March 9

in History

Emperor Wu Takes the Throne — China's greatest Han ruler begins his reign

Chang'an, ChinaAncient

141

Emperor Wu Takes the Throne

China's greatest Han ruler begins his reign

Liu Che ascended the throne of the Han dynasty at the age of fifteen, becoming Emperor Wu, one of the most transformative rulers in Chinese history. Over a reign spanning fifty-four years, he expanded the empire to its greatest extent, established the Silk Road trade routes, and made Confucianism the state philosophy. His rule marked the zenith of the Han dynasty and helped shape Chinese civilization for two millennia to come.

141 BC

Will Geer Was Born — From the blacklist to Walton's Mountain

Frankfort, Indiana, United StatesEarly 20th Century

1902

Will Geer Was Born

From the blacklist to Walton's Mountain

William Aughe Geer was born in Indiana, a future actor best known to millions as Grandpa Zebulon Walton on The Waltons. But Geer's career was far more complex than that beloved role suggested. A committed activist, he was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his political beliefs. His later success on television represented both a personal triumph and a reminder of the human cost of ideological persecution in America.

1902 AD

World War II — World War II: As part of the Battle of Narva, the Soviet Air Forces heavily bombed Tallinn, Estonia, killing up to 800 people, mostly civilians.

1939–1945 global conflictEarly 20th Century

1944

World War II

World War II: As part of the Battle of Narva, the Soviet Air Forces heavily bombed Tallinn, Estonia, killing up to 800 people, mostly civilians.

World War II or the Second World War was a global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated. Tanks and aircraft played major roles, the latter enabling the strategic bombing of cities and delivery of the only nuclear weapons used in war. World War II was the deadliest conflict in history, causing the death of 60 to 75 million people.

1944 AD