A Latin phrase meaning 'in fact', but not necessarily in law.
De facto
Fact of the Day
In 1800, the Holy Roman Empire could boast 45 universities. France had 22, and England had two.
Quote of the Day
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.
"
~ Anne Frank
On This Day
1016 Cnut defeated Edmund Ironside at the Battle of Assandun, forcing Edmund to make a peace with the invading Danes: he got to keep Wessex, but the rest of England came under Danish rule. A month later, he had died of 'natural causes' so Wessex, too, went to Cnut.
1216 King John died of dysentery. He was succeeded by his nine year old son, Henry III.
1867 The US officially took possession of Alaska. It wasn't a popular decision at the time.
1922 The BBC was founded.
