“History gives answers only to those who know how to ask questions.”
Hajo Holborn, German-American historian
1. Oscar Wilde loses his criminal libel case triggered by accusations of homosexuality
On this day in history in 1895, Oscar Wilde who was a Marquess lost his criminal libel case triggered by accusations of homosexuality. The Marquess of Queensbury had left his calling card in the Albemarle Club with the added inscription, “For Oscar Wilde posing Somdomite” (sic).
2. Mahatma Ghandi defies British orders
On this day in history in 1930, Mahatma Ghandi defied British law by making salt in India instead of buying it from the British.
3. Ethel and Julius Rosenberg were sentenced to death
On this day in history in 1951, Ethel and Julius Rosenberg a US couple were sentenced to death. The U.S. couple was accused of passing information about nuclear weapons on to the Soviet Union. Eventually, it was revealed that Ethel was not involved in her husband’s activities. Both were executed in 1953.
4. Winston Churchill resigns as U.K. Prime Minister
On this day in history in 1955, UK Prime Minister, Winston Churchill resigned from office. Winston was instrumental in initiating the alliance between the U.K., the U.S., and the Soviet Union against Nazi Germany. His political career spanned half a century.
5. Bomb kills 3 people at the La Belle in West Berlin
On this day in history in 1986, a bomb lead to the death of three (3) people at the La Belle in West Berlin. The attack on the nightclub, which was frequented by U.S. soldiers, was later blamed on the Libyan secret service. In retaliatory strikes, over 15 people were killed in Libya.
6. The world’s largest suspension bridge opens to traffic
On this day in history in 1998, the world’s largest suspension bridge was opened to traffic.The Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in Japan features the world’s longest central span, measuring 1991 meters (6532 feet).
