1787: The United States Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance, establishing procedures for territories to become states and banning slavery in the Northwest Territory.
1793: French revolutionary leader Jean-Paul Marat was assassinated in his bath by Charlotte Corday.
1814: The Carabinieri, Italy’s national military police force, was created.
1863: The New York City draft riots began, lasting three days in protest of conscription during the American Civil War.
1923: The Hollywood Sign (originally “Hollywoodland”) was officially dedicated in Los Angeles.
1930: The first FIFA World Cup began in Uruguay, with matches played simultaneously in Montevideo.
1949: Pope Pius XII issued a decree excommunicating Catholics who supported Communist ideas during the Cold War.
1955: Ruth Ellis became the last woman executed by hanging in Great Britain.
1977: A major electrical blackout hit New York City, lasting for 25 hours and leading to widespread looting and disorder.
1985: The Live Aid benefit concert, organized to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, was held simultaneously in London and Philadelphia.
