Today in History

History Today: When Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un’s grandfather, founded North Korea

North Korea was established by Kim Il-sung as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) on September 9, 1948. The united Korea, which was under Japanese occupation since 1910, was divided after World War II between Syngman Rhee’s Republic of Korea in the South and Kim Il-sung’s DPRK in the North. On this day in 1976, Mao Zedong, who is considered to be the founding father of modern-day China, passed away in Beijing

History Today: When Queen Elizabeth II, world’s most famous monarch, died

The longest-serving monarch in Britain, Queen Elizabeth II, passed away peacefully at Scotland's Balmoral Castle on September 8, 2022. This brought an end to her 70-year reign of Britain. Michelangelo's David, one of the most iconic works of art from the Renaissance period, was unveiled in Florence on this day in 1504

History Today: When the United States' moniker 'Uncle Sam' was born

On September 7, 1813, the nickname 'Uncle Sam' was first linked to the United States, giving rise to one of the most recognisable national symbols in the world. The day also saw the signing of the Boxer Protocol in 1901, Tupac Shakur’s shooting in 1996, and the 1977 Panama Canal transfer agreement

History Today: When India-Pakistan clashed for the first time after Independence

India and Pakistan fought against each other for the first time since their Independence in 1947, on September 6, 1965. The Indian forces crossed the international border into Pakistan in the Lahore sector, marking the start of one of the largest tank battles since World War II. On this day in 1966, South African Prime Minister Hendrik Verwoerd, often called the 'architect of apartheid,' was stabbed to death

History Today: How Palestinian militants carried out the Munich Olympics massacre

On September 5, 1972, Palestinian militants targeted the Israeli Olympic team at the Munich Olympic Games, killing two athletes and taking nine others hostage. They demanded that Israel release over 230 Arab prisoners in return. A gun battle broke out later at Munich airport, leaving all nine hostages dead along with five militants and a West German policeman

History Today: When Mother Teresa was declared a saint

Mother Teresa was declared a saint in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, on September 4, 2016. Throughout her adult life, she worked tirelessly for the weak, the poor and the ill, particularly in Kolkata. Her work was recognised in 1979 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize

History Today: How Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin

The discovery of penicillin by Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming on September 3, 1928, changed medical history forever. Penicillin was the first antibiotic that helped fight bacterial infections like blood poisoning, streptococcal pneumonia and meningitis, among other infections during World War II. One of the most tragic hostage situations in modern times, the school siege in Russia's Beslan came to an end on this day in 2004

History Today: How Japan’s surrender brought World War II to an end

On September 2, 1945, Japan officially surrendered to the Allies aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, marking the end of World War II. The deadliest war in history was over. Also on this day in 1666, the Great Fire of London began, eventually destroying around 13,000 houses, nearly 90 churches and many public buildings

History Today: When Princess Diana died in a tragic crash and left the world in tears

Princess Diana, popularly known as the People's Princess, was killed in a high-speed car crash in Paris on August 31, 1997. Her death brought Britain to a near standstill, as mourners flooded the streets outside Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace with cards and tributes to the princess. On this day in 1997, North Korea announced the launch of its first satellite, Kwangmyongsong-1

History Today: When the Washington-Moscow Hotline signalled a new chapter in Cold War diplomacy

On August 30, 1963, the United States and the Soviet Union established the Washington-Moscow Hotline, a secure channel to prevent nuclear war through miscommunication. The day also saw Lenin survive an assassination attempt and astronaut Guion S Bluford Jr become the first African American in space