1944 : Operation Overlord, Normandy landings. 5,000 Allied ships land nearly 130,000 men on 35 kilometers of Cotentin beaches held by German troops. The disembarkation, which was preceded by intense air preparation and airborne operations, quickly proved to be a success, despite very hard battles like at Omaha Beach. The Wehrmacht, unable to contain the power of the Allied device led by US General Eisenhower, will subsequently begin its long and costly retreat to Germany.
1523 : Gustave Vasa at the head of the rebellion against the Danes is crowned King of Sweden.
- 48: Julius Caesar wins against his rival Pompey at the battle of Pharsalia.
