Discover What Happened Today in History
Soviet troops entered and liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp complex in Poland, revealing the full horror of the Holocaust to the world. It is commemorated as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The National Geographic Society was founded in Washington, D.C., with the mission to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge. It would become a major force in scientific exploration, education, and photography.
The prolific and influential composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria. His vast body of work, including operas, symphonies, and concertos, remains a pinnacle of classical music.
The United States, South Vietnam, North Vietnam, and the Viet Cong signed the Paris Peace Accords, officially ending direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. The agreement aimed to establish peace and a political settlement.
During a pre-launch test for the Apollo 1 mission, a flash fire erupted in the command module, killing astronauts Virgil 'Gus' Grissom, Edward White, and Roger Chaffee. The disaster led to major redesigns and safety improvements in the Apollo program.