People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them. James Baldwin
1. Muḥammad Shírází founded Bábism
On this day in history in 1844 Siyyid `Alí Muḥammad Shírází. Siyyid `Alí founded Bábism. The Báb, as he called himself, created the religion which was a forerunner of the Bahá’í Faith. His teachings were seen as a threat by the Islamic clergy, and his followers were brutally persecuted by the Persian government.
2. The Federal Republic of Germany was established
On this day in history in 1949 The Federal Republic of Germany was established. The proclamation of the Grundgesetz, Germany’s current constitution, marked the birth hour of the republic. The foundation of West Germany came four years after the demise of the Nazi regime and the end of World War II.
3. Delegates of the Dalai Lama signed the Seventeen Point Agreement
On this day in history in 1951 Delegates of the Dalai Lama sign the Seventeen Point Agreement. The contract affirmed Chinese sovereignty over Tibet. According to Tibetan officials, the document was signed under duress and is, therefore, invalid.
4. The Who released Tommy
On this day in history in 1969 The Who release Tommy. The British rock band’s fourth album is considered the first musical work of the rock opera genre.
5. The Italian mafia murdered Giovanni Falcone
On this day in history in 1992 The Italian mafia murdered Giovanni Falcone. Falcone, a judge, was the mafia’s most prominent adversary. After he, together with his wife and three bodyguards, fell victim to a car bomb, Falcone became a folk hero in Italy.
