Gandhi was assassinated; Hitler became Chancellor of Germany; Maryland signed the Articles of Confederation; Jackson survived an assassination attempt; the first cash register was patented; the Tet Offensive happened; Bloody Sunday occurred; the first lifeboat was tested; King Charles I was executed; and the first episode of “Lone Ranger” aired.
Gandhi was assassinated. (1948) Mohandas Gandhi was an incredibly influential figure in Indian and world history, and was known for his powerful non-violent protests. He is regarded as the reason why India became independent from Britain and a major force for peace and tolerance in the world.
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany. (1933) Hitler had experienced a rapid rise to power as leader of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party in the face of severe economic sanctions imposed on Germany after World War I. His becoming chancellor marked the beginning of Nazi Germany’s rise to power, which would not end until after World War II.
Maryland signed the Articles of Confederation. (1781) It was the last of the 13 states to ratify the articles, which were the predecessor of the Constitution. Although only one state, Virginia, signed off on the articles within the deadline set by the editors, Maryland did so almost 3 years late.
Andrew Jackson survived an assassination attempt. (1835) A madman named Richard Lawrence, claiming to be the King of England, attempted to assassinate Jackson by shooting him with two pistols. Both missed fire and Jackson beat the man into submission with his cane. It was the first assassination attempt on a US president.
The first cash register was patented in the USA. (1883) James and John Ritty patented the first cash register in an effort to stop employees at James’s saloon from robbing him. The machine didn’t issue receipts, but it chimed as the till opened, alerting the manager each time an employee opened the drawer.
The Tet Offensive happened. (1968) This massive and coordinated assault on American troops in southern Vietnam was a wake-up call to Americans, who had been led to believe that the war was practically over. It damaged public opinion of the war and was extremely demoralizing to the troops.
Bloody Sunday happened in Ireland. (1972) 13 unarmed civil rights demonstrators were killed by British soldiers in Northern Ireland, sparking massive protests across Ireland. The event brought the fighting between Ireland and Great Britain to international attention and helped cement the IRA’s policy of violence against England.
The first lifeboat has been tested. (1790) Although people have used boats for sea rescue for centuries, this boat was the first to be designed specifically as a lifeboat. It could be rowed from either end, which eliminated the need for turning, a crucial design factor that would play into most future lifeboat designs.
King Charles I was executed. (1649) Charles was extremely unpopular with his subjects after marrying a Catholic princess and dissolving Parliament several times. Oliver Cromwell led a revolt against him and ruled England until his death, after which the monarchy was restored, despite Cromwell’s son’s attempts to rule.
The first episode of “Lone Ranger” has aired. (1933) A major radio – and later TV – series in America, The Lone Ranger has been an iconic part of American history for over 50 years. The radio show has inspired numerous spin-offs and merchandise, including everything from Lone Ranger lunch boxes to video games.
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