Discover What Happened Today in History
Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Spain with five ships, beginning the first expedition to successfully circumnavigate the globe. Although Magellan died during the voyage, one of his ships completed the journey in 1522, proving the Earth was round and vastly expanding European geographical knowledge.
The French Revolutionary Army achieved a decisive victory over the Prussian army. This battle, though not heavily fought, was a major morale booster for the revolutionaries and is considered the first victory of the French Republic, halting the allied advance on Paris.
The first major battle of the Crimean War saw the allied forces of Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire defeat the Russian army. The victory allowed the allies to advance and lay siege to the Russian naval base at Sevastopol.
Tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a highly publicized exhibition match in Houston, Texas. The event was a landmark moment for gender equality in sports and society, drawing a huge global television audience.
In a speech to a joint session of Congress, U.S. President George W. Bush declared a 'war on terror' following the September 11 attacks. He outlined the doctrine that would guide American foreign policy for years, including the upcoming invasion of Afghanistan.