Today In History

In 1521: Spanish conqueror Hernando Cortez captured present-day Mexico City from the Aztec Indians.

In 1624: French King Louis XIII named Cardinal Richelieu his first minister.

In 1704: The Battle of Blenheim was fought during the War of the Spanish Succession, resulting in a victory for English and Austrian forces.

In 1932: Adolf Hitler rejected the post of vice chancellor of Germany, saying he was prepared to hold out “for all or nothing.”

In 1961: Berlin was divided as East Germany sealed off the border between the city’s eastern and western sectors in order to halt the flight of refugees.