This Day in History: September 5

1666 End of the Great Fire of London

The great fire which destroyed 13,200 houses and claimed the lives of 8 individuals, finally came to an end in London.

1774 Adoption of trade embargo by American colonies

Twelve of the thirteen American colonies adopt a trade embargo against Great Britain at the first Continental Congress at Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This marked a significant turn in events leading to the American Revolutionary War.

1839 Beginning of the First Opium War in China

Marking a significant event in Sino-British relations, the First Opium War began in China in this year. This war would forever alter trade relations and power dynamics between China and the West.

2017 Hurricane Irma becomes the most powerful hurricane

In this year, Hurricane Irma emerged as the most potent hurricane ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin region, with winds measuring a whopping 185mph (280km/h).

1977 Launch of Voyager 1 probe

In 1977, NASA successfully launched the Voyager 1 probe from Florida. Currently, this probe holds the record for the farthest man-made object in space.

1972 Massacre at the Munich Olympics

The Munich Olympics met with a horrific turn of events when Palestinian militants from the Black September terrorist group stormed the apartment in which Israeli athletes were staying in the Olympic Village. The violence resulted in the death of 11 Israeli members and 5 militants.

1957 Release of “On the Road”

"On the Road", an iconic book penned by American author Jack Kerouac, made its debut in 1957. It offered a vivid and engrossing examination of post-war American culture and has since been regarded as a seminal piece of the Beat Generation literature.

1944 Formation of Benelux

The political and economic union named Benelux, consisting of Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, was formed in 1944. The name Benelux is derived from the initial few letters of the names of these countries.

1836 Sam Houston becomes President of Texas

Sam Houston, a key player in the revolt against the Mexican government, became the President of the Republic of Texas in 1836. His victories in the Battle of San Jacinto were instrumental in the creation of a sovereign nation. Houston later served as the governor of two states, proving his political prowess and influence.