1803
The United States officially finalized the Louisiana Purchase, acquiring an enormous expanse of land from France and greatly increasing the country’s territorial size
1860
South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States, setting the stage for the American Civil War.
1946
The beloved holiday movie It’s a Wonderful Life had its premiere in New York City.
1999
Portugal handed over control of Macau to China, ending more than 400 years of Portuguese rule.
2007
Queen Elizabeth II surpassed Queen Victoria’s lifespan, becoming the longest-living British monarch in history.
