World History
1468 – Death of Johannes Gutenberg
Why it matters: His printing press revolutionized the spread of knowledge worldwide.
1913 – 16th Amendment Ratified (U.S. Income Tax)
Why it matters: Established the federal income tax system.
1959 – “The Day the Music Died” Plane Crash
Why it matters: The deaths of Buddy Holly and others left a lasting mark on global pop culture.
U.S. History
1870 – 15th Amendment Ratified
Why it matters: Prohibited denying the vote based on race, a key milestone in civil rights.
1913 – 16th Amendment Ratified
Why it matters: Created the modern federal tax structure.
1959 – Alaska Admitted as 49th State
Why it matters: Expanded U.S. territory and strategic presence in the Arctic.