1783: The volcano Laki in Iceland begins an 8-month eruption, killing 10,000 and causing widespread famine throughout Asia and Europe. 1795: Louis XVII of France dies aged 10.

Mount St. Helens in Washington State began erupting with a series of steam-driven blasts. These intensified over weeks, leading to a massive eruption on May 18 at 8:32 a.m. Rated a 5 on the Volcanic ...