This Day in History: September 2

31 BC The iconic Battle of Actium concludes the Roman Republic

The Battle of Actium was a decisive naval confrontation that ended the Roman Republic. Octavian's forces defeated the combined power of Mark Antony and Cleopatra off the western coast of Greece, effectively sealing the fate of the Roman Republic.

1192 Sultan Saladin and King Richard the Lionheart sign an influential treaty

The historical treaty over Jerusalem was signed at the end of the Third Crusade by Sultan Saladin and King Richard the Lionheart of England. These negotiations paved the way for the resolution of various military conflicts and shaped the subsequent territorial dynamics in the region.

1666 The Great Fire of London causes widespread devastation

The Great Fire of London began at 2am in Pudding Lane resulting in the destruction of approximately 80% of London. This major fire outbreak lasted for four days and completely altered the architectural landscape of the city.

1792 September Massacres mark a dark chapter in the French Revolution

In Paris, rampaging mobs brutally murdered 3 Roman Catholic bishops, over two hundred priests, and prisoners believed to be royalist sympathizers. This tragic incident, known as the September Massacres, marked a violent period during the French Revolution.

1864 Union General William T. Sherman executes Savannah Campaign

During the US Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman successfully captured and set Atlanta on fire as part of the Savannah Campaign. This military strategy played a major role in undermining the Confederate's ability to continue fighting the war.

1945 Formal Surrender of Japan marks the end of World War II

V-J Day, marked by the formal surrender of Japan aboard the USS Missouri, signified the end of World War II. Although observed on different dates in Japan and the US, this historic event marked the tight-knit bond between the two nations.

1960 First election of the Tibetan Parliament in Exile is held

The initial election for the parliamentary body of the Central Tibetan Administration, also known as the Tibetan Government in Exile, was held in India and is celebrated as Democracy Day among Tibetan exiles. This was a major stepping stone in their journey towards self-governance.

1946 The interim government of India is formed

The interim government and the Constituent Assembly of India oversaw India's transition from British rule to independence. The government, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, played a fundamental role in shaping the political, social and economic landscape of the country.

1789 Establishment of the U.S. Department of the Treasury

The U.S. Department of the Treasury was established to manage the government's revenue and spending effectively. Alexander Hamilton, the prominent Founding Father, was appointed as the first Secretary of the Treasury.

1752 U.K. transitions to the Gregorian Calendar

The U.K. adopted the Gregorian Calendar, replacing the Julian Calendar. This transition resulted in a loss of 11 days, as September 2 was abruptly followed by September 14. The Gregorian Calendar, also known as the Western Calendar, is one of the most widely used calendars today.

1666 A fire leads to the destruction of the city of London

Also known as the Great Fire of London, the traumatic event originated from a bakery and raged for four days. The fire rendered most of the city's dwellers homeless by destroying their houses and drastically transformed London's cityscape.