In the aftermath, most people saw
It was time for a new basic law
Two big changes in store
Were the clause to end war
And the emperor’s final hurrah

Event: Postwar constitution of Japan goes into effect
Year: 1947
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitution_of_Japan

To debate is the big thing these days
Over who composed this or that phrase
But whatever you hear
You just can’t shake a spear
At the quality of the man’s plays

Event: William Shakespeare is baptized (birthdate unknown)
Year: 1564
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare

We’re at twenty-two as of this date
Of which six or so are truly great
Now we’re tired of Bart
But the brat got his start
In a short with remarkable fate

Event: The first of the Simpsons shorts airs on The Tracey Ullman Show
Year: 1987
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_The_Simpsons

Try to put yourself in Yuri’s place
Just imagine what he had to face
But it must have been fun
Riding in Vostok One
And becoming the first man in space

Event: Yuri Gagarin becomes the first human in space
Year: 1961
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vostok_1

Alex H. said to give it a go
But George Washington had to say no
“The Apportionment Act?
Constituti’nally cracked!
It’s about time I used this veto!”

Event: George Washington vetoes the Apportionment Act, the first use of a presidential veto in the United States
Year: 1792
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apportionment_Act

Tensions ‘tween Yorks and Lancasters taut
On Palm Sunday, a battle was fought
Though Ed’s forces were few
A propitious wind blew
Henry Beaufort’s defense: all for naught

Event: Battle of Towton results in Edward IV replacing Henry VI as King of England
Year: 1461
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Towton
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wars_of_the_Roses

You could not call his style withdrawn
And it does endless parodies spawn
Yes, the man’s greatest work
Was a Captain named Kirk
And his most famous line one word: “KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!”

Event: Birth of actor William Shatner
Year: 1931
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_T_Kirk

Nick the Second, when he had to flee
Did the man think to blame history?
Did his thoughts go back far
To the very first “czar”
Who on that day went down tragically?

Events: Nicholas II abdicates the Russian throne; Julius Caesar killed
Years: 1917; 44 BC
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/February_Revolution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Caesar_%28play%29

Jimmy S. was a hero, all right
For his lost cause he fought the good fight
But the rest of the time
It’s not quite so sublime
Talking all day, and on through the night

Event: U.S. Senate introduces the cloture rule, allowing filibusters to be cut off
Year: 1917
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloture_rule
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filibuster_in_the_United_States_Senate

With its geysers, so eruption-prone
It’s a wonder this place hasn’t blown
But it’s pretty, and thus
We go by car and bus
To the glory that is Yellowstone

Event: Yellowstone is established as the world’s first national park
Year: 1872
Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowstone_National_Park