“History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveller.”
Henry Glassie, US historian
1. The world’s first adhesive postage stamp was issued in the United Kingdom
On this day in history in 1840 The world’s first adhesive postage stamp was issued in the United Kingdom. The Penny Black shows a portrait of Queen Victoria. Despite its historical significance, the stamp can be bought for around £25 as over 68 million copied were distributed.
2. The world’s largest trade union was founded
On this day in history in 1925 The world’s largest trade union was founded. The All-China Federation of Trade Unions has more than 300 million members.
3. Adolf Hitler’s death was announced on German radio
On this day in history in 1945 Adolf Hitler’s death was announced on German radio. As the Soviet flag is raised over the Reich Chancellery, the German people are informed that “our leader, Adolf Hitler, has fallen for Germany, fighting to his last breath against Bolshevism.”
4. Fidel Castro declared Cuba a socialist nation and bans elections
On this day in history in 1961 Fidel Castro declared Cuba a socialist nation and banned elections. A month after Cuban troops had fought off a U.S. backed military invasion at the Bay of Pigs, Castro announces that “The revolution has no time for elections.”
5. Naomi Uemura became the first person to reach the North Pole alone
On this day in history in 1978 Naomi Uemura became the first person to reach the North Pole alone. The Japanese adventurer is also credited with the first solo ascent of Mount McKinley and the first solo rafting of the Amazon river. He disappeared in 1984 during a winter ascent of Mount McKinley.
