The American stock market crash of 1929 that started the Great Depression and had worldwide economic and political consequences.
Wall Street Crash
Fact of the Day
In the middle ages to ensure a good batch of beer brewers had it blessed by a priest. Compensation was typically 4 pints.
Quote of the Day
"Pray for me, now my calamity is at hand!
"
~ John Stubbs, just before having his hand removed for seditious writing, 1579
On This Day
43 BCE The assassination of Cicero, requested by Marc Antony. When his head was delivered to Anthony, his wife, Fulvia, spat on it and jabbed hairpins into his tongue.
1732 The Theatre Royal, now known as the Covent Garden Opera House, opened with a performance of the Beggar's Opera.
1787 Delaware became the first state of the modern United States.
1817 Rear-Admiral William Bligh died. He had been captain of HMS Bounty during the mutiny.
1941 The Japanese launched a surprise attack on the American naval base a Pearl Harbour, Hawaii, killing 2,403.
1982 Charles Brooks Jr became the first person to be executed by lethal injection, with a huge dose of 'truth serum'
