November 23rd, 2008

Today in History

1955:
The Cocos Islands are transferred from United Kingdom to Australian control.

1990:
Punk rock band Bad Religion releases their seventh album, Against the Grain in the United States

1981:
Iran-Contra scandal: Ronald Reagan signs the top secret National Security Decision Directive 17 (NSDD-17), giving the Central Intelligence Agency the authority to recruit and support Contra rebels in Nicaragua.

1644:
Areopagitica by John Milton is published.

1499:
Pretender to the throne Perkin Warbeck is hanged for reportedly attempting to escape from the Tower of London. He had invaded England in 1497, claiming to be the lost son of King Edward IV of England.