Originally a German plan to maintain order in the case of emergencies, it was modified by 20th July Bomb Plotters as part of a planned military coup.
Operation Valkyrie
Fact of the Day
According to Suetonius, emperor Caligula banned anyone mentioning goats in his presence, because he looked like one.
Quote of the Day
"We would often be ashamed of our finest actions if the world could see the motives behind them.
"
~ La Rochefoucauld (17th century)
On This Day
1586 American colonists arrived in Plymouth with large quantities of tobacco. Smoking caught on quickly, though it was also used in tea.
1694 The Bank of England was founded by an act of parliament as a way to finance government debt by private subscription.
1943 The concentrated Allied bombing of Hamburg led to a three hour firestorm that killed approx 30,000 civilians.