ON THIS DAY

1794:

Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier, the French chemist who identified oxygen, is guillotined in Paris by the Revolutionary Convention.

Death of Truganini, formerly believed to be the last Tasmanian Aborigine, but now a symbol of the struggle and survival of the island state’s indigenous population.

Atlanta pharmacist John Styth Pemberton invents the flavour syrup for Coca-Cola and it is served at Jacobs Pharmacy.

Federal Labor Party is founded in Australia with JC Watson as leader.

Battle of the Coral Sea ends when a US fleet turns back a Japanese invasion force heading for Port Moresby.

Up to 200,000 Australians participate in demonstrations against the Vietnam War.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announces a double-dissolution federal election.

1876: 1886: 1901: 1942: 1970: 2016: