Discover What Happened Today in History
Christopher Columbus set sail from Cádiz, Spain, on his fourth and final voyage to the New World. His goal was to find a westward passage to the Indian Ocean, but he instead explored the coast of Central America.
Following Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, this day marked the formal end of World War II in Europe. Celebrations erupted across Allied nations to commemorate the defeat of the Axis powers on the continent.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Enovid, the first commercially produced oral contraceptive pill. This event sparked a profound social and cultural revolution, granting women unprecedented control over family planning.
The House Judiciary Committee opened formal impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon. This pivotal political event stemmed from the Watergate scandal and led to Nixon's resignation months later.
Erik Weihenmayer, a blind American adventurer, successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest. His achievement set a world record and became a landmark moment in sports, demonstrating extraordinary human capability.