Today In History

Today In History : Page 1

Today In History. A chronological timetable of historical events that occurred on this day in history. Historical facts of the day in the areas of military, politics, science, music, sports, arts, entertainment and more. Discover what happened today in history.

Todays History Facts For: 18th of December

VIETNAM WAR - HEAVY BOMBING OF VIETNAM
DECEMBER 18, 1972 : Following the breakdown of peace talks with North Vietnam just a few days earlier, President Richard Nixon announces the...
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THE UNITED STATES PURCHASES THE PANAMA CANAL
DECEMBER 18, 1903 : The Panama Canal Zone is acquired 'in perpetuity' by the U.S. for an annual rent.
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THE LAST U.S. TROOPS LEAVE IRAQ
DECEMBER 18, 2011 : The last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops leave Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a...
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SLAVERY ABOLISHED IN AMERICA
DECEMBER 18, 1865 : U.S. Secretary of State William Seward issues a statement verifying the ratification of the 13th Amendment to the U.S....
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SOUTH KOREA ELECTS ITS FIRST CIVILIAN PRESIDENT IN 3 DECADES
DECEMBER 18, 1992 : Kim Young-sam is elected South Korea's first civilian president in three decades.
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Past History Facts

Sadiq Khan is elected Mayor of London

Sadiq Khan is elected Mayor of London and becomes London's first ethnic minority mayor. Khan is the first Muslim to be the mayor of a major... [ read more ]

8th of May 2016

Vladimir Putin becomes Prime Minister

Vladimir Putin is appointed as Russia's Prime Minister. [ read more ]

8th of May 2008

First female cadet to graduate from The Citadel

Although she wasn't the first woman to be admitted, on this day Nancy Mace (C), the author of 'In the Company of Men: A Woman at the... [ read more ]

8th of May 1999

South Africa’s new democracy is approved

South Africa takes another step from apartheid to democracy by adopting a constitution that guaranteed equal rights for blacks and whites. [ read more ]

8th of May 1996

Soviets announce boycott of Olympics

The Soviet Union announces it would boycott the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. [ read more ]

8th of May 1984

Smallpox is eradicated

At a special session in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Health Organization 'WHO' announces the global eradication of smallpox. The formal... [ read more ]

8th of May 1980

Muhammad Ali Conscientious Objector Case

Muhammad Ali is arraigned after pleading not guilty, on a charge of refusing to be drafted into the American army to serve in Vietnam, upon grounds... [ read more ]

8th of May 1967

Victory in Europe day

Cities across the U.S. and Great Britain celebrate the effective end of World War II in Europe; a formal and unconditional surrender of all German... [ read more ]

8th of May 1945

Gandhi begins hunger strike

Iconic Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi begins a self-purification fast of 21 days on this day. The fast launched a year-long campaign to protest the... [ read more ]

8th of May 1933

Sir David Attenborough is born

Regarded as Britain's national treasure and named among the 100 Greatest Britons, veteran broadcaster and naturalist, Sir David Frederick... [ read more ]

8th of May 1926

Mount Pelée erupts

In one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions of the 20th century, Mount Pelée erupts on the Caribbean island of Martinique, killing about 30,000... [ read more ]

8th of May 1902

Coca-Cola is introduced

American pharmacist Dr. John S. Pemberton sells the first bottle of Coca-Cola, at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. The distinctive... [ read more ]

8th of May 1886