“What experience and history teach is that nations and governments have never learned anything from history, or acted upon any lessons they might have drawn from it.”
Georg Hegel, German philosopher
1. In the United States, the first coast to coast railroad was completed.
On this day in history in 1869 In the United States, the first coast to coast railroad was completed. The Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroad systems were joined at Promontory Summit in Utah, using a “Golden Spike”. This last spike is now housed in the Cantor Arts Museum at Stanford University.
2. Nazis ceremonially burnt about 25,000 allegedly “un-German” books.
On this day in history in 1933 Nazis ceremonially burnt about 25,000 allegedly “un-German” books. The book burnings were part of the right-wing German Student Union’s Action against the Un-German Spirit. Among the burnt books were works by Albert Einstein, Bertolt Brecht, Sigmund Freud, and Franz Kafka.
3. Adolf Hitler’s deputy, Rudolf Hess, parachuted into Scotland to broker a peace agreement.
On this day in history in 1941 Adolf Hitler’s deputy, Rudolf Hess, parachuted into Scotland to broker a peace agreement. Hess was captured and interrogated. He was the last in a long line of prominent figures to be incarcerated in the Tower of London. Hitler characterized his peace mission four years before the end of World War II as treason.
4. Bill Haley released “Rock Around the Clock.”
On this day in history in 1954 Bill Haley released “Rock Around the Clock.” It was the first rock song to top the Billboard charts and has become a classic of the early rock era.
5. Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president.
On this day in history in 1994 Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president. Mandela’s inauguration came after more than 300 years of white rule. Before becoming president, he was a pivotal figure in the fight against the racist apartheid regime and was incarcerated for 27 years.
