Today in 1988, the American missile cruiser USS Vincennes shoots down an Iranian jetliner in the Persian Gulf killing 290 civilians. The vessel's crew reportedly mistake the Airbus for a hostile warplane and open fire after repeated attempts to make radio contact.

Today in 1863, Confederate general George Pickett's division mounts a disastrous frontal assault on the Union centre at Gettysburg. Although he commands just 3 of the 11 brigades that attack, it goes down in history as "Pickett's Charge" . For more, see

On this day in 1863, Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army is decisively beaten after three days of bloody fighting at Gettysburg. Both the defeat there and the fall of Vicksburg on July 4 come as major blows to the Southern rebellion.

On this day in 1921, the United States officially concludes its war with Germany. The Knox–Porter Resolution, which formally declares an end to hostilities, becomes necessary after Congress votes against the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

On this day in 1898, a fleet of American warships decisively defeats a Spanish naval squadron at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba.

On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress passes a resolution proclaiming the sovereignty of the American colonies in rebellion against Great Britain. Despite being ratified on July 2, this "Declaration of Independence" will not be published for another two days.

Today in 1863, a 34-year-old college professor from Maine named Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain helps fend off repeated Confederate attacks against the left flank of the Union line at Gettysburg. The fight for Little Round Top will become one of the battle's most celebrated moments.

Today in 1644, a joint force of Parliamentarians and Scottish Covenanters defeat the Royalists at the Battle of Marston Moor. It's Parliament's first major victory and shows that Oliver Cromwell’s cavalry is indeed a force to be reckoned with.

On this day in 1853, 80,000 Russian troops cross into the Ottoman-controlled territories of Moldavia, Wallachia and the Danubian Principalities. The invasion triggers what will become the Crimean War.

Happy Birthday, Canada!

Today in 1898, Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders charge up San Juan Hill near Santiago, Cuba. Although U.S. forces outnumber the Spanish more than 15 to 1, they suffer heavy casualties from the entrenched defenders on both San Juan and Kettle hills. See:

Today in 1863, Union and Confederate forces meet at a small town in southern Pennsylvania called Gettysburg. The ensuing three-day battle sees George Meade's Army of the Potomac defeat Robert E Lee's Army of Northern Virginia thereby ending the Rebel invasion of the North.

On this day in 1915, a 20-year-old German aviator named Kurt Wintgens becomes the first pilot in history to shoot down an enemy aircraft with a synchronized machine-gun. "I attacked at such a close distance that we looked each other in the face," he later writes.

RIGHT NOW in 1916, British and French troops go 'over the top' at the Somme. An estimated 57,000 are wounded or killed within the first 24 hrs of the 140-day offensive. (This iconic footage of the moment was actually staged for a documentary about the battle that screened

On this day in 1916, British Empire and French forces launch a major offensive against the German lines along the River Somme. The four-and-a-half months of heavy fighting that follow generate a million casualties — an average of 7,000 per day for 140 days straight.

On this day in 1934, Adolf Hitler orders the SS to purge the Nazi party of the SA or "brownshirts." As many as 200 die in what will be called the Night of the Long Knives.

On this day in 1944, the German-garrison in the port city of Cherbourg, France surrenders. Although Nazi saboteurs destroy many of the facilities before giving up, the Allies now have a deep-water harbour for moving men and materiel into Western Europe.

On this day in 1863, George Meade takes command of the Army of the Potomac. Five days later, he'll defeat Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg.

Today in 1778, George Washington's Continental Army fights the British to a draw at Monmouth, New Jersey. Taking place during a sweltering heatwave, it's the high temperatures, not musket balls, that cause the most casualties. Here's the story:

RIGHT NOW in 1914, the Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary and his wife Sophie are fatally shot in Sarajevo by a 19-year-old Serbian nationalist named Gavrilo Princip. The incident touches off a diplomatic crisis that plunges Europe into war.