Christopher Columbus set sail from Cádiz, Spain, to find a passage to Asia. This was his fourth and final voyage.
1865: American Civil War ends
US President Andrew Johnson declared that armed resistance in the South was virtually at an end. This is commonly accepted as the date the American Civil War ended.
1901: First Australian Parliament
The first Australian Parliament opened in Melbourne. However, the first parliamentary session was not held until May 21.
1936: Italy annexes Ethiopia
After invading Ethiopia, Italy took over Addis Abba, annexing Absynnia (present-day Ethiopia).
1945: Soviets defeat Nazis in WWII
The Soviet Union observed its victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. The day is celebrated as Victory Day.