German for 'living space'. Territory that is believed, particularly by the Nazis, to be needed for a state to exist.
Lebensraum
Fact of the Day
In 1506 the Principal of Magdalen Hall, Oxford, was accused of baptising a cat as part of a conjuring ritual to find buried treasure. He later became Bishop of London and a notorious heretic hunter, and was mockingly known as 'Bloody Bishop Christen-cat'.
Quote of the Day
"Somme. The whole history of the world cannot contain a more ghastly word.
"
~ Friedrich Steinbrecher (German Officer)
On This Day
759 King Oswulf of Northumbria was murdered by members of his household, less than a year after coming to power.
1304 Edward I captured Stirling Castle, the last Scottish stronghold against English rule during the First War of Scottish Independence, with the help of Warwolf, the largest trebuchet ever built.
1567 Mary Queen of Scots was forced to abdicate in favour of her infant son, James VI (the future James I of England).
1851 The window tax, 'a tax on light and air', was finally repealed after a long campaign by those concerned about public health.
1883 Matthew Webb, the first recorded person to swim the English Channel for sports purposes unaided, died while trying to swim through the Whirlpool Rapids below Niagara Falls. He was 35 years old.
1936 The first British speaking clock was introduced. It was designed for those who wanted to know the time, but didn't have a watch to hand. Despite it now being unnecessary, it is still popular.
1943 Operation Gomorrah, the Allied plan to obliterate the German city of Hamburg, began. Over 30,000 civilians were killed in the firestorms created by the bombardment.
1969 Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins, returned safely to Earth after their trip to the Moon.
