1992: European Union established
On this day the nations of Western Europe united in the spirit of economic cooperation with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty.
The treaty, signed by ministers of the European Community, called for greater economic integration, common foreign and security policies, and cooperation between police and other authorities on crime, terrorism and immigration issues. The agreement also laid the groundwork for the establishment of a single European currency, to be known as the euro.
By the time the Maastricht Treaty took effect in 1993, it had been ratified by 12 nations: Great Britain, France, Germany, the Irish Republic, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Denmark, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
2005
Britain's Ellen MacArthur breaks the world record for the fastest solo sail around the world.1999
Crown Prince Abdullah accedes to the Jordanian throne after the death of his father, King Hussein.1991
British Prime Minister
John Major and senior Cabinet Ministers escape unhurt as the
IRA fires three mortar shells at 10
Downing Street from a van parked several streets away in the centre of London.
1990
The Central Committee of the Soviet Union's Communist Party agrees to endorse President Mikhail Gorbachev's recommendation that the party give up its 70-year long monopoly of political power.1987
In
South Korea, thousands of people take to the streets of Seoul to protest against the death in
custody of student Park Chong-choi, who had been accused of pro-communist activities.
1986
Haitian leader Jean-Claude Duvalier forced to flee the island.1984
Bruce McCandless becomes the first human being to fly untethered in space when he exits the US space shuttle Challenger.1974
British Prime Minister
Edward Heath calls a snap general election.
1974
Grenada gains independence from Britain.1964
British group 'The Beatles' are mobbed as they arrive at the start of their first American tour.1948
Dwight D. Eisenhower retires as Army chief of staff for the US Army.1914
Charlie Chaplin makes his first screen
appearance in his popular 'Little Tramp' role, in the film 'Kid Auto Races at Venice'.
1807
Napoleonic Wars: Battle of Eylau: French forces fight an inconclusive battle against Russian and Prussian forces in Eastern
Prussia. 1301
Edward of Caernarvon becomes the first Prince of Wales. 
