Fidel Castro officially resigned as First Secretary of Cuba's Communist Party
After 45 years of leading the party and over 50 years ruling Cuba, the 84-year-old revolutionary handed power to his brother Raúl. Castro had already...
April 19 in History
Significant events that happened on this day.
Historical Events
2011
2005
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was elected Pope Benedict XVI
At 78 years old, he became one of the oldest popes elected in recent history and the first German pope in nearly 500 years. His papacy lasted until 20...
1995
A truck bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people
MajorTimothy McVeigh's domestic terrorist attack became the deadliest act of terrorism on American soil until 9/11. The blast destroyed or damaged over 300...
1993
The FBI siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas ended in a deadly fire
MajorAfter a 51-day standoff, federal agents attempted to force the cult members out using tear gas. A fire erupted, killing 76 people including leader Dav...
1987
The Simpsons first appeared as a short on The Tracey Ullman Show
The crudely drawn cartoon family made their debut in a short called 'Good Night,' created by Matt Groening. The characters looked significantly differ...
1960
Students in South Korea overthrew the corrupt government of Syngman Rhee in the April Revolution
Massive protests led by students and citizens forced the authoritarian president to resign after disputed elections and the killing of demonstrators....
1956
American actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in a civil ceremony
The Hollywood star gave up her film career at age 26 to become royalty, though the religious ceremony took place the next day. Over 600 journalists co...
1943
Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann deliberately took LSD for the first time and experienced the world's first acid trip
Three days after accidentally absorbing LSD through his skin, Hofmann intentionally ingested 250 micrograms to study its effects. He rode his bicycle...
1897
The first Boston Marathon was held with only 15 runners
Inspired by the revival of the Olympic Games, the race was originally 24.5 miles from Ashland to Boston. New Yorker John McDermott won in 2 hours, 55...
1782
The Netherlands recognized the United States as an independent nation
The Dutch became the second country (after France) to formally recognize American independence from Britain. This recognition was particularly signifi...
1775
The American Revolutionary War began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord
MajorColonial militiamen exchanged fire with British troops in Massachusetts, marking the start of the American Revolution. The 'shot heard round the world...
1770
Captain James Cook first sighted Australia's eastern coastline
Cook and his crew aboard HMS Endeavour spotted the coast of what would become New South Wales. He initially named the landing site Stingray Bay after...