The Treaty of Paris was signed on September 3, 1783, officially ending the American Revolutionary War. It was negotiated primarily by Americans: John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and John Jay, with representatives of King George III also being present. The treaty recognized the United States as a sovereign nation independent from Great Britain. The agreement also set new boundaries for the United States, extending its territory west to the Mississippi River and granting fishing rights off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. However, signing the document was only the first step; for the treaty to become legally binding, it had to be ratified by both the American Continental Congress and the British government.

In the United States, ratification was complicated due to the Continental Congress's challenge of gathering the minimum number of delegates. Travel over long distances was difficult, especially during the harsh winter months, and many delegates were delayed in reaching Annapolis, Maryland— where this even took place. Despite these obstacles, the necessary number of representatives finally arrived, and on January 14, 1784, the Continental Congress formally ratified the Treaty of Paris. This marked a pivotal milestone, as it affirmed the new nation’s legal standing and ended the war in the eyes of international law.

On the British side, the process moved more smoothly. King George III gave his seal of approval, and the British Parliament accepted the terms without significant resistance, acknowledging that the conflict had become too costly and un-winnable. Official copies of the ratified treaty were exchanged between American and British officials in Paris in May of 1784, marking the official conclusion to the Revolutionary War. The ratification of the Treaty of Paris paved the way for diplomatic recognition of the United States around the world and established a crucial precedent for the importance of formal, recognized treaties in international relations.

Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood icon, and Joe DiMaggio, the legendary New York Yankees center fielder, married in a quiet civil ceremony on January 14, 1954. The wedding took place at San Francisco City Hall, drawing curious onlookers in hopes to catch a glimpse of America’s favorite sweethearts. Though Marilyn had achieved international fame through blockbuster films like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How to Marry a Millionaire, and Joe was one of baseball’s most respected athletes, the couple attempted to keep their relationship as private as possible. The small gathering included only a few close friends and family members.

Their relationship had blossomed in the early 1950s, as DiMaggio’s Yankees career wound down and Monroe’s star power soared to new heights. Marilyn’s free-spirited and whimsical personality contrasted with Joe’s reserved demeanor, yet they found a balance that seemed to work, despite occasionally clashing schedules and the ever-present demands of publicity. Their engagement was a sensation, with paparazzi and reporters following every development in the lead-up to the ceremony. Following the wedding, the couple embarked on a brief honeymoon in Japan, where DiMaggio also participated in a baseball-related goodwill tour. Newspapers captured photos of the newlyweds smiling with cheering fans, creating an enduring image of mid-century American glamour.

However, the intense pressures of public scrutiny and the challenges of balancing two very different careers took their toll. Within months, Marilyn filed for divorce, finalizing their marriage in October 1954. Still, their short-lived marriage remains a timeless chapter in Hollywood lore—a dark reminder of how difficult it can be to find personal happiness in the midst of fame.

Prostitue Pirate 🏴‍☠️
Chinese pirate Zheng Yi Sao, was once a prostitute, before she became the most powerful pirate in history. Leading over 70,000 men, she even defeated imperial navies, proving that piracy wasn’t just for men.

British Tank Tea 🫖
Since 1945, British tanks have been equipped with a special boiling vessel that allows soldiers to brew tea right inside their vehicles. Even in the heat of battle, a proper cup of tea was a must!

Caligula’s Horse Senator 🐴
Roman Emperor Caligula once tried to make his favorite horse, Incitatus, a senator. The horse reportedly had a marble stall, an ivory manger, and even ate oats mixed with gold flakes.

Groom’s of The King’s Stool 💩
King Henry VIII of England hired four men who regularly checked his feces, monitored his bowel movements and wiped his bottom. They were called ‘Grooms of the King’s Stool’ and all of them were eventually knighted. What a crappy job.