OTD:

In 1501, Michelangelo’s statue of David was unveiled in Florence, symbolizing Renaissance ideals of human beauty and strength, and showcasing Michelangelo’s extraordinary skill in marble sculpture.

In 1759, British forces under General James Wolfe defeated French forces at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, securing British control of Quebec and ending French colonial power in North America.

In 1847, U.S. forces led by General Winfield Scott captured Mexico City during the Mexican-American War, leading to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and Mexico's cession of vast territories to the United States.

In 1848, Switzerland adopted its first federal constitution, transforming from a loose confederation into a unified federal state, influenced by the U.S. and French models.

In 1940, the German Luftwaffe launched its largest attack against London during the Battle of Britain, known as "Black Thursday," but the Royal Air Force successfully defended the city.

In 1968, Albania under Enver Hoxha declared itself the world’s first officially atheist state, banning religious practices and closing places of worship.

In 1971, the Attica Prison riot in New York ended violently when state troopers stormed the prison, resulting in the deaths of 43 people and highlighting systemic issues within U.S. prisons.

In 1985, Mexican authorities arrested drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, responsible for the murder of U.S. DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, which strained U.S.-Mexico relations.

In 1993, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat signed the Oslo Accords, taking the first steps toward peace between Israel and the PLO.

In 2007, Russian President Vladimir Putin dissolved the government, paving the way for Dmitry Medvedev to become his successor and consolidating Putin’s power ahead of elections.