History of the Day: 8/3

On this day in 8 AD, the Romans defeated the Dalmatians on the river Bath. Really, I don't care, but it's kind of fun to say.

In 881, the Franks led by Louis III defeated the Vikings at Saucourt-en Vimeu in the first and last French victory in history. The French celebrated this victory in the epic poem Ludwigslied. On this Day in 1914, they celebrated it again by surrendering when Germany declared war against France. They celebrated it yet again in 1934 with a preemptive surrender when Hitler became supreme leader of Germany by joining the offices of President and Chancellor into Führer. In other French history, Niger gained its independence from France in 1960, clearing the way for the most uncomfortable question middle schoolers get to ask their teachers in 7th grade geography.

In 1492, Columbus set sail on the ocean blue. The Spanish monarchs celebrated by expelling all the Jews from Spain. Here are some other ways to remember Columbus' voyage:

• This quote helps: "In fourteen-hundred-and-ninety-two, Columbus sailed the ocean blue."
• If you can't remember that, just remember the year 1493. Should be a year before that.
• 1+4+9+2=16. And 1+6 = 7. 7 is much easier to remember than 1492. Work backwards from there.
• 1492 is 2 times 746. Or 4 times 374. I mean, 373. See how easy it is?
• Remember back in 1992, when we had the Gulf War? Now just subtract 500 years. Wait--the war was in 1991? Make that 499 years. Or 501. Hmm.
• If you know when the moon landing was, that would be an easy reference. You can do the math yourself.

Yale and Harvard commemorated Columbus' voyage by holding the first intercollegiate boat race on this day in 1852. This is quite difficult, as navigation while looking down your nose at everyone else can impair the task.

Warren G. Harding, in his greatest act as president, died August 2nd, 1923 making way for Calvin Coolidge to be inaugurated on this day that same year.