TODAY IN HISTORY

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT Dec. 5, 1952

The Great Smog of London descended on the British capital; the unusually thick fog, which contained toxic pollutants, lasted five days and was blamed for causing thousands of deaths. ALSO ON THIS DATE

1782

The eighth president of the United States, Martin Van Buren, was born in Kinderhook, New York; he was the first chief executive to be born after American independence.

1791

Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart died in Vienna, Austria, at age 35.

1792

George Washington was re-elected president; John Adams was re-elected vice president.

1831

Former President John Quincy Adams took his seat as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

1916

British Prime Minister Herbert H. Asquith resigned.

1933

National Prohibition came to an end as Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, repealing the 18th Amendment.

1945

Five U.S. Navy torpedo bombers mysteriously disappeared after taking off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on a training mission with the loss of all 14 crew members; “The Lost Squadron” contributed to the legend of the Bermuda Triangle.