Very Busy Day in History - July 4th

1948
In Britain, the beginning of the NHS - the National Health Service.
1946I
ndependence for the Philippine Islands from the United States of America.
1943
Polish prime minister Wladyslaw Sikorski, leader of the Polish Government in exile during World War II, is killed in an aircrash.
1919
In Toledo, Ohio, American boxer Jack Dempsey beats Jess Willard to become heavyweight champion of the world. Williard is knocked down 7 times before retiring in the third round.
1906
Britain, France and Italy guarantee the independence of Ethiopia.
1904
Start of construction work to build the Panama Canal.
1903
USA President Theodore Roosevelt inaugurates the Pacific Communications Cable by sending a message around the world.
1892
James Keir Hardie is elected MP for Holytown, Lanarkshire to become the first socialist to win seat in British parliament.
1884
The Statue of Liberty is presented to America by the people of France.
1881
American outlaw William H Bonney, known as Billy the Kid, is shot dead by lawman Pat Garrett.
1863
American Civil War: Union forces defeat the Confederates at the Battle of Vicksburg.
1848
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels publish their Communist Manifesto.
1840
The Cunard Shipping Line begins its first Atlantic crossing when the paddle steamer Britannia sails from Liverpool en route to Halifax. The voyage takes 14 days.
1829
First regular scheduled bus service starts in London - a horse drawn service between Marylebone Road and the Bank of England.
1776
American commander George Washington signs the Declaration of Independence during the war with the British. July 4th is now recognised as American Independence Day.