December 5th, 2008

Today in History

1484:
Pope Innocent VIII writes a Papal Bull that sets the inquisition into full swing and leads to the deaths hundreds of thousands of people accused of being witches

1958:
Subscriber Trunk Dialling (STD) is inaugurated in the UK by the Queen when she dials a call from Bristol to Edinburgh and speaks to the Lord Provost. http://www.bt.com/archives/history/19461959.htm#1958

1978:
The Soviet Union signs a 'friendship treaty' with the communist government of Afghanistan.

1934:
Italian troops attack Wal Wal in Ethiopia (it took four days to capture the city).

1952:
The Abbott and Costello Show starring comedians Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, debuts.