Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 after almost 30 years. Pennsylvania Hospital, founded by Benjamin Franklin, admitted its first patients in 1752. Gerrymandering began in 1812 by Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry. The Meiji Constitution was adopted in Japan in 1889. Emma Goldman was arrested in 1916 for talking about contraception. Margaret Thatcher became the head of the Conservative Party in 1975. Saint Bernadette claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary in 1858. The Seabed Arms Control Treaty was signed in 1971. Thomas Edison was born in 1847. Glenn Miller won the first gold record in 1942.
Nelson Mandela has been released from prison. (1990) Mandela had been imprisoned for almost 30 years for his efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. After his release, Mandela continued to fight against apartheid and was elected president of South Africa the following year. He was later awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.
The first hospital opened in the United States. (1752) Pennsylvania Hospital admitted its first patients on this day. The hospital was founded by Benjamin Franklin and soon became known as a progressive hospital, especially in its care of the mentally ill and pregnant women.
The first scam occurred. (1812) Gerrymandering is the redrawing of electoral district lines to favor one party over the other. The first rigging was done by Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry, who re-districted for state senate elections. The term ‘gerrymandering’ arose as the new districts were supposedly shaped like a salamander and were organized by Elbridge Gerry – hence ‘Gerry-mandering’.
The Meiji Constitution was adopted in Japan. (1889) This marked the beginning of modern Japanese history. For centuries, Japan had been ruled by the shogunate, which changed when European statesmen convinced the Japanese to change their state to a constitutional monarchy. The Meiji Constitution formed the basis of this new government.
Emma Goldman was arrested for talking about contraception. (1916) Goldman was a staunch feminist and advocate for women’s rights, and a hugely controversial figure in the early 1900s. She was arrested several times during her lifetime, both for lecturing on birth control and distributing contraceptives, and for for participating in anti-war protests.
Margaret Thatcher became the head of the Conservative Party. (1975) Thatcher became a major force in British politics and she was eventually elected as Britain’s first female Prime Minister. Baroness Thatcher was also one of the longest-serving British prime ministers: she held the position for 11 years.
Saint Bernadette claims to have seen the Virgin Mary of Lourdes. (1858) Saint Bernadette was 14 years old when the Virgin appeared to her in Lourdes and asked that a chapel be built on the site. Although her claims have come under great scrutiny, the chapel was built and she Bernadette lived the rest of her life as a nun before dying of ill health at the age of 35.
Nuclear weapons have been banned in international waters. (1971) More than 70 countries signed the Seabed Arms Control Treaty, the first treaty to limit the use of nuclear weapons in international waters. Among the signatories were the United States, the USSR, the United Kingdom and Germany.
Thomas Edison born (1847) Edison was an incredibly famous and influential inventor. Among his most famous inventions were the incandescent light bulb, the distribution of direct current electricity and the gramophone.
Presented the first gold disc. (1942) Jazz and big band leader Glenn Miller wins first gold record for Chattanooga Choo Choo.
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