1118day.year
The city of Zaragoza is conquered by king Alfonso I of Aragon from the Almoravid.
King Alfonso I of Aragon captured Zaragoza from the Almoravid dynasty, extending Christian rule in medieval Spain.
In 1118, Alfonso I of Aragon captured the strategically vital city of Zaragoza from the Almoravid dynasty. As part of the broader Reconquista, this conquest extended Christian rule further into the Iberian Peninsula. Zaragoza was a key stronghold on the Ebro River and its fall weakened Muslim presence in northeastern Spain. Alfonso’s victory was achieved after months of siege and highlighted his determination to reclaim territory. The capture of Zaragoza bolstered the political and military standing of the Kingdom of Aragon. This event became a cornerstone in the gradual Christian reconquest of Spain.
1118
Zaragoza
Alfonso I of Aragon
Almoravid
1271day.year
Kublai Khan renames his empire "Yuan" (元 yuán), officially marking the start of the Yuan dynasty of Mongolia and China.
Kublai Khan officially names his empire 'Yuan,' marking the formal beginning of the Yuan dynasty in China under Mongol rule.
In 1271, Kublai Khan officially renamed his vast empire 'Yuan,' marking the formal establishment of the Yuan dynasty. This change signified the Mongol ruler’s intent to integrate traditional Chinese governance with his own administration. By adopting a Chinese dynastic title, Kublai Khan sought legitimacy among his new subjects in North China. The Yuan dynasty would go on to oversee major administrative reforms, trade expansion along the Silk Road, and cultural exchanges. The capital was established at Dadu (modern-day Beijing), which became a political and economic hub. The dynasty lasted until 1368, shaping the course of Chinese history.
1271
Kublai Khan
Yuan dynasty
Mongolia
1499day.year
A rebellion breaks out in Alpujarras in response to the forced conversions of Muslims in Spain.
Muslims in Spain launched an uprising in the Alpujarras region against forced conversions, sparking a significant rebellion in 1499.
In 1499, an armed uprising erupted in the mountainous Alpujarras region of southern Spain. Local Muslims, pressured by forced conversions following the fall of Granada, rebelled against the crown’s religious policies. The revolt reflected deep resentment over the 1492 decree that had promised religious tolerance but enforced conversion. Rebels seized several fortifications and disrupted royal authority in the area. The Spanish monarchy responded with a vigorous military campaign to suppress the insurrection. This rebellion foreshadowed further conflicts between Christian rulers and Morisco populations in the decades to follow.
1499
A rebellion breaks out
Alpujarras
forced conversions of Muslims in Spain
1622day.year
Portuguese forces score a military victory over the Kingdom of Kongo at the Battle of Mbumbi in present-day Angola.
Portuguese forces defeated the Kingdom of Kongo at the Battle of Mbumbi, asserting colonial power in West Central Africa.
In 1622, Portuguese colonial forces defeated the Kingdom of Kongo at the Battle of Mbumbi in present-day Angola. The clash was part of Portugal’s efforts to secure its control over West African trade routes and resources. Led by Governor Manuel Pereira Coutinho, the Portuguese navy and militia overcame Kongo’s defenders along the Mbumbi River. The victory solidified European influence in the region and weakened Kongo’s regional power. It also paved the way for the expansion of the transatlantic slave trade from Angolan ports. The battle marked a turning point in the struggle between African kingdoms and European colonizers.
1622
Portuguese
Kingdom of Kongo
Battle of Mbumbi
Angola
1655day.year
The Whitehall Conference ends with the determination that there was no law preventing Jews from re-entering England after the Edict of Expulsion of 1290.
The 1655 Whitehall Conference determined that Jews could legally re-enter England, ending centuries of expulsion.
In 1655, the Whitehall Conference concluded that no English law prohibited the readmission of Jews expelled in 1290. Convened under Oliver Cromwell’s protectorate, this gathering of theologians and lawyers debated the legal and religious implications of Jewish resettlement. Participants examined ancient statutes and found no binding prohibition against Jewish presence. This landmark decision led to the unofficial return of Jewish communities to England after centuries of exile. It laid the groundwork for London’s growing Sephardic and Ashkenazi communities. This moment is often seen as an early step toward religious tolerance in Britain.
1655
Whitehall Conference
Edict of Expulsion
1777day.year
The United States celebrates its first Thanksgiving, marking the recent victory by the American rebels over British General John Burgoyne at Saratoga in October.
The United States observed its first national Thanksgiving in 1777, honoring the pivotal victory at Saratoga.
In 1777, the Continental Congress proclaimed the first national Thanksgiving to celebrate the American victory at Saratoga. The recent defeat of British General John Burgoyne’s army was seen as a turning point in the Revolutionary War. Colonists across the fledgling United States set aside a day for prayers, feasting, and public rejoicing. This observance blended existing harvest festival traditions with patriotic celebration. Held on December 18th, it established a pattern of annual thanksgivings in various states. These early commemorations would evolve into the national holiday recognized today.
