Tagged: Datebook

Oda Nobunaga was a fierce and ambitious warlord, who lived a life of continuous military conquest. By the time of his death, he had conquered a third of Japan, and paved the way for unification which ruled the island nation until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. 

On this day in 1837, a young Victoria awoke to the announcement that her uncle, King William IV had died and that she was Queen. 

Juneteenth, aka Emancipation Day, honors African American heritage by commemorating the announcement of the abolition of slavery in Texas in 1865. Today, it is recognized as a state holiday or observance in 42 states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Illinois. 

The War of 1812 began on this day in... what was that year again? Several reasons prompted this war, including trade restrictions brought about by Britain's ongoing war with France, the seizing of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, British support of American Indian tribes against American expansion, outrage over insults to national honor after humiliations on the high seas, and possible American desire to annex Canada. 

It's the famous experiment we all learned about in grade school. Benjamin Franklin was just crazy enough to step outside and fly a kite in a thunderstorm, and in doing so, proved that lightning was electricity. It is believed to be (commonly accepted to be) this date in 1752. 

Happy Flag Day! It's a United States holiday commemorating the adoption of the flag, which happened on June 14, 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The US Army also celebrates its birthday on this date. 

In addition to having a cool name, Sir Philip St. John Basil Rathbone appeared in over 70 films in Hollywood's early days, rising to prominence for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in 14 films (and a radio series). The South African-born, English-raised Shakespearean actor primarily played suave villains or morally ambiguous characters, such as Murderstone in David Copperfield and Sir Guy of Gisbourne in The Adventures of Robin Hood.