Meiji Restoration in Japan
In an event that heralds the birth of modern Japan, patriotic samurai from Japan's outlying domains join with anti-shogunate nobles in restoring the emperor to power after 700 years. The impetus for the coup is a fear by many Japanese that the nation's feudal leaders are ill equipped to resist the threat of foreign domination.
Soon after seizing power, the young Emperor Meiji and his ministers move the royal court from Kyoto to Tokyo, dismantle feudalism, and enact widespread reforms along Western models. The newly unified Japanese government also set off on a path of rapid industrialisation and militarisation, successfully building Japan into a major world power by the early 20th century.
2000
Having first appeared in 1950, the last daily Peanuts comic strip is published as Charles Schulz retires. The comic strip followed the exploits of Charlie Brown and friends and his dog Snoopy.
1999
The Mars Polar Lander launches from Cape Canaveral, U.S.A.
1993
Russia and the U.S.A. sign the second START agreement in Moscow. The Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty is a further indication that the Cold War is over.
1991
Following threats of attacks on Western targets, the British Government expel eight Iraqi embassy officials from the country.
1990
Former leader of Panama Manuel Noriega surrenders to U.S. forces. He is subsequently tried and convicted in America for drug and money laundering offences.
1977
Roy Jenkins MP announces that he is to leave the House of Commons to become President of the European Commission.
1961
President Eisenhower closes the American embassy in Havana and severs diplomatic relations with Cuba.
1959
Alaska becomes the 49th, and largest, American State.
1958
The West Indies Federation is formed.
1946
Nazi Propagandist William Joyce, the notorious radio broadcaster known as 'Lord Haw-Haw', is hanged for treason.
1924
English explorer Howard Carter finds the sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen in Egypt's Valley of the Kings. For more, see our in-depth feature on Ancient Egypt.
1911
Police, with the army in attendance, storm a house in London's East End were it is thought a gang of wanted anarchists are hiding. Newspapers dub the incident 'The Siege of Sidney Street'.
1777
George Washington defeats the British at the Battle of Princeton.
1521
Pope Leo X issues the papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, which excommunicates Martin Luther from the Catholic Church.