World History
1556 – Deadliest Earthquake in Recorded History Strikes Shaanxi, China
Why it matters: Killed an estimated 830,000 people and reshaped disaster preparedness awareness.
1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell Becomes First Woman to Earn a Medical Degree
Why it matters: Opened the medical profession to women worldwide.
1960 – First Bathyscaphe Reaches the Mariana Trench
Why it matters: Marked a milestone in deep-sea exploration.
U.S. History
1849 – Elizabeth Blackwell Graduates from Geneva Medical College
Why it matters: Broke gender barriers in American medicine.
1957 – Wham-O Produces the First Frisbee
Why it matters: Created a lasting cultural and recreational icon.
2002 – Wall Street Journal Europe Publishes Its Final Daily Edition
Why it matters: Reflected shifts in global media and print journalism.