Today:
1279: The Battle of Yamen concludes with a Mongol victory, marking the end of the Song dynasty in China.
1649: The House of Commons of England passes an act abolishing the House of Lords, declaring it useless and dangerous to the people.
1687: French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle is murdered by his own men while searching for the mouth of the Mississippi River.
1831: The first bank robbery in American history is reported at the City Bank of New York, where 245,000 dollars is stolen.
1918: The United States Congress approves the Standard Time Act, which establishes time zones and approves daylight saving time.
1920: The United States Senate rejects the Treaty of Versailles for the second time, maintaining a policy of isolationism.
1931: Nevada Governor Fred B. Balzar signs a bill legalizing gambling in the state.
1932: The Sydney Harbour Bridge is officially opened in Australia.
1945: During World War II, Adolf Hitler issues the Nero Decree, ordering the destruction of all German infrastructure to prevent its use by Allied forces.
2003: The Iraq War begins as United States and coalition forces launch an initial airstrike on Baghdad.