On This Day: President Nixon Resigns
On Aug. 8, 1974, President Richard Nixon, facing impeachment charges for his role in the Watergate Hotel break-in, announced his resignation.
The Watergate Scandal
At 2:30...
1997: Bodies of Heaven’s Gate Cult Members Discovered After Mass Suicide
On March 26, 1997, police found the bodies of 39 Heaven’s Gate members who had committed suicide believing that the Hale-Bopp comet was a...
1587: Mary, Queen of Scots Beheaded
On February 8, 1587, Mary I of Scotland was beheaded for her alleged role in a conspiracy against her cousin Queen Elizabeth I of...
1959: Buddy Holly Killed in Plane Crash on “The Day the Music Died”
On February 3, 1959, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash. The day would be immortalized as “The...
1977: 583 Killed as 747s Collide on Tenerife Runway
On March 27, 1977, two 747 airliners collided on a runway in the Canary Island of Tenerife, killing 583 people, more than any plane...
1953: Academy Awards Televised for First Time
On March 19, 1953, the Academy Awards appeared on television for the first time, and 34 million viewers tuned in.
Oscars Make Television Debut
NBC-TV’s broadcast...
44 B.C.: Julius Caesar Assassinated
On March 15, 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators hoping to restore the Roman republic.
Caesar Murdered on the Ides...
1938: “Kristallnacht” Attacks Mark Unofficial Start of Holocaust
On Nov. 9, 1938, Nazi storm troopers launched a coordinated attack against Jewish communities, destroying property and shipping thousands to concentration camps.
“Night of Broken...
1964: Muhammad Ali Wins Heavyweight Title
On February 25, 1964, 22-year-old Cassius Clay became the world heavyweight boxing champion, defeating Sonny Liston in an upset.
“I Shook Up the World”
Muhammad Ali,...
1972: Nixon Leaves for China
On February 17, 1972, President Richard Nixon embarked on a diplomatic mission to normalize relations with the People’s Republic of China.
Meeting Sets Stage for...
