On this day in history

Allied forces land at Anzio, Italy, in World War II, opening a new front intended to break the stalemate south of Rome.

Source: HistoryNet

The Supreme Court decides Roe v. Wade, recognizing a constitutional right to abortion in the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, dies at his Texas ranch, the same day Roe v. Wade is decided.

Source: HistorIQly

Pennsylvania politician R. Budd Dwyer shoots himself at a live televised press conference after a bribery conviction.

Source: On This Day

The National Association of Base Ball Players is founded in New York City, the first governing body for baseball.

Source: On This Day

Katie Mulcahey is arrested and fined five dollars for lighting a cigarette in public, openly defying New York's one day old Sullivan Ordinance.

Source: On This Day

The Boeing 747 makes its first commercial flight, carrying Pan Am passengers from New York to London.

Source: JagranJosh

A small British garrison holds off Zulu warriors at Rorke's Drift in South Africa, the day after the British defeat at Isandlwana.

Source: HistorIQly

Queen Victoria dies at Osborne House after a reign of 63 years, ending the Victorian era.

Source: HistorIQly

Bloody Sunday occurs in St. Petersburg, as imperial troops fire on workers marching to the tsar's palace; it is dated January 22 in the New Style calendar, January 9 in the Old Style then used in Russia.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica

The first contingent of Swiss Guards arrives at the Vatican to serve as the pope's guard, beginning a tradition that continues today.

Source: HistorIQly

Allied forces capture Tobruk in Libya from the Italians, a major victory in the North African campaign of World War II.

Source: HolidaysCalendar