This Day in History: June 17

1631: Mumtaz Mahal dies during childbirth. Her husband, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, then spends more than 20 years building her tomb, the Taj Mahal.

In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal, the chief wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, died during childbirth. Overwhelmed with grief, Shah Jahan decided to build a mausoleum for his beloved wife. Construction on the Taj Mahal began in 1632 and took over 20 years to complete. The Taj Mahal is now considered one of the world's most beautiful and iconic buildings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1789: French Revolution: During the meeting of the Estates-General, the Third Estate proclaims itself the 'National Assembly'.

The French Revolution began in 1789 with the Estates-General, a meeting of representatives from the three estates of French society: the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. When the Third Estate (the commoners) was locked out of the meeting, they declared themselves the National Assembly, marking the beginning of the French Revolution.

1837: Charles Goodyear obtains his 1st rubber patent.

In 1837, American inventor Charles Goodyear obtained his first patent for vulcanized rubber, a process that made rubber much stronger and more durable. This invention had a significant impact on industry, leading to the creation of a wide variety of rubber products that are still in use today.

1856: Republican Party opens its 1st national convention in Philadelphia.

In 1856, the Republican Party held its first national convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The party was formed in opposition to the expansion of slavery and quickly grew in popularity in the North. At the convention, John C. Fremont was nominated as the party's first presidential candidate, though he ultimately lost to Democrat James Buchanan in the general election.

1885: The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York.

In 1885, the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York Harbor as a gift from the people of France to the United States. The statue, which stands over 305 feet tall, has become an iconic symbol of freedom and democracy, welcoming millions of immigrants to the United States over the years.

1928: Amelia Earhart becomes the first woman to fly across the Atlantic.

In 1928, American aviator Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean. She served as a navigator on the flight, while pilot Wilmer Stultz flew the plane. They traveled from Newfoundland, Canada to Burry Port, Wales, United Kingdom in just over 20 hours.

1940: The three Baltic states fall under Soviet occupation.

In 1940, while the world's attention was focused on the recent German invasion of Paris, the Soviet Union annexed Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, bringing them under Soviet occupation. The annexation was a significant event in the lead-up to World War II.

1944: Iceland becomes a republic.

In 1944, Iceland became a republic, breaking away from the Danish monarchy. Sveinn Björnsson was elected as the country's first president, and the country has been an independent republic ever since.