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1937

The world's first emergency telephone number, 999, is introduced in London

The world's first emergency telephone number, 999, is introduced in London.

1991

The Finnish operator Radiolinja is launched as the world's first GSM network.

The Finnish operator Radiolinja is launched as the world's first GSM network.

1987

The American radio station WFAN in New York City is launched as the world's first all-sports radio station.

The American radio station WFAN in New York City is launched as the world's first all-sports radio station.

1942

World War II: start of the First Battle of El Alamein.

World War II: start of the First Battle of El Alamein.

1881

The world's first international telephone call is made between St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, and Calais, Maine,…

The world's first international telephone call is made between St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada, and Calais, Maine, United States.

1837

Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway, opens between Birmingham and Liverpool.

Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway, opens between Birmingham and Liverpool.

1837

The Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway with steam traction, opened between Birmingham and…

The Grand Junction Railway, the world's first long-distance railway with steam traction, opened between Birmingham and Newton Junction.

1962

The Late Late Show, the world's longest-running chat show by the same broadcaster, airs on RTÉ One for the first time.

The Late Late Show, the world's longest-running chat show by the same broadcaster, airs on RTÉ One for the first time.

1916

First World War: Russian troops won a victory in the Battle of Kostiuchnówka, with the Polish Legions playing a key…

First World War: Russian troops won a victory in the Battle of Kostiuchnówka, with the Polish Legions playing a key role on the Austro-Hungarian side.

1915

First World War: The British and French prime ministers, H. H. Asquith and René Viviani, met at Calais to discuss…

First World War: The British and French prime ministers, H. H. Asquith and René Viviani, met at Calais to discuss future offensives including the Gallipoli campaign.

2007

The first Live Earth benefit concert was held in 11 locations around the world.

The first Live Earth benefit concert was held in 11 locations around the world.

2007

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

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

1962

Telstar, the world's first communications satellite, is launched into orbit.

Telstar, the world's first communications satellite, is launched into orbit.

1972

The first game of the World Chess Championship 1972 between challenger Bobby Fischer and defending champion Boris…

The first game of the World Chess Championship 1972 between challenger Bobby Fischer and defending champion Boris Spassky starts.

1405

Ming admiral Zheng He sets sail to explore the world for the first time.

Ming admiral Zheng He sets sail to explore the world for the first time.

1916

First World War: Second Lieutenant Kléber Dupuy defeated a German attack on Fort Souville at a key moment of the…

First World War: Second Lieutenant Kléber Dupuy defeated a German attack on Fort Souville at a key moment of the Battle of Verdun.

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.

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.

1915

Henry James becomes a British citizen to highlight his commitment to Britain during the first World War.

Henry James becomes a British citizen to highlight his commitment to Britain during the first World War.

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.