Today In History

In 1512: Michelangelo’s paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel were first exhibited to the public.

In 1765: The Stamp Act took effect, prompting stiff resistance from American colonists.

In 1950: Two Puerto Rican nationalists tried to force their way into Blair House in Washington to assassinate President Truman. The attempt failed, and one of the pair was killed.

In 1952: The United States exploded the first hydrogen bomb, in a test at Eniwetok in the Marshall Islands.

In 1954: The western African nation of Algeria began its rebellion against France.

In 1973: In the wake of the Saturday Night Massacre, Acting Attorney General Robert H. Bork appointed Leon Jaworski to be the new Watergate special prosecutor, succeeding Archibald Cox.