1775: The Continental Congress authorizes construction and administration of the first American naval force.
Learn more about the U.S. Navy.

1792: In Washington, D.C., the cornerstone of the White House is laid.
Learn more about the White House.

1843: B'nai B'rith, the oldest secular Jewish organization in the United States, is founded in New York City.
Learn more about B'nai B'rith.

1923: Ankara becomes the capital of modern Turkey, succeeding the Ottoman capital of Constantinople (modern Istanbul).
Learn more about Ankara.

1943: Italy, switching allegiances, declares war on Germany.
Learn more about World War II.

1964: The Voskhod 1, the first spacecraft to carry a multi-person crew, returns to earth.