Today:
1633 – The Holy Office in Rome forces Galileo Galilei to recant his view that the Sun, not the Earth, is the center of the universe.
1774 – The British Parliament passes the Quebec Act, setting out procedures of governance in the Province of Quebec.
1813 – After learning of American plans for a surprise attack, Laura Secord warns British forces, leading to a British victory at the Battle of Beaver Dams.
1898 – The United States captures Guam from Spain during the Spanish–American War.
1911 – King George V of the United Kingdom is crowned at Westminster Abbey.
1940 – France officially surrenders to Nazi Germany during World War II.
1941 – Nazi Germany invades the Soviet Union in Operation Barbarossa during World War II.
1942 – The Pledge of Allegiance is formally adopted by Congress in the United States.
1944 – The G.I. Bill is signed into law, providing benefits to World War II veterans.
1969 – The Cuyahoga River in Ohio catches fire, highlighting severe water pollution issues.