1776: United States declares independence
After a decade of economic conflict with Great
Britain, the 13 colonies answer King George III's flat refusal of political reform with a call for revolution. On 4 July 1776, more than 14 months after the first volleys of the war were fired at
Lexington, the Second
Continental Congress adopts the
Declaration of Independence. Seven years later, with the signing of the Treaty of
Paris with Britain, the United States officially became a free and independent nation.
2006
In America, the Space Shuttle
Discovery is launched on a mission to the International Space Station.
1997
The unmanned American space probe 'Pathfinder' lands on
Mars. 1995
Prime Minister
John Major retains the leadership of the
Conservative Party after winning a
ballot of Conservative M.P.s designed to put an end to attempts to destabilise Major’s leadership of the party.
1985
In England, 13-year-old
Ruth Lawrence graduates from Oxford University with a first in Mathematics.
1976
Israeli commandos free more than 100 hostages being held at Entebbe Airport in
Uganda following a mid-air hi-jack by Arab terrorists.
1968
British yachtsman Alex Rose brings his ship, Lively Lady, into Portsmouth Harbour after completing his single-handed voyage around the world.1950
The first broadcast of the American funded Radio Free Europe.1894
The Republic of Hawaii is proclaimed.1863
American Civil War: Union forces defeat the Confederates at the Battle of Vicksburg.1840
The Cunard Shipping Line begins its first Atlantic crossing when the paddle steamer
Britannia sails from Liverpool en route to Halifax in
Canada. The voyage takes 14 days.
1187
Ayyubid dynasty under
Saladin defeats the army of Guy of Lusignan, King of
Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin.
1187
Ayyubid dynasty under Saladin defeats the army of Guy of Lusignan, King of Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin. 1942
Prince Michael of Kent.1928
Italian film actress Gina Lollobrigida.1885
American film producer Louis B Mayer is born in Russia. Forms MGM with co-producer
Samuel Goldwyn.
1847
American circus impresario James Anthony Bailey. Teams up with Phineas Barnum to produce the USA's most popular
circus. 1753
French balloonist Jean Pierre Blanchard. In 1785 becomes the first man to cross the English Channel by balloon.1753
French balloonist Jean Pierre Blanchard. In 1785 becomes the first man to cross the English Channel by balloon.1934
Polish-born chemist and physicist Marie Curie. Winner of two Nobel Prizes for her work in
France, much of it with her French scientist husband Pierre Curie.
1826
2nd American President
John Adams (1797-1801).
1826
3rd American President Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809). 
