On this day in 1951, Tibet signed the Seventeen Point Agreement, which affirmed China's sovereignty over Tibet. There is controversy over the validity of the document and China's adherence to it.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1915, an explosive eruption of Lassen Peak in northern California devastated the areas around the volcano.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1917, a fire tore through the city of Atlanta, displacing around 10,000 people and destroying nearly 2,000 buildings.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1902, Cuba gained independence from the U.S. after years of U.S. military occupation following the Spanish-American War.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1780, the sky in New England and parts of Canada turned unusually dark in an event remembered as the "Dark Day."

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1953, aviator Jackie Cochran became the first woman to fly faster than the speed of sound.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1954, groundwork began on the CERN site at Meyrin in Geneva, Switzerland.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1966, the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China issued the May 16 Notification, marking the start of the Cultural Revolution.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1903, mathematician and archaeologist Maria Reiche was born. Throughout her life, Reiche was dedicated to studying the Nazca Lines.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this day in 1878, a suit was brought against Daniel Spofford in Salem, Massachusetts, for allegedly practicing mesmerism on Lucretia Brown.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.