A war fought primarily in Central Europe between 1618 and 1648 that led to the death of about eight million people from battle, disease, and starvation. It started as a religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants, but ultimately became about power in Europe.
Thirty Years' War
Fact of the Day
Cecil Rhodes was so rich he bought a mountain for his garden.
Quote of the Day
"It is better for aged diplomats to be bored than for young men to die.
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~ Warren Robinson Austin, US ambassador to the UN
On This Day
1554 Thomas Wyatt the Younger was executed for leading the Wyatt Rebellion against Mary I's marriage to Philip of Spain.
1689 William III and Mary II were crowned as joint sovereigns of England.
1814 The Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed. It forced Napoleon to abdicate and exiled him to the island of Elba.
1890 Joseph Merrick, more commonly known as the Elephant Man, died aged 27. No-one knows what caused his condition, but it's thought that he died of asphyxiation or a dislocated neck when he attempted to sleep lying down.
1945 American soldiers liberated Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp.
1961 Adolf Eichmann's trial started in Israel. He was charged with 15 crimes, including crimes against humanity and war crimes.
1970 Apollo 13 launched on its mission to the moon, but an explosion caused the mission to be abandoned.
