APRIL 23^RD

1516: The Teinheitsgobot codifies the recipe for beer. The law was adopted in Bavaria to limit the acceptable ingredients in beer to only water, barley and hops. When Germany unified in 1871, Bavaria demanded the law be nationalized, and other ingredients were heavily taxed as a compromise. The law continued to influence German beer-making well into the 20^th century.

1867: William Lincoln of Providence, Rhode Island, patents the Zoetrope on behalf of Milton Bradley. The machine showed animated films by showing the viewer a series of pictures through a narrow slit, which made them appear to be moving. Milton Bradley released twelve Zoetrope strips for public viewing.

1945: Hitler replaces Hermann Goring. Goring was Hitler’s presumed successor in the event of his death. He sent Hitler a telegram requesting permission to assume leadership as Hitler sought refuge from the advancing Soviet Red Army in an underground bunker in Berlin. Fearing a coup was taking place, Hitler became enraged and ordered Goring to resign, replacing him with Joseph Goebbels. Three days later, Hitler committed suicide as the Red Army closed in.

1985: Coca-Cola releases New Coke. The company had been losing market share for years to diet drinks and its main rival, Pepsi. In an attempt to rebrand itself with a new formula, it introduced New Coke, the public reaction to it was overwhelmingly negative.