1867
Politics
Alaska Transfer Ceremony
The United States formally took possession of Alaska from Russia in a ceremony at Sitka. The $7.2 million purchase, initially mocked as 'Seward's Folly,' proved to be one of history's greatest bargains.
On This Day in History
1898
Politics
US Takes Possession of Puerto Rico
The United States formally took possession of Puerto Rico from Spain following the Spanish-American War. The island became a US territory, a status it maintains today.
1922
Culture
BBC Founded
The British Broadcasting Company (later Corporation) was founded. The BBC became the world's largest public broadcaster and set standards for journalism, television, and radio programming.
1767
Politics
Mason-Dixon Line Completed
Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon completed their survey of the boundary between Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Mason-Dixon Line later became the symbolic division between North and South.
1685
Religion
Edict of Nantes Revoked
King Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes, ending religious tolerance for French Protestants (Huguenots). Hundreds of thousands of Huguenots fled France, enriching the countries that received them.
1945
Politics
Nuremberg Trials Begin
The International Military Tribunal formally notified 24 Nazi leaders of their indictments for war crimes, crimes against peace, and crimes against humanity. The trials established precedents for international justice.
1867
Politics
Alaska Purchase Day
October 18 is commemorated as Alaska Day, marking the formal transfer that added an area twice the size of Texas to the United States. The territory's gold, oil, and strategic value proved immense.