This Day in History

2003

Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is arrested in Pakistan by CIA agents.

Archived Facts

1974

The United States and Egypt reestablish diplomatic relations after a seven-year hiatus.

1844

The Dominican Republic gains independence from Haiti.

1917

President Woodrow Wilson learns of the Zimmermann Telegram, a message from Germany to Mexico proposing an alliance in the event of a war with the United States.

1919

The Paris Peace Conference approves creation of the League of Nations.

1819

The United States purchases Florida from Spain.

1972

President Richard M. Nixon begins his historic trip to China.

2005

Spain becomes the first member to ratify the European Union’s proposed constitution.

1945

U.S. Marines begin the amphibious assault on Iwo Jima.

1989

The Soviet Union announces its complete retreat from Afghanistan after more than nine years of military intervention.

1929

Penicillin is discovered.

1920

The League of Nations recognizes the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland.

1912

Hsian-T'ung, the last emperor of China, is forced to abdicate, ending 2,000 years of imperial rule.

1929

Italy recognizes the independence and sovereignty of Vatican City.

1943

U.S. forces secure Guadalcanal, marking a major strategic victory for Allies in the Pacific theater.

1992

The Maastricht Treaty is signed, creating the European Union and leading to currency union for many EU states.

1900

The international arbitration court is created at The Hague.

1994

A mortar bomb goes off in Sarajevo's main market square, killing sixty-eight people and wounding two-hundred.

2003

Yugoslavia dissolves, replaced by the union of Serbia and Montenegro.

1979

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to Tehran after nearly fifteen years of exile.