Today in 1778, France officially recognized the United States as a sovereign nation…and Britain immediately declared war on France. French support (given out of anger about the Seven Years War, and amounting to $13-billion in today’s currency) was essential to the American Revolution. Unfortunately for the French monarchs who gave that support, it was also the cause of the French Revolution, which, as you remember, didn’t work out too well for them.
Today in 1788, Massachusetts became the sixth state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
Today in 1899, the United States Senate ratified the peace treaty between the S. and Spain.
Today in 1959, the U.S. successfully test-fired a Titan intercontinental ballistic missile from Cape Canaveral for the first time.
Today in 1971, NASA Astronaut Alan B. Shepard used a six-iron, which he brought with him to space and swung at three golf balls on the moon’s surface – that’s an accomplishment.
Today in 1987, President Ronald Reagan turned 76 making him the oldest U.S. President in history.
Today in 1998, President Clinton signed a bill making Washington National Airport renamed Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Today in 1999, portions of former White House intern Monica Lewinsky’s videotaped testimony were shown at President Clinton’s impeachment trial.
Today in 2000, First Lady Hillary Clinton officially declared she was a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat from the state of New York.
Today in 2002, a federal judge ordered John Walker Lindh, known as the “American Taliban,” to be held without bail pending trial as he’d been indicted on ten counts associated with assisting enemies of the United States.
Today in 2018, Elon Musk's company SpaceX launched Falcon Heavy, world's most powerful rocket.