“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 first Indian full-length feature film was premiered
On this day in history in 1913 The first Indian full-length feature film was premiered. The release of Raja Harishchandra marked the birth of the Indian film industry, the world’s largest in terms of films produced and ticket sales.
2. Truman Capote’s book Breakfast at Tiffany’s was published
On this day in history in 1958 Truman Capote’s book Breakfast at Tiffany’s was published. The novella is one of the U.S. author’s most popular works. The 1961 film of the same name starring Audrey Hepburn is classic in its genre.
3. The Digital Equipment Corporation sent the world’s first spam email
On this day in history in 1978 The Digital Equipment Corporation sent the world’s first spam email. A representative sent out 600 emails and sold computers for $12 million. Unsolicited bulk emails have since become a scourge of the digital age as spammers attempt to achieve a similar success.
4. Margaret Thatcher was elected British Prime Minister
On this day in history in 1979 Margaret Thatcher is elected British Prime Minister. The conservative politician was the first female head of state in Europe. During her 11-year reign, her sweeping economic reforms polarized the British public and her toughness earning her the nickname The Iron Lady.
5. A tornado produced the highest wind speeds ever recorded
On this day in history in 1999 A tornado produces the highest wind speeds ever recorded. The F5 tornado hitting parts of Oklahoma City caused the record wind speed of about 301 mph (484 km/h). 45 people were killed, 665 injured.
