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1386

The Universität Heidelberg holds its first lecture, making it the oldest German university.

The Universität Heidelberg holds its first lecture, making it the oldest German university.

1961

The Soviet Navy performs the first armed test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, launching an R-13 from a…

The Soviet Navy performs the first armed test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile, launching an R-13 from a Golf-class submarine.

1726

J. S. Bach leads the first performance of Es erhub sich ein Streit, BWV 130, for the feast of Michael, the archangel.

J. S. Bach leads the first performance of Es erhub sich ein Streit, BWV 130, for the feast of Michael, the archangel.

1921

The World Series is broadcast on radio for the first time.

The World Series is broadcast on radio for the first time.

996

Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah becomes caliph. He is the first Fatimid ruler to have been born in Egypt and arguably the most…

Al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah becomes caliph. He is the first Fatimid ruler to have been born in Egypt and arguably the most controversial member of the dynasty.

1367

Pope Urban V enters Rome, the first pope to do so in more than fifty years since the begin of the Avignon Papacy.

Pope Urban V enters Rome, the first pope to do so in more than fifty years since the begin of the Avignon Papacy.

1973

Fred Dryer of the Los Angeles Rams becomes the first player in NFL history to score two safeties in the same game.

Fred Dryer of the Los Angeles Rams becomes the first player in NFL history to score two safeties in the same game.

1945

In the 1945 French legislative election French women vote for the first time.

In the 1945 French legislative election French women vote for the first time.

1940

The first edition of the Ernest Hemingway novel For Whom the Bell Tolls is published.

The first edition of the Ernest Hemingway novel For Whom the Bell Tolls is published.

1921

President Warren G. Harding delivers the first speech by a sitting U.S. president against lynching in the Deep South.

President Warren G. Harding delivers the first speech by a sitting U.S. president against lynching in the Deep South.

1910

HMS Niobe arrives in Halifax Harbour to become the first ship of the Royal Canadian Navy.

HMS Niobe arrives in Halifax Harbour to become the first ship of the Royal Canadian Navy.

1774

The flag of Taunton, Massachusetts is the first to include the word "Liberty".

The flag of Taunton, Massachusetts is the first to include the word "Liberty".

1097

First Crusade: Crusaders led by Godfrey of Bouillon, Bohemund of Taranto, and Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, begin the…

First Crusade: Crusaders led by Godfrey of Bouillon, Bohemund of Taranto, and Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, begin the Siege of Antioch.

2013

The Australian Capital Territory becomes the first Australian jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage with the…

The Australian Capital Territory becomes the first Australian jurisdiction to legalize same-sex marriage with the Marriage Equality (Same Sex) Act 2013.

2008

India launches its first uncrewed lunar probe mission Chandrayaan-1.

India launches its first uncrewed lunar probe mission Chandrayaan-1.

1910

Hawley Harvey Crippen (the first felon to be arrested with the help of radio) is convicted of poisoning his wife.

Hawley Harvey Crippen (the first felon to be arrested with the help of radio) is convicted of poisoning his wife.

1879

Using a filament of carbonized thread, Thomas Edison tests the first practical electric incandescent light bulb; the…

Using a filament of carbonized thread, Thomas Edison tests the first practical electric incandescent light bulb; the bulb lasted 131⁄2 hours before burning out.

1836

Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.

Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.

1797

André-Jacques Garnerin makes the first recorded parachute jump, from 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above Paris.

André-Jacques Garnerin makes the first recorded parachute jump, from 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above Paris.

1724

J. S. Bach leads the first performance of Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (Adorn yourself, O dear soul) in Leipzig on the…

J. S. Bach leads the first performance of Schmücke dich, o liebe Seele (Adorn yourself, O dear soul) in Leipzig on the 20th Sunday after Trinity, based on the communion hymn of the same name.