5 Great Historical Events That Took Place Today

1. 
   
    On this day in 1666 the Great Fire of London began accidentally in the house of the king's baker; it burned for four days and destroyed a large part of the city, including Old St. Paul's Cathedral and about 13,000 houses.
2. American politician in 1901, Theodore Roosevelt, who was then the Republican vice presidential candidate, gave the first public speech in which he said, “Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.” The Big Stick policy later became a central feature of his presidency.
3. In 1945, Japan formally surrenders to the Allies, bringing an end to World War II. This is the day VJ day is celebrated or Victory in Japan day.
4. Following the Kanto Earthquake , fires continue to burn in the City of Tokyo, these fires caused a greater number of deaths than the Earthquake and became known as the Great Tokyo Fire in 1925.
5. In 1935, A Category 5 hurricane strikes Florida Keys on with winds in excess of 185 mph causing extreme damage in the upper region of Florida Keys including the deaths of over 400 including hundreds of World War I vets who were watching a Labor Day baseball game. It is still considered one of the strongest hurricanes to have struck the United States, and is one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded worldwide.