Today:
1187 – Saladin begins the Siege of Jerusalem, leading to its eventual capture from the Crusaders.
1378 – The Western Schism in the Catholic Church begins with the election of Clement VII as the rival pope in Avignon.
1519 – Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan sets sail from Spain on his expedition to circumnavigate the Earth.
1737 – The Treaty of Belgrade is signed, ending hostilities between the Ottoman Empire and Austria.
1792 – The French National Convention abolishes the monarchy during the French Revolution.
1835 – The Ragamuffin War begins in Brazil, a rebellion against the Imperial government.
1854 – The Battle of Alma takes place during the Crimean War, with the British-French victory over Russia.
1870 – Italian troops enter Rome, leading to the unification of Italy and the end of Papal States’ power.
1946 – The first Cannes Film Festival is held in Cannes, France.
1977 – The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund is established, leading to the creation of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.