December 18 in history: Slavery was abolished in US in 1865

Bengaluru, Dec 18: Today is Thursday, December 18, 2014. What happened on this day in history? Oneindia takes a look at the past:

1812: French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte arrives in Paris after his failed campaign in Russia.

1865: Slavery abolished with the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution.

1906: Mahatma Gandhi returns to South Africa.

1916: The Battle of Verdun concludes with both the French and Germans having suffered massive losses.

1940: Adolf Hitler issues his secret plans for Operation Barbaross, the invasion of the Soviet Union.

1941: Japan invades Hong Kong.

1942: Adolf Hitler meets with Benito Mussolini and Pierre Laval.

1787: New Jersey becomes the third state to ratify the US Constitution.

1865: Slavery abolished with the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution.

1956: Japan was admitted to the United Nations.

1957: Pennsylvania's Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania becomes the first civilian nuclear facility to generate electricity.

1969: The British Parliament abolishes the death penalty for murder.

1971: Former Indian prime minister Indira Gandhi received Bharat Ratna.

1984: Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi visits China, the first incumbent to do so in 34 years.

1989: The European Economic Community and the former Soviet Union sign an agreement on trade and economic communication.

1995: Former Tanzanian President Dr. Julias K. Nyrere receives the first annual International Gandhi Peace Prize.

1999: Indian tennis duo Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhuapathi named as The Sportstar's sportpersons of the Year.

2000: US president George W Bush received 271 votes in the delayed Electoral College balloting.

Oneindia News