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1943

World War II: Operations Vulcan and Strike force the surrender of the last Axis troops in Tunisia

World War II: Operations Vulcan and Strike force the surrender of the last Axis troops in Tunisia.

1940

World War II: Germany's conquest of France begins, as the German army crosses the Meuse

World War II: Germany's conquest of France begins, as the German army crosses the Meuse. Winston Churchill makes his "blood, toil, tears, and sweat" speech to the House of Commons.

1940

World War II: Rotterdam, Netherlands is bombed by the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany despite a ceasefire, killing about 900 p

World War II: Rotterdam, Netherlands is bombed by the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany despite a ceasefire, killing about 900 people and destroying the historic city center.

1900

Opening of World Amateur championship at the Paris Exposition Universelle, also known as Olympic Games

Opening of World Amateur championship at the Paris Exposition Universelle, also known as Olympic Games.

2010

Jessica Watson becomes the youngest person to sail, non-stop and unassisted around the world solo

Jessica Watson becomes the youngest person to sail, non-stop and unassisted around the world solo.

1945

World War II: The Battle of Poljana, the final skirmish in Europe is fought near Prevalje, Slovenia

World War II: The Battle of Poljana, the final skirmish in Europe is fought near Prevalje, Slovenia.

1942

World War II: In the United States, a bill creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) is signed into law

World War II: In the United States, a bill creating the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) is signed into law.

1940

World War II: The Battle of the Netherlands: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrend

World War II: The Battle of the Netherlands: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrender to Germany, marking the beginning of five years of occupation.

1990

The General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) eliminates homosexuality from the list of psychiatric diseas

The General Assembly of the World Health Organization (WHO) eliminates homosexuality from the list of psychiatric diseases.

1943

World War II: Dambuster Raids commence by No

World War II: Dambuster Raids commence by No. 617 Squadron RAF.

1940

World War II: Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium

World War II: Germany occupies Brussels, Belgium.

1990

In France, a modified TGV train achieves a new rail world speed record of 515

In France, a modified TGV train achieves a new rail world speed record of 515.3 km/h (320.2 mph).

1944

World War II: Battle of Monte Cassino: Conclusion after seven days of the fourth battle as German paratroopers evacuate

World War II: Battle of Monte Cassino: Conclusion after seven days of the fourth battle as German paratroopers evacuate Monte Cassino.

1917

World War I: The Selective Service Act of 1917 is passed, giving the President of the United States the power of conscri

World War I: The Selective Service Act of 1917 is passed, giving the President of the United States the power of conscription.

1942

World War II: In the aftermath of the Battle of the Coral Sea, Task Force 16 heads to Pearl Harbor for repairs

World War II: In the aftermath of the Battle of the Coral Sea, Task Force 16 heads to Pearl Harbor for repairs.

1941

World War II: Battle of Crete: German paratroops invade Crete

World War II: Battle of Crete: German paratroops invade Crete.

2011

Radio broadcaster Harold Camping predicted that the world would end on this date

Radio broadcaster Harold Camping predicted that the world would end on this date.

2005

The tallest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka opens at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey

The tallest roller coaster in the world, Kingda Ka opens at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey.

1942

Mexico enters the Second World War on the side of the Allies

Mexico enters the Second World War on the side of the Allies.

1939

World War II: Germany and Italy sign the Pact of Steel

World War II: Germany and Italy sign the Pact of Steel.