No other discipline has its portals so wide open to the general public as history.
1. Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison
On this day in history in 1964 Nelson Mandela was sentenced to life in prison. The South African anti-apartheid activist spent 27 years in prison. In 1993, he received the Nobel Peace Prize and one year later he became President of South Africa.
2. Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall”
On this day in history in 1987 Ronald Reagan challenged Mikhail Gorbachev to “tear down this wall.” The U.S. President held his famous speech near the Berlin Wall, one of the most important symbols for the division between East and West during the Cold War. The wall was dismantled in 1989, but many observers doubt that Reagan’s famous catchphrase had any impact on this decision.
3. Boris Yeltsin became Russia’s first President
On this day in history in 1991 Boris Yeltsin became Russia’s first President. After the end of the Soviet Union, Yeltsin launched radical economic reforms that aimed at dismantling socialism and restore capitalism.
4. The world’s largest twinjet took off on its maiden flight
On this day in history in 1994 The world’s largest twinjet took off on its maiden flight. The Boeing 777, or Triple Seven, typically transports up to 451 passengers. It is one of Boeing’s commercially most successful planes.
5. Mass Shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida Killed 49 People
On this day in history in 2016 Mass Shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida Killed 49 People. In what is now thought to be one of the deadliest incidents of violence against LGBTQ people in history, the shooting committed by 29-year old Omar Mateen is also the second deadliest terrorist attack on US soil since the September 11, 2001 attacks.
