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 July 4, 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.
1997
The unmanned American space probe 'Pathfinder' lands on
Mars. 1996
Prince Charles, Prince of Wales delivers his terms for a
divorce from Diana, Princess of Wales - an offer of £15m reportedly backed by the Queen.
1969
British group The Rolling Stones release Honky Tonk Women.1969
British tennis player Ann Jones wins the Wimbledon women's singles title beating American Billie Jean King in the final.1968
British yachtsman Alex Rose brings his ship, Lively Lady, into Portsmouth Harbour after completing his single-handed voyage around the world.1919
In Toledo, Ohio, American boxer Jack Dempsey beats Jess Willard to become heavyweight champion of the world. Williard is knocked down 7 times before retiring in the third round.1904
Start of construction work to build the
Panama Canal.
1903
USA President
Theodore Roosevelt inaugurates the Pacific Communications Cable by sending a message around the world.
1892
James
Keir Hardie is elected
MP for Holytown, Lanarkshire to become the first socialist to win seat in British parliament.
1884
The Statue of Liberty is presented to America by the people of France.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. The voyage takes 14 days.
1829
First regular scheduled bus service starts in London - a horse drawn service between Marylebone Road and the
Bank of England. 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.
