“One of the deepest impulses in man is the impulse to record, to scratch a drawing on a tusk or keep a diary… The enduring value of the past is, one might say, the very basis of civilisation.”
John Jay Chapman, American author
1. Alexander Popov demonstrated the world’s first radio receiver
On this day in history in 1895 Alexander Popov demonstrated the world’s first radio receiver
The Russian physicist had initially built the device as a lightning detector. He achieved the first radio transmission between two buildings the following year.
2. A German U-Boat sank the RMS Lusitania
On this day in history in 1915 A German U-Boat sank the RMS Lusitania
1198 lives were lost in the attack, making it the deadliest shipwreck during World War I. The fact that some of the dead were U.S. citizens influenced the country’s decision to enter the war in 1917.
3. Germany’s Nazi regime surrendered unconditionally
On this day in history in 1945 Germany’s Nazi regime surrenders unconditionally. The capitulation ended World War II, one of the bloodiest conflicts of all time. According to estimates, between 40 and 71 million people died in the war and the Holocaust initiated by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.
4. Sony was founded
On this day in history in 1946 Sony was founded
The company started as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering. It is now one of the leading manufacturers of electronic products.
5. Vladimir Putin became President of Russia
On this day in history in 2000 Vladimir Putin becomes President of Russia. The former KGB officer enjoys high approval ratings in his country as living standards in Russia have improved drastically under his rule. Internationally, he has been criticized for his authoritarian style of government.