1777
Thanksgiving
John Burgoyne
Saratoga
1787day.year
New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution.
New Jersey ratified the U.S. Constitution on December 18, 1787, becoming the third state to do so.
On December 18, 1787, New Jersey became the third state to ratify the United States Constitution. Its approval followed narrow votes in the state’s ratifying convention and signaled growing support for the new federal government. New Jersey’s ratification provided momentum for other states to join the Union under the Constitution’s framework. The state’s delegation later played a key role in shaping the Bill of Rights. By endorsing the Constitution, New Jersey helped secure the legal foundation for the United States. This pivotal act contributed to the eventual unification of the original thirteen states.
1787
New Jersey
U.S. Constitution
1793day.year
Surrender of the frigate La Lutine by French Royalists to Lord Samuel Hood; renamed HMS Lutine, she later becomes a famous treasure wreck.
The French frigate La Lutine was surrendered to British forces and commissioned as HMS Lutine, later famed as a treasure wreck.
In 1793, the French frigate La Lutine was surrendered to British forces and commissioned as HMS Lutine. The vessel, handed over by French Royalists, was received by Lord Samuel Hood in the Channel. Renamed and refitted, HMS Lutine served the Royal Navy during the French Revolutionary Wars. She became famous for her tragic sinking off the Dutch coast in 1799 while carrying a large cargo of gold and silver. The ship’s bell, later recovered, earned a reputation for ringing to announce news of lost treasure. The story of HMS Lutine’s demise fueled legends of sunken riches and maritime lore.
1793
Lord Samuel Hood
HMS Lutine
1833day.year
The national anthem of the Russian Empire, "God Save the Tsar!", is first performed.
The Russian Empire's national anthem 'God Save the Tsar!' was first performed in 1833, ushering in a new era of patriotic music.
The Russian Imperial anthem 'God Save the Tsar!' was first performed in 1833 in Saint Petersburg. Commissioned by Tsar Nicholas I, the music was composed by Alexei Lvov with lyrics by Vasily Zhukovsky. The anthem reflected the autocratic and sacred nature of the Tsar’s authority and became a symbol of national unity. It was sung at court ceremonies, military parades, and official events throughout the 19th century. The stirring melody and solemn lyrics reinforced loyalty to the monarchy. This anthem remained in use until the Russian Revolution of 1917.
1833
national anthem
Russian Empire
God Save the Tsar!
1854day.year
The Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada abolishes the seigneurial system.
The Province of Canada’s Legislative Assembly abolished the seigneurial system in 1854, modernizing land tenure.
In 1854, the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada formally abolished the seigneurial system. This feudal land tenure arrangement, inherited from New France, was seen as outdated by reformers. Legislation provided for compensation to former seigneurs and allowed landholders to convert their estates to freehold ownership. The change aimed to stimulate agricultural development and modernize rural communities. It also reflected broader trends toward democratic land rights and economic liberalization in British North America. The abolition reshaped land distribution patterns and influenced Canadian settlement.
1854
Legislative Assembly of the Province of Canada
seigneurial system
1865day.year
US Secretary of State William Seward proclaims the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment, prohibiting slavery throughout the United States.
On December 18, 1865, Secretary of State William Seward proclaimed the adoption of the Thirteenth Amendment, officially abolishing slavery across the United States.
On December 18, 1865, Secretary of State William Seward issued a proclamation announcing that the Thirteenth Amendment had been ratified by the required number of states.
The amendment constitutionally banned slavery and involuntary servitude nationwide, marking a monumental shift after the Civil War.
This proclamation formalized years of abolitionist efforts and Civil War sacrifices aimed at securing freedom for millions.
Embedding the abolition of slavery into the Constitution laid the legal foundation for future civil rights movements.
The announcement was widely circulated, informing newly freed individuals of their rights and status under federal law.
Seward's declaration underscored the federal government's commitment to equality and redefined American society forever.
1865
William Seward
Thirteenth Amendment
slavery
1867day.year
A magnitude 7.0 earthquakes strikes off the coast of Taiwan, triggering a tsunami and killing at least 580 people.
On December 18, 1867, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Taiwan, triggering a tsunami that claimed at least 580 lives.
On December 18, 1867, a powerful magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook the coastal waters near Taiwan.
The seismic event generated a devastating tsunami that swept onto nearby shores, causing widespread destruction.
At least 580 people lost their lives as homes and villages were inundated by the colossal waves.
Eyewitness accounts described buildings collapsing and rescue efforts hampered by aftershocks and flooding.
Local communities faced long-term challenges in rebuilding infrastructure and restoring normal life.
The disaster highlighted the vulnerability of coastal regions to seismic activity in the Pacific Ring of Fire.
1867
magnitude 7.0 earthquakes
Taiwan
tsunami