Learn about important dates in French and francophone history: famous birthdays, holidays and celebrations, and other milestones. If the above does not match today's date or you wish to choose a specific date, please click here
To learn more about important dates in French and francophone history, bookmark Today in Francophone History and visit every day!
Birthdays
1886 - Robert Schuman (French politician)
1900 - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (French writer and pilot)
1930 - Viola Léger (Acadian-Canadian actress)
Deaths
1744 - André Campra (French composer)
1969 - Moise Tshombe (Congolese politician)
1982 - Pierre Balmain (French fashion designer)
1992 - Mohammed Boudiaf (President of Algeria)
Holidays/Celebrations
Seychelles - Independence Day
Milestones/Events
1864 - Ninety-nine people were killed in Canada's worst railway disaster near St-Hilaire, Quebec
1880 - France annexed Tahiti
1922 - France granted 1 square kilometer of Vimy Ridge to Canada in perpetuity
1926 - Arthur Meighen returned to office as Prime Minister of Canada
1937 - Joseph-Armand Bombardier of Canada received patent for sprocket and track traction system used in snow vehicles
1976 - The Seychelles became independent from the United Kingdom
Errors and Omissions
If you believe anything on this page is wrong or missing, please let me know
History and Culture
French and Francophonie
Holidays and Celebrations
Explore French Language
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
A Smarter Future
Tips that will help finance your education, excel in the classroom, and advance your career. More >
How to Ace the GRE
Being well prepared is the first step; here are more essential suggestions. More >
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.