The ruling committee of five established after the fall of Robespierre in 1795 in revolutionary France
The Directory
Fact of the Day
So rebellious were moustaches in 1850s Naples that the carabinieri could drag men into barbers and have them forcibly shaved.
Quote of the Day
"There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.
"
~ Aristotle
On This Day
1282 The last native Prince of Wales, Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, died
1688 King James II tried to flee to France during the Glorious Revolution. He was captured but allowed to escape again later that month.
1936 Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry American divorcee and socialite Wallis Simpson.
1941 Germany and Italy declared war on the USA.
1972 Apollo 17 became the last mission to land on the moon.