Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima
On this day in 1945, the United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan—the blast killed more than 70,000 people and destroyed most of the city—in an effort to hasten the end of World War II. 1945.
The UN Security Council imposed economic sanctions on Iraq, ruled by Saddam Hussein, for its invasion of Kuwait four days earlier. 1990.
After 300 years of British rule, Jamaica became an independent country within the Commonwealth of Nations. 1962.
Estonia lost its independence when the Soviet Union annexed the country. 1940.
Bolivia declared its independence from Spain. 1825.
After a thousand years the Holy Roman Empire came to its official end, with the secession of its confederated states, when Emperor Francis II of Austria put down the imperial crown. 1806.
Convicted murderer William Kemmler became the first person to be executed by electric chair; he was put to death in Auburn State Prison, New York. 1890.
