1941
Operation Barbarossa Begins
Nazi Germany launched a massive invasion of the Soviet Union, breaking the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. This marked the beginning of the Eastern Front, the largest and bloodiest theater of World War II.
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All Events
1633
Galileo Forced to Recant
The Roman Catholic Church forced astronomer Galileo Galilei to recant his heliocentric theory that the Earth revolves around the Sun. He was tried for heresy and spent the rest of his life under house arrest.
1937
Joe Louis Wins Heavyweight Title
Joe Louis defeated James J. Braddock by knockout to become the world heavyweight boxing champion. His victory made him a national hero, especially among African Americans, during a time of widespread racial segregation.
1978
Discovery of Charon
Astronomer James Christy discovered Charon, the largest moon of the dwarf planet Pluto, from photographic plates. This discovery revealed Pluto to be part of a binary system, significantly advancing our understanding of the outer solar system.
2009
Eastman Kodak Ends Kodachrome Production
The Eastman Kodak Company announced it would cease production of Kodachrome color film after 74 years. This marked a major cultural shift, ending the era of the iconic film stock celebrated in music and photography.