Manifest Destiny
James K. Polk’s first State of the Union Address, on 2 December 1845, promoted the concept that the US should encompass all of North America.
Months Past
The Berners Street Hoax
On 27 November 1809, a bet between two friends brought a large part of London to a standstill.
The Opening of New York’s Metropolitan Opera House
The Met opened its doors on 22 October 1883.
The Parthenon is Blown Up
The Athenian temple was partly destroyed on 26 September 1687.
The Anglo-Zanzibar War
The shortest war in history began (and ended) on 27 August 1896.
The Bikini
The two-piece swimsuit was unveiled on 5 July 1946.
The London International Surrealists Exhibition
Works by artists including Dalí, Duchamp and Picasso went on display at the Burlington Gallery on 11 June 1936.
The End of the Great Sioux War
Crazy Horse and the allied leaders surrendered on 5 May 1877.
The Death of Dick Turpin
The notorious highwayman was hanged on 7 April 1739.
The Birth of Mary Anning
Paleontologist and fossil hunter Mary Anning was born on 21 May 1799.