This day in history: 18 september

European Integration Milestones: The process of European integration, including the founding of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in April 1951 and the Treaties of Rome in March 1957, shaped the continent’s postwar trajectory, but these events did not occur on 18 September.
EUROPA Stamps: The first joint EUROPA stamps, symbolizing European unity, were issued on 15 September 1956, with subsequent issues around mid-September in following years, but not specifically on the 18th.
Victory in Europe Day (VE Day): The end of World War II in Europe is commemorated on 8 May, not 18 September.
Scotland Independence Referendum (2014): On 18 September 2014, Scotland held a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom. While not an EU-wide event, it was significant for European politics as it addressed questions of national sovereignty and regional autonomy within Europe.
Admission of New Members to the League of Nations (1922): On 18 September 1922, several countries, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, were admitted to the League of Nations, marking a step in international recognition for these European states.

1793: Cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol Laid
George Washington laid the first cornerstone of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., marking a foundational moment in American political history.
1850: Fugitive Slave Act Passed
The U.S. Congress passed the Fugitive Slave Act, intensifying national tensions over slavery and contributing to the events leading up to the Civil War.
1851: First Issue of The New-York Daily Times
The newspaper that would become The New York Times published its first edition, beginning its long history as a major American news outlet.
1863: Battle of Chickamauga Begins
One of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga, began in Georgia, resulting in significant casualties.
1947: United States Air Force Established
The U.S. Air Force was established as a separate branch of the military under the National Security Act of 1947, marking a significant reorganization of U.S. defense.
1998: ICANN Founded
The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) was founded, playing a crucial role in the management of internet domain names and addresses.
1810: Chile’s First Government Junta
Chile declared its first step toward independence from Spain, an event celebrated as the beginning of Chilean independence.
1962: Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago Join the United Nations
These Caribbean nations were admitted to the UN, reflecting the ongoing decolonization and emergence of new nations in the Americas.

The September 18 Incident (Mukden Incident) – 1931
The most significant historical event in Asia on 18 September is the September 18 Incident, also known as the Mukden Incident or Shenyang Incident. On this day in 1931, Japanese troops from the Kwantung Army staged an explosion on a section of the South Manchuria Railway near Liutiao Lake in Mukden (modern-day Shenyang), China. The Japanese military falsely accused Chinese forces of sabotage and used this as a pretext to launch a full-scale invasion of Manchuria.
Annual Commemoration in China
Every year on 18 September, China commemorates this event with memorial ceremonies, especially in Shenyang, Liaoning Province. Sirens and bells sound across the city, and people observe moments of silence to remember the suffering and resistance during the Japanese occupation. The September 18 Incident History Museum in Shenyang plays a central role in these commemorations, educating younger generations about the significance of the day and the importance of peace.
India (2014): Uri Attack
On 18 September 2014, India experienced one of its deadliest terrorist attacks in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in significant casualties and heightened tensions in the region.
India (1803): British Capture of Puri
On this day in 1803, British forces captured the city of Puri from the Marathas, marking a key moment in the expansion of British control in eastern India.

The Fashoda Incident (1898)
On 18 September 1898, the Fashoda Incident reached its climax in what is now Kodok, South Sudan. This was a pivotal moment in the colonial history of Africa, marking the height of territorial disputes between Great Britain and France. Both nations aimed to expand their empires across the continent—Britain from north to south (Cape to Cairo) and France from west to east. On this day, British forces under Sir Herbert Kitchener and French forces led by Jean-Baptiste Marchand confronted each other at Fashoda. Although both sides raised their flags over the fort, they avoided direct conflict. The standoff was later resolved diplomatically, leading to the Anglo-French Entente of 1904 and shaping the colonial boundaries in Africa.
British Troops Depart for South Africa (1899): On 18 September 1899, the first British troops left Bombay for South Africa to fight in the Second Boer War, a conflict that would have significant consequences for the region.
Desmond Tutu’s Legacy: While not specifically tied to 18 September, September is notable for the appointment of Desmond Tutu as Archbishop of Cape Town (7 September 1986), marking a milestone in South Africa’s journey toward ending apartheid.