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1853

Opening of the first major US world's fair, the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in New York City.

Opening of the first major US world's fair, the Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations in New York City.

2018

France win their second World Cup title, defeating Croatia 4–2.

France win their second World Cup title, defeating Croatia 4–2.

2006

Twitter, later one of the largest social media platforms in the world, is launched.

Twitter, later one of the largest social media platforms in the world, is launched.

1950

Uruguay beats hosts Brazil 2–1 to win the World Cup in a match dubbed as the Maracanazo.

Uruguay beats hosts Brazil 2–1 to win the World Cup in a match dubbed as the Maracanazo.

1935

The world's first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

The world's first parking meter is installed in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

1994

Brazil win their fourth World Cup title, defeating Italy 3–2 on penalties.

Brazil win their fourth World Cup title, defeating Italy 3–2 on penalties.

1992

A picture of Les Horribles Cernettes was taken, which became the first ever photo posted to the World Wide Web.

A picture of Les Horribles Cernettes was taken, which became the first ever photo posted to the World Wide Web.

1977

The world's first Global Positioning System (GPS) signal was transmitted from Navigation Technology Satellite 2…

The world's first Global Positioning System (GPS) signal was transmitted from Navigation Technology Satellite 2 (NTS-2) and received at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at 12:41 a.m. Eastern ti�

1906

In Finland, a new electoral law is ratified, guaranteeing the country the first and equal right to vote in the world.…

In Finland, a new electoral law is ratified, guaranteeing the country the first and equal right to vote in the world. Finnish women are the first in Europe to receive the right to vote.

1807

Nicéphore Niépce is awarded a patent by Napoleon for the Pyréolophore, the world's first internal combustion engine,…

Nicéphore Niépce is awarded a patent by Napoleon for the Pyréolophore, the world's first internal combustion engine, after it successfully powered a boat upstream on the river Saône in France.

2012

Erden Eruç completes the first solo human-powered circumnavigation of the world.

Erden Eruç completes the first solo human-powered circumnavigation of the world.

1983

The world's lowest temperature in an inhabited location is recorded at Vostok Station, Antarctica at −89.2 °C…

The world's lowest temperature in an inhabited location is recorded at Vostok Station, Antarctica at −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F).

1960

Sirimavo Bandaranaike is sworn in as prime minister of Ceylon, becoming the world's first democratically elected…

Sirimavo Bandaranaike is sworn in as prime minister of Ceylon, becoming the world's first democratically elected female head of government.

356 BC

The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is destroyed by arson.

The Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is destroyed by arson.

1933

Aviator Wiley Post returns to Floyd Bennett Field in New York City, completing the first solo flight around the world…

Aviator Wiley Post returns to Floyd Bennett Field in New York City, completing the first solo flight around the world in seven days, 18 hours and 49 minutes.

1963

Syncom 2, the world's first geosynchronous satellite, is launched from Cape Canaveral on a Delta B booster.

Syncom 2, the world's first geosynchronous satellite, is launched from Cape Canaveral on a Delta B booster.

1956

Following the World Bank's refusal to fund building the Aswan Dam, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the…

Following the World Bank's refusal to fund building the Aswan Dam, Egyptian leader Gamal Abdel Nasser nationalizes the Suez Canal, sparking international condemnation.

1803

The Surrey Iron Railway, arguably the world's first public railway, opens in south London, United Kingdom.

The Surrey Iron Railway, arguably the world's first public railway, opens in south London, United Kingdom.

2018

Australian Wendy Tuck becomes the first female skipper to win the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

Australian Wendy Tuck becomes the first female skipper to win the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race.

2001

Australian Ian Thorpe becomes the first swimmer to win six gold medals at a single World Championship meeting.

Australian Ian Thorpe becomes the first swimmer to win six gold medals at a single World Championship meeting.