1778 – American Revolutionary War: British troops abandon Philadelphia.
1812 – The U.S. declaration of war upon the United Kingdom is signed by President James Madison, beginning the War of 1812.
1815 – The Battle of Waterloo results in the defeat in the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte by the Duke of Wellington and Field Marshal Gebhard von Blucher, forcing him to abdicate the throne of France for the second and last time.
1873 – Susan B. Anthony is fined $100 for attempting to vote in the 1872 presidential election.
1940 – The “Finest Hour” speech is delivered by Winston Churchill.
1979 – SALT II is signed by the United States and the Soviet Union.
1983 – Astronaut Sally Ride becomes the first American woman in space.
