This day in history. Read about what happened today. A short and interesting account of historical events and facts about this day as well as any other day of the year. Find historical birthdays, deaths, tragedies, war events, disasters and sports events.

This year in history
In the year 1844

	February 27th	The Dominican Republic gained its independence from Haiti.
	June 6th	The Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) was founded in London by George Williams. His idea was to create a place that wouldn't tempt young men into sin.
	June 15th	The patent for vulcanization was awarded to American scientist, Charles Goodyear. Vulcanization is the process by which rubber is strengthened.
	October 11th	American businessman, Henry Heinz, was born in Pennsylvania, USA. In 1876 he founded the F & J Heinz company, with his brother and a cousin. One of this company's first products was tomato ketchup, a product that to this day is synonymous to the name Heinz.
	October 15th	German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, was born in Leipzig, Prussia. He is considered as one of the most influential modern day philosophers. (Modern day Germany).
	November 3rd	Giuseppe Verdi's 'I due Foscari' was performed for the first time at Teatro Argentina, Rome.
	November 25th	German engineer, Karl Benz, was born in Karlsruhe. He was a pioneer of the automobile industry and the founder of the Benz Company, which was one of the predecessors of the Mercedes-Benz company (now DaimlerChrysler).

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