On this day:
499 years ago, in 1512, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel painting is exhibited to the public for the first time.
246 years ago, in 1765, the British Parliament passes the Stamp Act to generate revenue for military operations in America.
221 years ago, in 1790, Edmund Burke publishes "Reflections on the Revolution in France," in which he predicts it will end in disaster.
206 years ago, in 1805, Napoleon invades Austria during the Third War of the Coalition. He would triumph in weeks.
150 years ago, in 1861, George B. McClellan replaces Winfield Scott as commander of the Union Army.
117 years ago, in 1894, Nicholas II becomes the Czar of Imperial Russia.
61 years ago, in 1950, Puerto Rican nationalists fail in their attempt to assassinate Harry Truman.
59 years ago, in 1952, Operation Ivy: America detonates its first hydrogen bomb, with an explosive power of 10 megatons.
