1671: Thomas Blood, an Irish adventurer, attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. Disguised as a clergyman, he managed to access the jewels but was caught before escaping. Remarkably, King Charles II pardoned him, and Blood became a minor celebrity.
1945: World War II saw major developments on this day. In Europe, it marked the official surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allies, celebrated as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) in many countries, though some, like Russia, commemorate it on May 8 due to time zone differences. Additionally, Hermann Göring, a prominent Nazi leader, was captured by U.S. forces, and Norway arrested Vidkun Quisling, the infamous collaborator whose name became synonymous with treason.
1950: L. Ron Hubbard published Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, laying the foundation for Scientology. This book introduced controversial concepts about the mind and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing self-help and religious movements.
1955: West Germany joined NATO, a pivotal moment in the Cold War, aligning the country with Western powers against the Soviet bloc. This move solidified the division of Europe into opposing military alliances.
1960: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first oral contraceptive pill, Enovid, revolutionizing reproductive rights and women’s autonomy. This development had profound social and cultural impacts, contributing to the sexual revolution.
1974: The U.S. House Judiciary Committee began formal impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon over the Watergate scandal. These proceedings ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation later that year.
2012: Barack Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to publicly support same-sex marriage, a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ rights. His statement reflected shifting societal attitudes and influenced subsequent legal and political developments.

17GEN4.com

On this day in 2025 - 5/9/2025

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