More than 6,000 people were killed when a magnitude 7.2 earthquake hit the city of Kobe, Japan on this day in 1995. It was the most severe earthquake to affect that region this century. The economic loss as a result of this earthquake is estimated to reach $200 billion.
Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)
Franklin was a major figure in the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions.
Benjamin Franklin wrote under the pseudonym Mrs. Silence Dogood, and published provocative letters. He was the first United States Ambassador to France, where he advocated religious tolerance.
On this day in 1962, United StatesPresident Kennedy went on radio and television to inform the United States about his order to send U.S.forces to blockade Cuba. The blockade was in response to the discovery of Soviet missile bases on the island.
On this day in 1979, the ousted Shah of Iran, Mohammad Riza Pahlavi was allowed into the U.S. for, what was called, life- saving medical treatment, a decision made by then President Jimmy Carter. This was one of the most controversial decisions of post-World War Two foreign policy.
President Carter (left) raising a toast to the ousted Shah of Iran.
Admitting the deposed Shah of Iran to the U.S.triggered the Iranian hostage crisis, effecting American-Iranian relations.
A man holds a sign during a protest of the crisis in Washington, D.C..
On this day in 1973, OPEC, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries began an oil-embargoagainst several countries including the U.S. and Great Britain. The incident stemmed from Western support of Israel whenEgypt and Syria attacked the nation on October 6, 1973. The embargo lasted until March of 1974.
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter Scale hit the San Francisco Bay area in California. The quake caused about 67 deaths, 3,000 injuries, and damages up to $7 billion.
Photo of woman with seismograph drums showing the earthquake.
Loma Prieta Earthquake, Game 3, 1989 World Series.
On this day in 1777, American troops defeated British forces in Saratoga, NewYork. It was the turning point in the American Revolutionary War.
Surrender of General Burgoyne and the British Army to General Gates at the Battle of Saratoga.
John Herbert Dillinger (June 22, 1903 – July 22, 1934)
John Dillinger was an American gangster in the Depression-era who was shot and killed by the special agents on July 22, 1934 at approximately 10:40 p.m, according to a New York Times report the next day. His death came only two months after the deaths of fellow notorious criminals Bonnie and Clyde.
A crowd formed at Chicago’s Biograph Theater shortly after Dillinger was killed there by FBI agents.
In northern Iraq on this day in 2003, Saddam Hussein’s sons Odai and Qusai died after a gunfight with U.S. forces.
The September 11 commission’s final report was released on this day in 2004. The 575-page report concluded that hijackers exploited "deep institutional failings within our government." The report was released to White House officials the day before.
The members of The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.
Walter Frederick Morrison (January 16, 1920 – February 9, 2010)
Inventor and entrepreneur Walter ”Fred” Morrison introduced the Frisbee, as we know it today, on this day in 1957. It was originally called the Flyin-Saucer.
William Frisbie opened the Frisbie Pie Company in 1871 in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Students from nearby universities discovered that the empty pie tins (above) could be tossed and caught, providing endless hours of game and sport.