On this day...
1703 — England & Portugal sign Methuen-Asiento-trade agreement
1825 — First public railroad using steam locomotive completed in England
1831 — Darwin begins his voyage to South America on board the HMS Beagle
1867 — Ontario & Québec legislatures hold first meeting
1926 — Latkin Square in Bronx named for first U.S. Jewish soldier to die in WWI
1934 — Shah of Persia declares Persia now Iran
1939 — First American skimobiles (North Conway NH)
1941 — Japan bombs Manila even though it was declared an "open city"
1945 — International Monetary Fund established - World Bank founded
1961 — Belgium & Congo resume diplomatic relations
1972 — New North Korean constitution comes into effect
1972 — Belgium recognizes German Democratic Republic
1979 — Soviet troops invade Afghánistán, President Hafizullah Amin overthrown
1989 — Oregon begins taking bids on NBA games