1812

The War of 1812 began as the U.S. Congress approved, and President James Madison signed, a declaration of war against Britain.

1815

Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo as British and Prussian troops defeated the French Imperial Army in Belgium.

1983

Astronaut Sally Ride became America’s first woman in space as she and four others blasted off aboard the space shuttle Challenger on a six-day mission.