Today:
1570 – Pope Pius V issues the papal bull Regnans in Excelsis, formally excommunicating Queen Elizabeth I.
1821 – Alexandros Ypsilantis initiates revolutionary activities in the Danubian Principalities, an early spark in the Greek War of Independence.
1836 – The siege of the Alamo intensifies as Texan defenders hold out against Mexican forces during the Texas Revolution.
1873 – Enrico Caruso, the celebrated Italian operatic tenor, is born.
1913 – The 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, authorizing the federal income tax.
1943 – George Harrison, who would later gain fame as a member of the Beatles, is born.
1948 – The Czechoslovak coup d’état occurs, marking the start of four decades of communist rule in Czechoslovakia.
1951 – Cheryl Ladd, American actress and singer, is born.
1964 – Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammad Ali) defeats Sonny Liston to win the world heavyweight boxing title.
1971 – Sean Astin, noted American actor known for his role in The Lord of the Rings, is born.