| (1794) Brilliant chemist falls victim to ‘The Terror’
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Considered by some to be one of the finest minds in his country and by others (including the influential Robespierre) a traitor, chemist Antoine Lavoisier is guillotined at the height of the French Revolution’s ‘Reign of Terror’ for being an ex-tax gatherer and member of the despised nobility. . |
| (1886) First bottles of Coca-Cola sold
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| Jacob’s Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, begins offering a bubbly beverage called Coca-Cola, a patent medicine said to ease ailments such as dyspepsia, headache, impotence, and morphine addiction. The drink will become rather popular as time goes by. . |
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| (1902) Saint-Pierre buried after Mount Pelée erupts on Martinique
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Called “the Paris of the Caribbean,” Saint-Pierre is wiped off the map as Martinique’s Mount Pelée volcano erupts with a fury, sending black clouds of superheated gases and dust 420 mph over the seaside town. More than 30,000 will perish in what will be the worst volcanic disaster of the 20th century.. |
| (1945) German surrender ends WWII in Europe
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| With the unconditional surrender of the German military now official, the Allies and their supporters celebrate with massive VE Day demonstrations around the globe. The deadliest conflict in world history is over in Europe, but WWII still rages on in the Pacific.. |
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