- 509 BC – The Romans expelled their last king, Lucius Tarquinius Superbus, and established the Roman Republic.
The overthrow of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus marked the end of the Roman Kingdom and the beginning of the Roman Republic, a pivotal moment in ancient history. This transition laid the foundation for Roman political and legal systems that influenced many modern governments. The expulsion was triggered by the tyrannical rule of Tarquinius and the outrage over the rape of Lucretia, a noblewoman. The establishment of the Republic introduced the Senate and elected magistrates, replacing the monarchy. This event is celebrated as the birth of the Roman Republic, symbolizing the fight against tyranny and the beginning of a new political era. - 1759 – The Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place near Quebec City during the Seven Years’ War.
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham was a decisive confrontation between British and French forces in the Seven Years’ War. British troops under General James Wolfe defeated the French army commanded by the Marquis de Montcalm. This battle led to the British capture of Quebec City, which was a turning point in the struggle for control of North America. Both Wolfe and Montcalm died from wounds sustained during the battle, marking a tragic note in the conflict. The British victory at Quebec paved the way for British dominance in Canada and the eventual establishment of British North America. - 1814 – The Battle of Baltimore inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
During the War of 1812, British forces attacked Baltimore, Maryland, but were repelled after a fierce battle. Francis Scott Key, witnessing the bombardment from a ship, was inspired by the sight of the American flag still flying over Fort McHenry at dawn. This moment led him to pen a poem titled “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” which later became the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the national anthem of the United States. The battle demonstrated the resilience of American forces and boosted national morale. It remains a significant event in American history symbolizing patriotism and perseverance. - 1847 – The Battle of Chapultepec took place during the Mexican-American War.
The Battle of Chapultepec was a critical engagement in the Mexican-American War, fought near Mexico City. American forces attacked the fortified Chapultepec Castle, which was defended by Mexican troops including young cadets known as Los Niños Héroes. The capture of Chapultepec opened the way for the American army to enter Mexico City and effectively ended major combat operations in the war. The battle is remembered for the bravery of the Mexican defenders and is a significant moment in Mexican history. It also marked the beginning of a period of American expansionism under the doctrine of Manifest Destiny. - 1899 – The painkiller Bayer aspirin was registered as a trademark.
On September 13, 1899, Bayer registered “Aspirin” as a trademark for their new pain-relieving drug. Aspirin, chemically known as acetylsalicylic acid, revolutionized medicine by providing an effective treatment for pain, fever, and inflammation. It became one of the most widely used medications worldwide and is still commonly used today. Bayer’s innovation helped establish the pharmaceutical industry’s modern era and contributed to advancements in pain management. The trademark registration marked the beginning of aspirin’s commercial success and its long-standing role in healthcare. - 1940 – The Blitz: London was bombed heavily by the German Luftwaffe during World War II.
The Blitz was a sustained bombing campaign by Nazi Germany against the United Kingdom, targeting London and other major cities. On September 13, 1940, London experienced one of the most intense nights of bombing, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Despite the devastation, the British population showed remarkable resilience and determination to continue the fight against the Axis powers. The Blitz lasted for several months and was a significant part of the Battle of Britain. It demonstrated the importance of civilian morale and air defense in modern warfare. - 1959 – NASA announced its selection of the first seven astronauts for the Mercury space program.
On this day, NASA publicly introduced the Mercury Seven, the first group of American astronauts chosen to pioneer manned spaceflight. These astronauts included notable figures such as John Glenn and Alan Shepard, who would become astronauts of great historical significance. Their selection marked the United States’ commitment to the Space Race against the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Mercury program aimed to send humans into orbit and gather data critical for future space missions. This announcement was a major milestone in space exploration history and inspired generations of scientists and engineers. - 1971 – The Attica Prison riot began in New York.
The Attica Prison riot was a major uprising by inmates at the Attica Correctional Facility, protesting poor conditions and demanding political rights. The revolt lasted for four days and involved over 1,000 prisoners taking control of the prison. The event highlighted issues of prison reform and civil rights in the United States. The standoff ended violently when authorities retook the prison, resulting in numerous deaths among inmates and guards. The Attica riot remains a powerful symbol of the struggle for justice and reform within the American penal system. - 1993 – The Maastricht Treaty took effect, establishing the European Union.
The Maastricht Treaty officially came into force on September 13, 1993, marking a major step in European integration. This treaty established the European Union (EU), creating a political and economic union among member states. It introduced the concept of European citizenship and laid the groundwork for the Euro currency. The treaty aimed to enhance cooperation in areas such as foreign policy, security, and justice. Its implementation represented a new era of partnership and unity in Europe after decades of conflict. - 2001 – The first anthrax attack letters were sent in the United States.
In the weeks following the September 11 attacks, letters containing anthrax spores were mailed to various media offices and government officials. The first such letters were sent on September 13, 2001, causing widespread fear and prompting intensive investigations. These bioterrorism attacks resulted in several infections and deaths, highlighting vulnerabilities in national security. The anthrax scare led to increased measures for mail screening and biodefense preparedness. This event underscored the challenges of responding to new forms of terrorism in the 21st century.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
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