Today is Wednesday, May 6, the 126th day of 2015. There are 239 days left in the year.
1527 ― Spanish and German Imperial troops sack Rome; ending the Renaissance
1733 ― First international boxing match: Bob Whittaker beats Tito di Carni
1840 ― First postage stamps (Penny Black) issued (Great Britain)
1851 ― Dr. John Gorrie patents a “refrigeration machine”
1940 ― Pulitzer prize awarded to John Steinbeck (“Grapes of Wrath”)
1941 ― Joseph Stalin became premier of Russia
1950 ― Liz Taylor's first marriage (Conrad Hilton Jr.)
1968 ― Battle between students and troops in Paris France, 1000 injured
1974 ― West German chancellor Willy Brandt resigns
1994 ― Chunnel linking England and France officially opens
1994 ― Nelson Mandela and his ANC, finally confirmed winners in South Africa
1997 ― Michael Jackson and Bee Gees inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame