execution.
Library of Congress Re-established – 1815
After British forces burned Washington during the War of 1812, the United States rebuilt the Library of Congress using Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection of more than 6,500 books. The move helped restore the nation’s primary centre of knowledge and research.
Failed Assassination of Andrew Jackson – 1835
Richard Lawrence attempted to assassinate US President Andrew Jackson in Washington, DC. Both of Lawrence’s pistols misfired, making this the first recorded assassination attempt on a sitting American president. Jackson survived without injury.
Anglo-Japanese Treaty Signed – 1902
Britain and Japan signed a strategic alliance after months of negotiation. The agreement supported the independence of China and Korea while recognising Japan’s special interests in the Korean peninsula, reshaping geopolitical power structures in East Asia.
First Transatlantic Radio Telephone Connection – 1928
A historic communications breakthrough occurred when the Netherlands and the United States established the world’s first radio telephone link, significantly advancing international telecommunications.
“City Lights” Film Premiere – 1931
Charlie Chaplin’s silent romantic comedy City Lights premiered at the Los Angeles Theatre. Starring Chaplin and Virginia Cherrill, the film later gained worldwide acclaim and remains a landmark achievement in cinema history.
Mahatma Gandhi Assassinated – 1948
India mourned the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, who was shot dead in the garden of a New Delhi residence. Hindu extremist Nathuram Godse carried out the killing, ending the life of the leader who guided India’s freedom struggle through non-violent resistance.
Kapil Dev Equals World Record – 1994
Indian cricket icon Kapil Dev delivered figures of 2 for 41 as India defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 95 runs in the second Test in Bengaluru. With this performance, he equalled Sir Richard Hadlee’s world record of 431 Test wickets.
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