Discover What Happened Today in History
The Duke of Wellington and Gebhard von Blücher decisively defeated Napoleon Bonaparte, ending the Napoleonic Wars and reshaping the political map of Europe. This battle marked the final downfall of Napoleon and led to his second exile.
Astronaut Sally Ride launched aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-7, breaking a significant barrier in the U.S. space program. Her flight was a landmark achievement for gender equality in science and exploration.
The United States declared war on the United Kingdom, beginning the War of 1812. Primary causes included British restrictions on American trade and the impressment of American sailors into the Royal Navy.
Following the revolution of 1952, Egypt was officially declared a republic, ending its centuries-old monarchy. General Muhammad Naguib became the first President, though he was soon overshadowed by Gamal Abdel Nasser.
Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, though as a passenger aboard a plane piloted by Wilmer Stultz. The flight from Newfoundland to Wales took just over 20 hours and catapulted her to fame.