On this day - 18 April

Over 80% of San Francisco was destroyed in an earthquake that shook the city on April 19th 1906. Fires sprung up following the quakes and burned throughout the city causing further damage and burned for days.

Insurance companies in the area often contained lines in their policy stating they wouldn't pay for earthquake damage but would pay for fire damage. Because of the extensive fires, many of the insurance companies in the area paid out huge sums of money, contributing to a financial effects felt around the world.

On April 18th Joan of Arc was beatified by the Catholic Church in a ceremony held at the Vatican. Beatification is a step in the process to being made a Saint. In beatification, an individual is made "blessed" which allows for their public worship. Canonisation follows and is the final step where an individual is recognised throughout the Catholic Church as a Saint.