“History is always written by the winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated, and the winner writes the history books-books which glorify their own cause and disparage the conquered foe.”
Dan Brown, American novelist
1. Harriet Quimby flew across the English Channel
On this day in history in 1912 Harriet Quimby flew across the English Channel. The U.S. aviator was the first woman who achieved this feat. She died at the age of 37 when her plane crashed in Massachusetts.
2. Vladimir Lenin returned to Russia from exile
On this day in history in 1917 Vladimir Lenin returned to Russia from exile. The communist revolutionary became leader of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (SFSR) later that year. From 1922, he was the first Premier of the Soviet Union.
3. The Rolling Stones released their debut album
On this day in history 1964, The Rolling Stones release their debut album. The album The Rolling Stones, released in the United States with the added title “England’s Newest Hit Makers”, topped the UK charts for twelve weeks.
4. Ten new member states were admitted to the European Union
On this day in history in 2003, ten new member states were admitted to the European Union. The Treaty of Accession admitted countries including Poland, Cyprus, and the Czech Republic to the EU. Its original title contains 99 words.
5. The trial of Anders Behring Breivik began in Oslo
On this day in history in 2012, the trial of Anders Behring Breivik began in Oslo. The right-wing extremist had killed 77 people, mostly teenagers, in Oslo with a car bomb and at a youth camp on Utøya island. After doubts about his mental health emerged before the trial, he was sentenced to 21 years in prison.
